Comparing Combined Behavioral Intervention and Ericksonian Hypnotherapy for Alcohol Addiction
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-65
SponsorBeykoz University
About this trial
This clinical study is being conducted to compare the effectiveness of two psychological treatments for alcohol addiction: Combined Behavioral Intervention (CBI) and Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (EH). The purpose of the study is to determine whether Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, a more personalized and indirect therapeutic method, is equal to or more effective than the gold-standard approach, Combined Behavioral Intervention, in helping individuals reduce their alcohol consumption and improve psychological well-being.
Alcohol addiction is a serious condition that affects mental, emotional, and physical health. Many treatment options exist, but not all individuals respond in the same way. This study aims to evaluate two different types of therapy in a structured way, to better understand which works best, for whom, and under what circumstances.
The study will include 90 adult participants diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) a group receiving weekly sessions of Combined Behavioral Intervention, (2) a group receiving weekly sessions of Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, or (3) a control group receiving general educational materials about alcohol addiction. Treatment will last for 12 weeks, and all participants will be followed up three months after the last session to assess long-term effects.
Throughout the study, researchers will measure changes in alcohol consumption, alcohol craving, mental health symptoms (such as depression and anxiety), quality of life, and motivation to change. The findings of this study may help improve the way alcohol addiction is treated by offering evidence on alternative approaches such as hypnotherapy.
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
Aged between 18 and 65 years
Meets DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder (mild to severe)
Medically and psychiatrically stable as determined by a clinician
Willing and able to participate in weekly sessions over a 12-week period
Disqualifiers
Current diagnosis of a severe psychiatric disorder (e.g., psychotic disorder, bipolar I disorder)
Significant cognitive impairment that would interfere with treatment participation
Participation in another structured addiction treatment during the study period
Current use of psychotropic medications that may influence outcome measures (as assessed by the clinical team)
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Combined Behavioral Intervention
BehavioralThe intervention includes 12 weekly sessions integrating Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and relapse prevention strategies. Techniques include enhancing motivation to change, identifying cognitive distortions, managing high-risk situations, and developing alternative coping strategies.
Ericksonian Hypnotherapy
BehavioralThis therapy includes 12 weekly sessions involving individualized trance induction, indirect suggestion, therapeutic metaphor, and ego-strengthening techniques. The sessions follow Ericksonian principles and are delivered by certified hypnotherapists.
Treatment groups
90 Participants
are divided into 3 treatment groupsGroup A: Combined Behavioral Intervention (CBI)Experimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (EH)Experimental treatment 1 intervention
Group C: Control (Standard Care Information)No intervention 0 interventions
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Change in Alcohol Consumption (TLFB)
Self-reported alcohol consumption measured using the Timeline Follow-Back (TLFB) method. TLFB assesses the number of standard drinks consumed each day over the past 30 days. Higher scores indicate greater alcohol use. A reduction in total drinks consumed per month represents clinical improvement.
Time frame
Baseline to Week 6, Week 12, and Month 10 (3-Month Follow-Up)Secondary outcomes
1
Change in Craving Beliefs (CBQ)
Craving Beliefs Questionnaire (CBQ) measures dysfunctional beliefs about alcohol craving. Scores range from 20 to 140, with higher scores indicating more maladaptive craving-related beliefs. A reduction in CBQ scores indicates improvement.
Time frame
Baseline to Week 6, Week 12, and Week 242
Change in Craving Typologies (CTQ)
Craving Typology Questionnaire (CTQ) measures three dimensions of craving: obsessive, relief, and reward craving. Each subscale ranges from 0 to 36, with higher scores indicating greater craving intensity. Reductions in subscale scores reflect improvement.
Time frame
Baseline to Week 6, Week 12, and Week 243
Change in Depression Symptoms (BDI-II)
Depressive symptoms assessed using either the Beck Depression Inventory-II (range: 0-63). Higher scores indicate more severe depression. A decrease in total score reflects symptom improvement.
Time frame
Baseline to Week 6, Week 12, and Week 244
Change in Anxiety Symptoms (BAI)
Anxiety symptoms measured with the Beck Anxiety Inventory (range: 0-63). Higher scores reflect greater anxiety severity. A reduction in total score indicates clinical improvement.
Time frame
Baseline to Week 6, Week 12, and Week 24Sponsors and contacts
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
Beykoz University
Lead sponsor
Istanbul Nisantasi University
Collaborator
Uskudar University
Collaborator
Source ClinicalTrials.gov