Substance Misuse Therapy Kenilworth

15/10/2025

Insomnia, Sleep Issues , Misophonia
Client referral posted today ,
" Great, and effective hypnotherapist. Stuarts techniques really work and will change you're life for the better.
Hi my name is Neil. I came across Stuart Downing when I found myself seeking out hypnotherapy to treat problems I was having with my sleep due to living next door to previous neighbours who were very noisy and whom had kept me awake. Thankfully, after a couple of months, the neighbours had moved on, but unfortunately as a result, I developed an anxiety about getting to sleep, which in turn lead to me developing an insomnia which was caused by the anxiety. I had also developed Misophonia as a result, and had become hypersensitive to certain noises, such as any bangs or thuds. Even though the neighbours had left, my anxiety still persisted, which only caused me even more anxiety as I couldnt understand why I just couldnt relax as I knew the neighbours were no longer there. It got too the point where the anxiety around my sleep was so bad, that it really started to have a profound effect on my life. I felt I couldnt enjoy life anymore, I just wasnt happy. I had felt like I had lost the ability to relax, as a result it really started to effect my relationships with my family as I just wasnt me anymore, so to speak. Thats when I knew I had to do something as I felt it was destroying my life. I researched hypnotherapy. I was curious as to how it worked, and researched whether or not it would be beneficial for the issues that I was going through. I sought out a few hypnotherapists, thats when I came across Stuart Downing. I did my research on him, and discovered that he could treat issues around sleep/anxiety. I read his reviews, which were all positive. I booked a consultation with Stuart, who was very friendly and reassuring and explained how hypnotherapy worked and the methods he was going to deploy in helping to heal me. In the consultation, Stuart told me that I would only require three to four sessions at the most, which I was surprised about to be honest, as I felt so afflicted by my issues. What can I say? Well, after just one session, I already noticed a vast improvement in my sleep quality. I was sleeping longer and deeper, and waking up totally refreshed. Over the last few weeks of the sessions , my sleep and anxiety has just got better and better. I feel much less anxious, and lot more relaxed, like a weight has been lifted. I am so glad that I decided to invest in the sessions with Stuart, and would recommend it to anyone who is considering hypnotherapy. Stuart helped me learn that a lot of fear is irrational and totally unnessacary, and that I can rationalise with myself that I do not need to feel that fear. I have also learnt extremely effective relaxation techniques, which have really helped me. I f I ever experience any difficulties in the future, I will be sure to utilise these techniques. So, if you have any issue that is effecting you to the point where it is having a profound effect on you're life, then I would highly recommend that you book yourself a consultation with Stuart Downing, it can and will change you're life!
Neil 14/10/25

If you need help with sleep issues , contact Stuart 07825 599340
stuart@hypnotherapy4freedom.co.uk
https://hypnotherapy4freedom.co.uk/hypnotherapy-services/hypnotherapy-for-sleep-disorders-Sleep Disorders and Insomnia Therapy Birmingham
https://hypnotherapy4freedom.co.uk/reviews

Stuart Downing is a trusted hypnotherapist helping clients overcome their issues across the UK and worldwide. Read his reviews here.

