Showing posts with label hypnotherapy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hypnotherapy. Show all posts
Friday, April 10, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Client: "I completely forgot about smoking"
Last week a client of mine (and 35-year, every day smoker) was kind enough to do a brief interview with me about her experience since using my Stop Smoking Hypnosis program a little more than four months ago. I have to admit, her feedback was impressive... even to me!
"I was a die-hard smoker. I never really thought I could quit.
I'll have a full audio interview with her posted this week, but in the meantime, here are a few of her very own words in print:
I was hoping and praying that this would work. I just didn't know how easy and effortless it was going to be... just completely effortless.
I kept thinking 'I'm forgetting something... I don't know what I'm forgetting, but I'm forgetting something.'
I didn't even think about smoking. It didn't even enter my mind. Within a week or so, I truly forgot about smoking. It was just amazing. It was a miracle.
It's been four months and I know I'm never going to smoke again. I don't even think about smoking... it's the last thing on my mind. It's just not a part of my life anymore."
Jan Madajewski
Flowery Branch, GA
Flowery Branch, GA
Saturday, February 14, 2009
The Cold Hard Truth: Smoking is a Choice
I saw this story today from the Associated Press:
Later in the article, it states the following:
In closing arguments, Hess attorneys Gary Paige and Alex Alvarez said Stuart Hess tried for 40 years to quit his heavy smoking, even trying hypnosis. But they said the powerful nicotine forced Hess to continue smoking even as he underwent chemotherapy before he died in 1997 at age 55.
"People smoke because they're addicted, not because they choose to," Paige said. "Nobody wants to be addicted to cigarettes. It's as addictive as cocaine and heroin."
This is beyond ridiculous.
Before I begin to explain why it's ridiculous, please understand that to disagree with the conclusions of a jury and the attorneys quoted above is not to be void of compassion for the deceased. On the contrary, I feel that subscribing to the above beliefs (and that's what they are - beliefs) would be an insult to the millions of smokers and non-smokers in the world who have struggled with the habit or are seeking to quit. Why? Because if you believe the jurors and attorneys, smokers don't have a choice - they are "forced" to smoke... as in "the powerful nicotine forced Hess to continue smoking" until his death.
Now, I wasn't there at the trial, so I don't know what evidence was presented that allowed jurors to conclude that Mr. Hess never willingly purchased, lit or smoked cigarettes of his own free will, and that, in fact, the nicotine was fully responsible for his habit.
However, having worked with many, many smokers in my hypnotherapy practice, I can say with the utmost confidence and sincerity that people smoke because they choose to.
If you don't believe me, use your imagination for a moment. Let's play "what if" and see what we come up with...
What if Mr. Hess had been denied access to cigarettes completely? That's right... he would have suffered for a while, before the poison was completely removed from his system and the habit was broken. Then, he would have felt better.
How can I be so sure of this? Well, what else would have happened?
If smoking were as addictive as cocaine or heroin (and there is evidence that cocaine is not as addictive as it is commonly believed to be), why do 99% of the smokers I meet admit that they often sleep 6-8 hours at night without so much as a single "craving?" Why are they able to get on an airplane and fly overseas without smoking for 10-15 hours, without going into convulsions? Heroin addicts can't do this. Smokers can.
"People smoke because they're addicted, not because they choose to," Paige said.
Let's re-work that statement and make it true:
People smoke because they choose to, not because they're addicted.
Of course, if that were the case, it is highly unlikely that Mr. Paige would receive as big of a payday.
This isn't a question of right or wrong on the part of Big Tobacco (note that this Stop Smoking Hypnotherapist is actually siding with Philip Morris on this one). Everyone knows they're deceptive and irresponsible. It's a question of personal power and responsibility.
The moment we accept that "the powerful nicotine forced Hess to continue smoking" is the moment that we surrender all belief in free will and personal responsibility. The next logical conclusion is that we are powerless to change our situation in life, and that forces outside of our control must change things for us.
That is not the world we live in, and it's certainly not the world that I (or anyone) would like to live in.
Later in the article, it states the following:
In closing arguments, Hess attorneys Gary Paige and Alex Alvarez said Stuart Hess tried for 40 years to quit his heavy smoking, even trying hypnosis. But they said the powerful nicotine forced Hess to continue smoking even as he underwent chemotherapy before he died in 1997 at age 55.
