The addictions that need to be taken into consideration are:

• smoking
• alcohol
• drugs
• medication

Obviously abstaining from each of these substances leads to the onset of symptoms whose severity is proportional to the suddenness of the withdrawal, and the dose routinely consumed. These symptoms are well described in articles on “withdrawal syndromes”.

However, here we aim to show that regardless of the substance taken, the recovery time (wash-out) from the undesirable effects of discontinuing consumption can be considerably shortened and the clinical symptoms eased through the progressive and significant practice of many kinds of physical activity, especially aerobic exercise (involving the cardiovascular system).

devised a theoretical and systematic approach towards physical activity/exercise that causes the body to activate cardiovascular functions and determine a series of other modifications of physiological parameters.

Psychotherapy and hypnotherapy have been extensively utilized to treat addictions.

Ericksonian principles of practice, such as utilization and the recognition of naturalistic processes, create a therapeutic environment of acceptance rather than judgment and of intrinsic health rather than pathology.

Erickson's approach to treating addictions was no different from bis approach to therapy in general: the client's unique personality, skills, and bebaviors are utilized to facilitate change. Clients are encouraged to empower themselves by accessing inner resources and abilities, that may have been dormant or frozen for a variety of reasons. The therapist, therefore, is an ally or coach who assists the client to co‑create unique and tailormade solutions to previously unresolved problems and stuck patterns of behavior.

Berg and Scott D. Miller (1992) write about recent developments in the treatment of alcool problems and the utilization approach.

While there is a growing movement toward solution‑focused treatment of addictions, because this is a new area, there is still. not an abundance of research available by which to measure positive outcome. Berg and Miller (1992) cite numerous studies that support the success of brief versus traditional programs for alcoliol abuse. “Moreover, some recent research in the area of brief therapy indicates that alcool abusing clients can experience positive change rapidly with only minimal or brief intervention when treatment is targeted, individualized and focused [Berg & Gallagher, 1991; Hester & Miller, 1989; Institute of Medicine)”.

The gradual but consistent movement toward a more positive, respectfui, solution‑oriented approach to addictions allows us to view addiction in a more holistic context. This, in turn, opens the door to a more integrated and multidisciplinary view of substance use. The openness of the Ericksonian approach lends itself to the integration of a variety of alternative methods of healing. Therefore, we are no longer limited to the fragmentation of the mind from the body. The recent wave of mindbody research has also helped loosen the rigid parameters of the traditional medical model view of addictions as illnesses.
Ericksonian hypnotherapy has always emphasized the importance of balance and the interconnection of ali the sensory systems. Rossi (1986/1993,1996), also cites numerous cases of treating addiction in which he introduces the mindbody connection as an added diminution to this approach. By tracking the ultradian rhythms* of these clients, and their association with the cravings for substances, Rossi uses hypnotic induction to ascertain whether or not feelings and cravings can be changed.

• The benevolent intent of the practitioner. This assumes that all healing takes place within tbc self and can be assisted by the therapist, but that the therapist follows the lead of the client and assesses and utilizes whatever the client presents.

• The unconscious contains solutions to problems that can be re­trieved to help facilitate optimum health and functioning.

• By metaphor and other forms of indirect suggestion, the therapist may facilitate a series of internal responses that can lead to the desired change. The change may or may not be overt or immedi­ately measurable or observable.

• The therapist assists in tbc facilitation of a reorganization of tbc client's inner world so that life can be experienced as less prob­lematic and, therefore, the symptom may no longer be necessary.

• The unconscious mind tends to be benign and generally health seeking.