In-Depth Look: How Our Treatment Works

Cocaine addiction remains one of the hardest substance use disorders to treat. It is marked by compulsive drug-seeking and an inability to stop, even in the face of severe consequences. This condition is driven by profound changes in brain chemistry and psychology, with relapse rates remaining high due to imbalances in dopamine regulation and stress responses.

Elliott Wald, a leading figure in addiction therapy, has developed a comprehensive approach to tackling the complex nature of cocaine addiction. Combining Gestalt therapy, hypnosis, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and modern psychological techniques, Wald’s methods focus on breaking the underlying patterns that fuel addiction. His own 15-year struggle with cocaine addiction provides a unique insight, enabling him to connect deeply with his clients.

A Personal Journey with Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine addiction is tied to changes in the brain’s “reward system,” which relies on dopamine. Chronic use diminishes the brain’s ability to experience pleasure naturally, leaving users reliant on the drug. Wald’s experience mirrors this reality:

“For 15 years, I was trapped in a cycle of using just to feel normal,” Wald recalls. “By day, I was advising millions on television. By night, I was in the grip of an addiction, chasing a high that became harder to reach.”

Wald’s personal story helps him relate to others struggling with addiction. “When someone tells me they feel trapped, I don’t just understand clinically—I’ve lived it.”

Beyond Traditional Treatment

Conventional methods like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and reward-based approaches focus on behaviour and immediate triggers. While effective to a point, these methods don’t always address the deeper emotional and neurological causes of addiction. Wald takes a broader view, tackling subconscious triggers, unresolved trauma, and distorted self-perceptions.

“Cocaine addiction isn’t just about behaviour,” Wald explains. “It’s about brain chemistry, emotions, and unhealed trauma.”

Gestalt Therapy: Tackling Emotional Instability

Many people with cocaine addiction struggle to manage emotions and act impulsively. Wald uses Gestalt therapy to help clients confront unresolved emotional issues.

“Gestalt therapy focuses on how past experiences affect the present,” Wald says. “Many people use cocaine to escape the pain of unresolved relational trauma.”

By linking emotions to physical sensations, this therapy helps clients disrupt patterns that lead to cravings. Studies suggest that Gestalt therapy improves emotional regulation, which is key to preventing relapse.

Hypnosis: Addressing the Subconscious

Cocaine alters the brain’s stress systems, making relapse more likely. Wald uses hypnosis to access the subconscious and change how clients respond to stress and cravings.

“Cravings often come from the subconscious,” he explains. “Hypnosis allows us to rewire these automatic responses.”

Research shows that hypnosis can reduce cravings and improve stress resilience, making it a valuable tool for addiction recovery.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP): Changing Thought Patterns

NLP helps clients reframe their thoughts and behaviours. Cocaine addiction damages the prefrontal cortex, which controls decision-making and impulse control. Wald uses NLP to build healthier thought patterns and bypass automatic responses to drug cues.

“NLP isn’t just about stopping addiction—it’s about creating a mindset for long-term recovery,” Wald says.

Restoring Balance to the Brain

Cocaine depletes essential chemicals like dopamine and serotonin while increasing stress hormones. Wald’s methods, including mindfulness, relaxation, and guided imagery, help rebalance the brain, reducing cravings and improving emotional stability.

“Recovery isn’t just willpower,” Wald stresses. “It’s about healing the brain.”

Personalised Care

Wald tailors his approach to each client, recognising that addiction affects everyone differently. Some may need trauma-focused therapy, while others benefit more from stress management or cognitive restructuring.

Challenging Stigma

Through his podcast and media appearances, Wald aims to break the stigma around cocaine addiction and encourage open conversations.

“Addiction thrives in secrecy,” he says. “Talking about it gives people the courage to seek help.”