"People smoke because they're addicted, not because they choose to," Paige said. "Nobody wants to be addicted to cigarettes. It's as addictive as cocaine and heroin."
This is beyond ridiculous.
Before I begin to explain why it's ridiculous, please understand that to disagree with the conclusions of a jury and the attorneys quoted above is not to be void of compassion for the deceased. On the contrary, I feel that subscribing to the above beliefs (and that's what they are - beliefs) would be an insult to the millions of smokers and non-smokers in the world who have struggled with the habit or are seeking to quit. Why? Because if you believe the jurors and attorneys, smokers don't have a choice - they are "forced" to smoke... as in "the powerful nicotine forced Hess to continue smoking" until his death.
Now, I wasn't there at the trial, so I don't know what evidence was presented that allowed jurors to conclude that Mr. Hess never willingly purchased, lit or smoked cigarettes of his own free will, and that, in fact, the nicotine was fully responsible for his habit.
However, having worked with many, many smokers in my hypnotherapy practice, I can say with the utmost confidence and sincerity that people smoke because they choose to.
If you don't believe me, use your imagination for a moment. Let's play "what if" and see what we come up with...
What if Mr. Hess had been denied access to cigarettes completely? That's right... he would have suffered for a while, before the poison was completely removed from his system and the habit was broken. Then, he would have felt better.
How can I be so sure of this? Well, what else would have happened?
If smoking were as addictive as cocaine or heroin (and there is evidence that cocaine is not as addictive as it is commonly believed to be), why do 99% of the smokers I meet admit that they often sleep 6-8 hours at night without so much as a single "craving?" Why are they able to get on an airplane and fly overseas without smoking for 10-15 hours, without going into convulsions? Heroin addicts can't do this. Smokers can.
"People smoke because they're addicted, not because they choose to," Paige said.
Let's re-work that statement and make it true:
People smoke because they choose to, not because they're addicted.
Of course, if that were the case, it is highly unlikely that Mr. Paige would receive as big of a payday.
This isn't a question of right or wrong on the part of Big Tobacco (note that this Stop Smoking Hypnotherapist is actually siding with Philip Morris on this one). Everyone knows they're deceptive and irresponsible. It's a question of personal power and responsibility.
The moment we accept that "the powerful nicotine forced Hess to continue smoking" is the moment that we surrender all belief in free will and personal responsibility. The next logical conclusion is that we are powerless to change our situation in life, and that forces outside of our control must change things for us.
That is not the world we live in, and it's certainly not the world that I (or anyone) would like to live in.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Hypnosis CD's: The Value of Reinforcement
This clip is from a my stop smoking hypnosis seminar on World Hypnotism Day. Here, I talk about why it's important to practice self-hypnosis (via the use of cd's) on a daily basis in order to enjoy the highest degree of success.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Stage Hypnosis Secrets Revealed... or, "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Hypnosis"
It's time to put to rest all those worries about losing control while hypnotized. Check out the podcast below where I talk in detail about how stage hypnosis works and why you don't have to worry about clucking like a chicken if you're there to stop smoking.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Check out the New Website!
For the first time in nearly six years, the Pure Hypnosis Website has received a complete makeover. The new features include a newsletter, YouTube videos and social networking links (Facebook, Twitter).
Check it out by clicking the image below!
Check it out by clicking the image below!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Promoting Chantix is a High-Paying Gig
This is from today's article at the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
It really should set off warning sirens when you see a pharmaceutical company like Pfizer paying $1000/day to psychiatrists to talk about Chantix. If the drug is so wonderful and safe, shouldn't an honest psychiatrist be willing to speak about it for free? Of course, his time is valuable... but if he genuinely cares about people and believes in this drug, why would it cost Pfizer so much to get him to speak?
As a comparison, I gave a talk about the benefits of using hypnosis for smoking cessation last Sunday, and guess how much I was paid? Well, since it was a completely free event, I was paid nothing. Of course, I'm not completely innocent... I did make a bit of money selling hypnosis CD's afterwards. However, I also provided hypnosis services during the presentation, and I know for a fact that some people in attendance haven't had a puff all week.
