Comparing Combined Behavioral Intervention and Ericksonian Hypnotherapy for Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Adults Aged 18 to 65

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating two psychological treatments for adults with Alcohol Use Disorder AUD to see which better helps reduce alcohol consumption and improve mental health. The study compares Combined Behavioral Intervention CBI, a structured approach using motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and relapse prevention, with Ericksonian Hypnotherapy EH, a personalized method using trance and metaphor. A third group will receive educational materials without therapy to serve as a control. The goal is to find out which therapy works best, for whom, and under what conditions. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups weekly CBI sessions lasting about 60 minutes, weekly EH sessions lasting 45 to 60 minutes, or a control group receiving psychoeducational brochures and referral information. Both active treatments involve 12 weekly sessions, with CBI focusing on conscious skills and EH using hypnotic techniques and personalized suggestions. The control group will not receive structured therapy but will complete the same assessments as the other groups. Participants will be assessed at four points before treatment, mid-treatment at 6 weeks, post-treatment at 12 weeks, and a 3-month follow-up. Researchers will track changes in alcohol use with the Timeline Follow-Back method and measure cravings, depression, anxiety, quality of life, and motivation to change using validated questionnaires. Attendance and satisfaction with therapy will also be monitored. The study will analyze differences between groups over time to evaluate the effects of the therapies and follow participants until February 2026.

Comparing Combined Behavioral Intervention and Ericksonian Hypnotherapy for Alcohol Addiction