Yes — but not in the same way as a drug or a behavior like gambling.
Short answer
Hypnosis itself is not considered physically addictive.
There’s no good evidence that hypnosis creates a chemical dependence or a classic addiction syndrome.
What people sometimes mean by “addictive”
Some clients may feel:
they really enjoy the state of hypnosis
they feel calmer, clearer, or safer during sessions
they want to come back often
they become psychologically attached to the therapist or the process
That can look like “addiction,” but it is usually better described as:
strong preference
comfort-seeking
reliance
attachment
sometimes suggestibility-driven expectancy
Can hypnosis become unhealthy?
Yes, in a few cases.
1. Over-reliance
A person may begin to believe they cannot cope without hypnosis.
That is not addiction in the clinical sense, but it can become a problem if it reduces self-confidence or independent coping.
2. Therapist dependency
If a therapist encourages repeated sessions without helping the client build self-hypnosis or practical coping skills, the client may become dependent on the therapist.
3. Escapism
Some people may use hypnosis mainly to avoid dealing with difficult emotions or life problems. Again, that is not addiction, but it can be unhelpful if it replaces real-world problem solving.
4. Rare misuse in vulnerable people
In very suggestible or psychologically vulnerable individuals, hypnosis can be used in a way that reinforces compulsive patterns, especially if the practitioner is irresponsible. That risk comes more from the relationship and context than from hypnosis as a technique.
Does hypnosis trigger craving?
Not in the way substances do. Hypnosis does not typically activate an addiction cycle based on intoxication, tolerance, withdrawal, and craving.
What it can do is create a positive associative learning experience: the person feels relief, so they want more relief. That is normal human behavior, not addiction.
Healthy use of hypnosis
Good hypnotherapy should usually aim to make the client more independent, not less. That often includes:
teaching self-hypnosis
building coping skills
setting clear goals
reducing session dependence over time
encouraging the client to use hypnosis as one tool among others
Bottom line
Hypnosis is not inherently addictive.
However, a person can become emotionally or psychologically dependent on it if it is used poorly or if it becomes their only coping method.
[^1]: American Psychological Association. Hypnosis: Common misconceptions and clinical use. APA resources on hypnosis.
[^2]: Lynn, S. J., Kirsch, I., & colleagues. Research on hypnosis and expectancy effects in clinical settings.
[^3]: Nash, M. R., Barnier, A. J. (eds.). The Oxford Handbook of Hypnosis: Theory, Research, and Practice. Oxford University Press.