So here's the story... just another example of a big drug company paying a reputable psychiatrist to push its latest wonder drug. It's really only notable because of the fact that since he gave the speeches, Chantix has emerged as the most dangerous new pharmaceutical drug on the market.
Just see this direct quote from the article:
"Chantix has been associated with depression, suicidal thoughts, blackouts and serious injuries."
Eric Heiligenstein, the University of Wisconsin-Madison psychiatrist who received large sums of cash to speak about the benefits of this dangerous drug, says he "doesn't have second thoughts" because... get this... another stop smoking drug also has serious risks.
Uh, Your Honor? I object.
Mr. Heiligenstein seems to be saying that it's okay to promote a drug that causes people to kill themselves because other drugs on the market also cause harm. I suppose that means it's always okay to promote any drug, even if it causes people to immediately jump off of tall buildings, simply due to the fact that other dangerous drugs have also been approved by the FDA.
Remember, these are the people who are telling you that pharmaceutical drugs are safe. Keep that in mind when making a choice regarding your mental and physical well-being.
Keep in mind that no hypnotist or hypnotherapist is getting paid $1000/day to speak out about the benefits of hypnosis. Yes, we might make a decent living by helping people to stop smoking and lose weight, but there is no multi-billion-dollar establishment paying us to push our wares.
Click here for the full article from the Journal-Sentinel.
It really should set off warning sirens when you see a pharmaceutical company like Pfizer paying $1000/day to psychiatrists to talk about Chantix. If the drug is so wonderful and safe, shouldn't an honest psychiatrist be willing to speak about it for free? Of course, his time is valuable... but if he genuinely cares about people and believes in this drug, why would it cost Pfizer so much to get him to speak?
As a comparison, I gave a talk about the benefits of using hypnosis for smoking cessation last Sunday, and guess how much I was paid? Well, since it was a completely free event, I was paid nothing. Of course, I'm not completely innocent... I did make a bit of money selling hypnosis CD's afterwards. However, I also provided hypnosis services during the presentation, and I know for a fact that some people in attendance haven't had a puff all week.
So here's the story... just another example of a big drug company paying a reputable psychiatrist to push its latest wonder drug. It's really only notable because of the fact that since he gave the speeches, Chantix has emerged as the most dangerous new pharmaceutical drug on the market.
Just see this direct quote from the article:
"Chantix has been associated with depression, suicidal thoughts, blackouts and serious injuries."
Eric Heiligenstein, the University of Wisconsin-Madison psychiatrist who received large sums of cash to speak about the benefits of this dangerous drug, says he "doesn't have second thoughts" because... get this... another stop smoking drug also has serious risks.
Uh, Your Honor? I object.
Mr. Heiligenstein seems to be saying that it's okay to promote a drug that causes people to kill themselves because other drugs on the market also cause harm. I suppose that means it's always okay to promote any drug, even if it causes people to immediately jump off of tall buildings, simply due to the fact that other dangerous drugs have also been approved by the FDA.
Remember, these are the people who are telling you that pharmaceutical drugs are safe. Keep that in mind when making a choice regarding your mental and physical well-being.
Keep in mind that no hypnotist or hypnotherapist is getting paid $1000/day to speak out about the benefits of hypnosis. Yes, we might make a decent living by helping people to stop smoking and lose weight, but there is no multi-billion-dollar establishment paying us to push our wares.
Click here for the full article from the Journal-Sentinel.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Ex-Smoker: How I Quit with Hypnosis
Here's an interview I did with a client of mine who successfully quit smoking with the help of my Quit Smoking hypnosis CD. Listen in as he details how he went cold turkey during the first 24 hours, only to find himself so agitated that he thought about doing some pretty nasty things. Then he started using the CD, and has been smoke-free... and much calmer... ever since.
Monday, January 5, 2009
How to Think Like a Non-Smoker
Here's the first little snippet from my World Hypnotism Day Stop Smoking Seminar. I'll be posting many more of these in the days & weeks to come, so check back soon for updates.
In this one, I talk about a friend who quit smoking cold turkey... and get a few chuckles when sharing an amusing example of smoker's logic.
Enjoy...
In this one, I talk about a friend who quit smoking cold turkey... and get a few chuckles when sharing an amusing example of smoker's logic.
Enjoy...
Sunday, January 4, 2009
FREE Stop Smoking Event - How To Sign Up!
There are THREE WAYS to Sign Up for this Event:
- Phone: (678) 488-7362 (leave name, phone number & mention the FREE event)
- Email: purehypnosis@mac.com
- Meetup.com (click this link for the sign-up page)
Who: 88 Future Non-Smokers
What: Stop Smoking Group Hypnosis Seminar
Where: Doubletree Hotel on Windy Hill Rd (Cabernet Room)
When: January 4th, 2009 @ 4:00pm
Why: World Hypnotism Day
Cost: FREE
Parking: FREE
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity... so register NOW to secure your spot!
Any questions? Email purehypnosis@mac.com and I'll respond personally within 24 hours.
See you there!
-Sean Wheeler
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
12 Tips to Successfully Quit Smoking for New Years
Nice little article from About.com here for you. Click this link to read the 12 tips for yourself. These are all good things to do.
That said, there is a big difference between knowing what to do and actually doing it... which is why hypnosis is so helpful. With a good hypnosis program for smoking cessation, these 12 tips are incorporated into the work done during the session, which allows you to really absorb the ideas at a deeper level and implement them into your life.
We change your awareness and focus, so that you're automatically doing these things (and others) without having to consciously remind yourself all the time.
So take a look at the article and take the advice to heart. For those of you planning to attend my free event on Sunday, January 4th... know that these things will all be integrated into the work we do that day, and will remain with you long after you've left.
That said, there is a big difference between knowing what to do and actually doing it... which is why hypnosis is so helpful. With a good hypnosis program for smoking cessation, these 12 tips are incorporated into the work done during the session, which allows you to really absorb the ideas at a deeper level and implement them into your life.
We change your awareness and focus, so that you're automatically doing these things (and others) without having to consciously remind yourself all the time.
So take a look at the article and take the advice to heart. For those of you planning to attend my free event on Sunday, January 4th... know that these things will all be integrated into the work we do that day, and will remain with you long after you've left.
Monday, December 29, 2008
How To Prepare to Quit Smoking
Okay, let's say you've picked out a date and decided you're going to quit. Maybe it's my FREE event on January 4th in honor of World Hypnotism Day, maybe you're scheduling a 1-on-1 session with a hypnotherapist, or maybe you're going to try it cold turkey.
Whatever method you choose, there are some important things you should do prior to your target date that'll give you the best chance for long-term success.
The following are essential:
If you are going to be a non-smoker, you have no reason to keep an "emergency pack" of cigarettes hidden away someplace. It's amazing how many people do this, "just in case" they "really need" a cigarette. The truth is that, whatever situation arises, you can get through it without smoking a cigarette.
Additionally, by removing these items from your life, it makes it easier to forget about the habit. The more reminders you have of your former habit, the more you will think about it. The more you think about it, the more likely it is that you'll smoke again.
By telling close family members, co-worker and friends, they'll be less likely to remind you about it or (gasp!) offer you a cigarette. Additionally, you'll want their support and encouragement. If they genuinely care about you, this will come naturally.
Making a decision to be a non-smoker and giving it 100% is absolutely essential to being successful. This means you're not going to "try" to quit smoking, you're going to DO it. By simply realizing that no matter what happens, you're in control of your body and your actions, you become incredibly empowered.
The result is this: when something stressful happens in your life, rather than using it as an excuse to lean on your old crutch, you deal with it - just like every other non-smoker out there. Now matter how upset or anxious you become, trust me, you'll live to tell about it.
Do these three things, and you wil dramatically increase the likelihood of long-term success.
Whatever method you choose, there are some important things you should do prior to your target date that'll give you the best chance for long-term success.
The following are essential:
- Get rid of all cigarettes, ashtrays, lighters or other items related to smoking
- Tell people close to you that you are quitting
- Make a decision to give it 100% of your effort
If you are going to be a non-smoker, you have no reason to keep an "emergency pack" of cigarettes hidden away someplace. It's amazing how many people do this, "just in case" they "really need" a cigarette. The truth is that, whatever situation arises, you can get through it without smoking a cigarette.
Additionally, by removing these items from your life, it makes it easier to forget about the habit. The more reminders you have of your former habit, the more you will think about it. The more you think about it, the more likely it is that you'll smoke again.
By telling close family members, co-worker and friends, they'll be less likely to remind you about it or (gasp!) offer you a cigarette. Additionally, you'll want their support and encouragement. If they genuinely care about you, this will come naturally.
Making a decision to be a non-smoker and giving it 100% is absolutely essential to being successful. This means you're not going to "try" to quit smoking, you're going to DO it. By simply realizing that no matter what happens, you're in control of your body and your actions, you become incredibly empowered.
The result is this: when something stressful happens in your life, rather than using it as an excuse to lean on your old crutch, you deal with it - just like every other non-smoker out there. Now matter how upset or anxious you become, trust me, you'll live to tell about it.
Do these three things, and you wil dramatically increase the likelihood of long-term success.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
L.A. Times: Obama and Smoking - Now's Not the Time to Quit?
An amusing editorial from the Los Angeles Times advises Barack Obama NOT to quit smoking now... that he should wait until after he's served as President before giving it up.
Why?
Because the author - Amy Goldman Koss - quit smoking 10 years ago and suffered through the cravings, the mind-battles, the associations and all the other difficulties people encounter when quitting without the right guidance.
I encourage you to read the article, then return to this page and view the youtube videos below. They are interviews I conducted with two ex-smokers who used hypnosis to quit... without experiencing withdrawal, cravings, irritability or weight gain.
Barack Obama is perfectly capable, not only of quitting for good, but also of keeping his composure, sanity and his recently publicized svelte physique.
So read the article for a perspective from someone who did it the wrong way, and then watch the videos below for a perspective from some people who did it the right way - with hypnosis.
Why?
Because the author - Amy Goldman Koss - quit smoking 10 years ago and suffered through the cravings, the mind-battles, the associations and all the other difficulties people encounter when quitting without the right guidance.
I encourage you to read the article, then return to this page and view the youtube videos below. They are interviews I conducted with two ex-smokers who used hypnosis to quit... without experiencing withdrawal, cravings, irritability or weight gain.
Barack Obama is perfectly capable, not only of quitting for good, but also of keeping his composure, sanity and his recently publicized svelte physique.
So read the article for a perspective from someone who did it the wrong way, and then watch the videos below for a perspective from some people who did it the right way - with hypnosis.
FREE Stop Smoking Event is One Week Away!
Just a reminder that the big Stop Smoking hypnosis event - and the 5th Annual World Hypnotism Day - is only a week away.
Now's the time to start counting down... planning things out so you're ready to become a non-smoker. This means that by the time next Sunday arrives, you'll have eliminated all cigarettes, ashtrays, lighters and other smoking items from your home, vehicle and workspace. This will make it easier to forget about the habit after you leave the event.
Plan to feel really good about yourself. Plan to start feeling more relaxed and stress-free. Plan to begin breathing easier. Plan to have more energy. Plan to take 20 minutes a day to listen to a hypnosis CD (which you can pick up at the event on Sunday) for the first 21 days.
But most of all, plan to quit smoking in the most enjoyable way possible... to be focused on what you want rather than what you're giving up... to forget to remember to smoke... and enjoy the benefits of being free from the habit forever.
Pass this on to your friends and let's get a packed house for this big event.
Now's the time to start counting down... planning things out so you're ready to become a non-smoker. This means that by the time next Sunday arrives, you'll have eliminated all cigarettes, ashtrays, lighters and other smoking items from your home, vehicle and workspace. This will make it easier to forget about the habit after you leave the event.
Plan to feel really good about yourself. Plan to start feeling more relaxed and stress-free. Plan to begin breathing easier. Plan to have more energy. Plan to take 20 minutes a day to listen to a hypnosis CD (which you can pick up at the event on Sunday) for the first 21 days.
But most of all, plan to quit smoking in the most enjoyable way possible... to be focused on what you want rather than what you're giving up... to forget to remember to smoke... and enjoy the benefits of being free from the habit forever.
Pass this on to your friends and let's get a packed house for this big event.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Jan 4th Stop Smoking Event Now has a Location!
Alright, we've finally got all the details in place...
My FREE Stop Smoking Seminar in honor of World Hypnotism Day on January 4th will officially take place at (drum roll, please) the Doubletree Hotel on Windy Hill in Marietta!
[crowd cheers]
The above link will take you to contact information at Meetup.com. Here's the official Meetup page where you can register. Do so quickly, as space is limited.
Here are the full details:
Who: 88 Future Non-Smokers
What: Stop Smoking Group Hypnosis Seminar
Where: Doubletree Hotel on Windy Hill (Cabernet Room)
When: January 4th, 2009 @ 4:00pm
Why: World Hypnotism Day
Cost: FREE
Parking: FREE
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity... so register NOW to secure your spot!
More updates will follow as we draw closer to the event.
My FREE Stop Smoking Seminar in honor of World Hypnotism Day on January 4th will officially take place at (drum roll, please) the Doubletree Hotel on Windy Hill in Marietta!
[crowd cheers]
The above link will take you to contact information at Meetup.com. Here's the official Meetup page where you can register. Do so quickly, as space is limited.
Here are the full details:
Who: 88 Future Non-Smokers
What: Stop Smoking Group Hypnosis Seminar
Where: Doubletree Hotel on Windy Hill (Cabernet Room)
When: January 4th, 2009 @ 4:00pm
Why: World Hypnotism Day
Cost: FREE
Parking: FREE
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity... so register NOW to secure your spot!
More updates will follow as we draw closer to the event.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
World Hypnotism Day Event... Details Coming SOON
Just a quick update for you here.
The big World Hypnotism Day (WHD) event is coming more into focus by the day. The venue should be decided very, very soon.
It will definitely be somewhere in the southern tip of Marietta, likely Windy Hill Rd... not too far from my home office.
As of this moment, here's what we DO know about this FREE Stop Smoking Hypnosis Event:
Date: Sunday, January 4th
Time: 4:00pm
Location: TBD (Marietta/Smyrna area)
Cost: FREE
This event will include information about hypnosis and how it can benefit YOU... all presented in a very entertaining and non-boring fashion (hey, I'm a comedian at heart). The main event will be the finale - a group hypnosis session that will help the Lucky 88 guests to become non-smokers for life.
I will also be giving away more FREE goodies... including 1-on-1 sessions in my office, hypnosis CD's and more. Basically, if you're a smoker who wants to quit, you have absolutely NOTHING to lose, and EVERYTHING to gain.
So tell all your smoker friends to save the date. Better yet, sign yourselves up at the Meetup.com site we've set up: http://www.meetup.com/Metro-Atlanta-s-Stop-Smoking-Solution/calendar/9279995/.
For more info about World Hypnotism Day: http://www.worldhypnotismday.com/
Check back soon for more updates!
The big World Hypnotism Day (WHD) event is coming more into focus by the day. The venue should be decided very, very soon.
It will definitely be somewhere in the southern tip of Marietta, likely Windy Hill Rd... not too far from my home office.
As of this moment, here's what we DO know about this FREE Stop Smoking Hypnosis Event:
Date: Sunday, January 4th
Time: 4:00pm
Location: TBD (Marietta/Smyrna area)
Cost: FREE
This event will include information about hypnosis and how it can benefit YOU... all presented in a very entertaining and non-boring fashion (hey, I'm a comedian at heart). The main event will be the finale - a group hypnosis session that will help the Lucky 88 guests to become non-smokers for life.
I will also be giving away more FREE goodies... including 1-on-1 sessions in my office, hypnosis CD's and more. Basically, if you're a smoker who wants to quit, you have absolutely NOTHING to lose, and EVERYTHING to gain.
So tell all your smoker friends to save the date. Better yet, sign yourselves up at the Meetup.com site we've set up: http://www.meetup.com/Metro-Atlanta-s-Stop-Smoking-Solution/calendar/9279995/.
For more info about World Hypnotism Day: http://www.worldhypnotismday.com/
Check back soon for more updates!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Chantix Spam Alert
Before we kick this article off, I will get right to the point: Chantix is very dangerous and NOT a safe alternative for people who want to quit smoking. Here's why:
Top 10 Biggest Medical Stories of 2008 (#4: Chantix's Deadly Side Effects)
FDA Official Video: Warning of Chantix and Suicide
Chantix Label Updated To Warn Of Suicide Risk
Chantix an Antidepressant or a Source of Suicidal Thoughts?
Chantix Suicide a Real Possibility
Widow Sues Pfizer Over Chantix Suicide
Chantix: Miracle Drug Or Dangerous Problem?
Now, you are about to discover just how hard Big Pharma (or their minions) is willing to work to get you to take their drugs... in this case the anti-smoking medication Chantix. What follows here is an analysis and description of what can only be viewed as outright deception (as well as what we have come to know as "spamming").
Do a quick Google search for "Chris James" and Chantix, and you'll find the results quite interesting. This seemingly innocuous blogger appears to have made the same exact post about Chantix (occasionally altered slightly) hundreds and hundreds of times.
Here are some examples:
Chantix, is it really a magic pill? (this is a supposed "acne treatment" blog)
Is Chantix all it claims to be?
Chantix, is it really a magic pill? (this one has a prominent link for penis enlargement)
Is Chantix really a wonder drug?
Is Chantix all it claims to be? (this is a "weight loss" blog)
Is Chantix all it claims to be?
Chantix, is it really a magic pill?
Is Chantix all it claims to be?
These, and hundreds of others, are pretty much the exact same story.
Since smoking cessation is the focus of my practice, and I want to stay informed of the most current news developments in the industry, I have taken advantage of what are known as Google Alerts, which allow you to receive regular updates directly from Google via email on any search you choose (ex. "chantix").
As I monitored the alerts, I began to notice the exact same article - written by the mysterious "Chris James" - appearing over and over again, yet always on different sites. Upon closer inspection, I came to notice that not only were these articles nearly word-for-word identical, the websites/blogs that hosted them weren't actually "real"... meaning, if you click on other articles or links on any of the sites, you'll find generic entries filled with misspellings and grammatical errors.
One of these posts caught my attention because it's on a website named "conversationalhypnotherapy.com." One article I clicked begins as such:
"Directed conversation is done to induce hypnosis in people. It is called a conversationally hypnosis."
Huh??
Later in the article...
"He must submit some questions to let the patient more aware of the things. As an example, “If you are a sole human on the Earth, how it will be like?”
These sentences make absolutely no sense whatsoever. Even if the omitted words were replaced, the sentences would have no intellectual value. I could go on and list more examples, but I'll save you the time. It's clear that these articles were never meant to be read.
They list authors who do not exist... when links are clicked for their websites (example below: www.effective-hypnotherapy.com), you are directed to a page like this:
Clearly, this website does not exist.
Now, the sheer magnitude of this gargantuan effort on behalf of Chantix (or whoever) should stop you in your tracks. Here are the facts:
Now, having realized that internet blogs and articles can reach millions more potential customers, they have resorted to the most hated of all marketing ploys - spamming. They deceptively post the same exact article on hundreds of fake blogs all over the internet in the hopes that someone will click on the article and view it as an honest opinion from an individual.
So, who is "they?" Well, all you have to do is ask "who benefits?" Who benefits from you taking Chantix? Well, Pfizer, of course, as well as others who might make a profit from being middle men.
Here is a company facing lawsuit after lawsuit for the damaging effects of its drugs, now promoting a drug that in 2008 has been linked to seizures, violent accidents, depression and numerous cases of suicide. Heck, these lawsuits are so numerous, a quick internet search will show dozens of law firms that actually specialize in lawsuits for users/victims of Chantix.
When deciding what method to use in order to stop smoking, you have to ask yourself - Who is pushing me to use this particular method? What kind of individual is this? Can this person or organization be trusted? Does this person actually exist?
I've always made it clear on this blog that hypnosis is not the answer for everyone, and it in fact is not a magic pill. However, there are no deadly or harmful side-effects to using hypnosis... none whatsoever. Furthermore, the average hypnotherapist doesn't have a fraction of the budget Pfizer has... or the moral ambiguity... that allows it to go to absurd lengths to get anyone and everyone to use its product.
So go do a little search for the mysterious Chris James and see for yourself.
Top 10 Biggest Medical Stories of 2008 (#4: Chantix's Deadly Side Effects)
FDA Official Video: Warning of Chantix and Suicide
Chantix Label Updated To Warn Of Suicide Risk
Chantix an Antidepressant or a Source of Suicidal Thoughts?
Chantix Suicide a Real Possibility
Widow Sues Pfizer Over Chantix Suicide
Chantix: Miracle Drug Or Dangerous Problem?
Now, you are about to discover just how hard Big Pharma (or their minions) is willing to work to get you to take their drugs... in this case the anti-smoking medication Chantix. What follows here is an analysis and description of what can only be viewed as outright deception (as well as what we have come to know as "spamming").
Do a quick Google search for "Chris James" and Chantix, and you'll find the results quite interesting. This seemingly innocuous blogger appears to have made the same exact post about Chantix (occasionally altered slightly) hundreds and hundreds of times.
Here are some examples:
Chantix, is it really a magic pill? (this is a supposed "acne treatment" blog)
Is Chantix all it claims to be?
Chantix, is it really a magic pill? (this one has a prominent link for penis enlargement)
Is Chantix really a wonder drug?
Is Chantix all it claims to be? (this is a "weight loss" blog)
Is Chantix all it claims to be?
Chantix, is it really a magic pill?
Is Chantix all it claims to be?
These, and hundreds of others, are pretty much the exact same story.
Since smoking cessation is the focus of my practice, and I want to stay informed of the most current news developments in the industry, I have taken advantage of what are known as Google Alerts, which allow you to receive regular updates directly from Google via email on any search you choose (ex. "chantix").
As I monitored the alerts, I began to notice the exact same article - written by the mysterious "Chris James" - appearing over and over again, yet always on different sites. Upon closer inspection, I came to notice that not only were these articles nearly word-for-word identical, the websites/blogs that hosted them weren't actually "real"... meaning, if you click on other articles or links on any of the sites, you'll find generic entries filled with misspellings and grammatical errors.
One of these posts caught my attention because it's on a website named "conversationalhypnotherapy.com." One article I clicked begins as such:
"Directed conversation is done to induce hypnosis in people. It is called a conversationally hypnosis."
Huh??
Later in the article...
"He must submit some questions to let the patient more aware of the things. As an example, “If you are a sole human on the Earth, how it will be like?”
These sentences make absolutely no sense whatsoever. Even if the omitted words were replaced, the sentences would have no intellectual value. I could go on and list more examples, but I'll save you the time. It's clear that these articles were never meant to be read.
They list authors who do not exist... when links are clicked for their websites (example below: www.effective-hypnotherapy.com), you are directed to a page like this:
Clearly, this website does not exist.
Now, the sheer magnitude of this gargantuan effort on behalf of Chantix (or whoever) should stop you in your tracks. Here are the facts:
- One very pro-Chantix article is being posted hundreds of times all over the internet.
- The author is attempting to portray himself as an impartial blogger/consumer.
- Entire websites are being created to make this one article appear legitimate.
- These websites contain links to other sites that do not exist.
- The authors of the articles appearing on these websites do not actually exist.
- Chantix is being marketed by any means necessary.
Now, having realized that internet blogs and articles can reach millions more potential customers, they have resorted to the most hated of all marketing ploys - spamming. They deceptively post the same exact article on hundreds of fake blogs all over the internet in the hopes that someone will click on the article and view it as an honest opinion from an individual.
So, who is "they?" Well, all you have to do is ask "who benefits?" Who benefits from you taking Chantix? Well, Pfizer, of course, as well as others who might make a profit from being middle men.
Here is a company facing lawsuit after lawsuit for the damaging effects of its drugs, now promoting a drug that in 2008 has been linked to seizures, violent accidents, depression and numerous cases of suicide. Heck, these lawsuits are so numerous, a quick internet search will show dozens of law firms that actually specialize in lawsuits for users/victims of Chantix.
When deciding what method to use in order to stop smoking, you have to ask yourself - Who is pushing me to use this particular method? What kind of individual is this? Can this person or organization be trusted? Does this person actually exist?
I've always made it clear on this blog that hypnosis is not the answer for everyone, and it in fact is not a magic pill. However, there are no deadly or harmful side-effects to using hypnosis... none whatsoever. Furthermore, the average hypnotherapist doesn't have a fraction of the budget Pfizer has... or the moral ambiguity... that allows it to go to absurd lengths to get anyone and everyone to use its product.
So go do a little search for the mysterious Chris James and see for yourself.
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