10/02/2025

Insomnia and Sleep Issues
Lying awake at night, staring at the ceiling, feeling wired but exhausted?
If that sounds familiar , there’s a good chance your cortisol levels are out of control.
And here’s the deal: high cortisol is more than just a bad night’s sleep—it’s a serious roadblock to your health, energy, and your ability to hit the flow state.
Cortisol is your body’s built-in alarm system.
It’s meant to help you handle stress, but when it sticks around too long—especially at night—it can wreak havoc on your sleep.
Studies show that elevated evening cortisol is one of the biggest culprits behind tossing and turning, disrupted sleep cycles, and that feeling of being “tired but wired”.
When your cortisol levels are too high in the evening, your body stays in a state of alertness, making it nearly impossible to relax and fall asleep.
And poor sleep doesn’t just affect your mood—it drags down your entire health, energy, and performance.
The Cost of High Cortisol:
1. Disrupted Sleep
High cortisol messes with your body’s natural circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. You wake up feeling drained, no matter how long you’ve been in bed.
2. Increased Stress and Anxiety
Cortisol is linked to heightened stress responses. If your cortisol stays high, your body is constantly in “fight-or-flight” mode, which leads to more stress, anxiety, and mental fog during the day.
3. Blocked Flow State
Cortisol doesn’t just affect your sleep—it blocks your ability to enter the flow state. The flow state is where you’re fully focused and performing at your best, but high cortisol keeps your brain stuck in overdrive, making it impossible to focus deeply or think creatively.
Now, imagine what happens when you cut evening cortisol by 25%.
You’re not just lowering your stress—you’re giving your body the green light to relax, sleep deeply, and wake up energized.
Lowering cortisol improves your sleep quality, reduces anxiety, and opens the door for you to finally access the flow state.
When cortisol comes down:
1. Deep, Restorative Sleep
Lower cortisol allows your body to enter its natural rest-and-recover mode, improving sleep quality and helping you wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day.
2. Reduced Anxiety, More Clarity
When your cortisol levels are balanced, you’ll notice less anxiety, better mental clarity, and an increased sense of calm. This sets you up for a more productive, focused day.
3. More Consistent Flow State
With cortisol in check, your mind and body can work together, making it easier to slip into the flow state—where creativity, focus, and high performance come effortlessly.
You don’t have to spend another night staring at the ceiling, trapped in a cycle of poor sleep and high stress.
Lowering your evening cortisol naturally is possible, and it’s the key to better sleep, more energy, and consistent access to the flow state.
Call Stuart - 07825 599340 to discuss your insomnia issue in more detail
Email - stuart .co.uk
https://hypnotherapy4freedom.co.uk/.../hypnotherapy-for...
Client reviews - https://hypnotherapy4freedom.co.uk/reviews

Stuart Downing is a trusted hypnotherapist helping clients overcome their issues across the UK and worldwide. Read his reviews here.

25/01/2025

The new model science of addiction
Scientists now view addiction more as the symptom of, effectively, a rewiring of the brain and, specifically, of the brain’s reward system. Addiction, therefore, is not so much to the drug or behaviour, but instead to the reward that drug or behaviour can trigger inside the brain.
Fundamental to this is dopamine. Everyone will produce dopamine and will be familiar with the buzz it can provide, perhaps from the satisfaction of successfully completing a difficult task or the thrill of seeing a team you support win. The chemical is part of our evolutionary history, helping to reward the behaviours that ensured the survival not just of our individual ancestors, but also of our species.
Addiction, however, hijacks this system. With drugs, it might be chemically, affecting the way the brain processes dopamine to increase the intensity of the hit which, in turn, starts the re-wiring process. With other addictive behaviours it will just be the brain that re-wires itself to demand more of the behaviour and the associated dopamine.
Surprising evidence of this may come from treatments for Parkinson’s disease. The illness destroys the brain’s ability to produce dopamine, so patients will often be prescribed replacement therapy. However, in one study about 14% went on to develop addictions after starting the therapy.
How the brain changes with addiction
One model of addiction, developed by Professor Rita Goldstein, suggests addiction is a combination of two factors, salience attribution and inhibition impairment. Essentially, the addiction begins to dominate the addict’s thoughts, while also diminishing their ability to exercise self-control. A description that many familiar with addiction will recognize.
However, Goldstein has also studied the physical and cognitive impacts on the brain in an attempt to understand this further3. She noticed that with co***ne addicts, there was a deterioration in the volume of grey matter in the prefrontal cortex. This part of the brain controls things like decision-making and planning.
Goldstein found, interestingly, that while the addicts performed badly on routine cognitive tests, when the cognitive tests were related to drugs, their performance was above average. In other words, their brain had physically adapted to be better at feeding their addictions at the expense of other parts of their life.
The causes of addiction
The science of addiction still to understand the exact causes of addictive behaviour, especially why some people become addicts while other people are unaffected by the same stimuli. The difficulty is not just the limits of the science being used, there are also external factors that appear to have an impact, making it hard to establish precise causes and their effects.
Social cues may affect the way people approach potentially addictive behaviours. While factors like age might also play a role, especially with drugs, where their faster metabolisms might increase their risk of developing an addiction. Past events like trauma might increase the impact, while a family history of addiction might create a genetic predisposition, or a social factor, or a mix of both.
However, research has firmly moved the understanding of addiction from the old-fashioned view of it as a moral failure and, increasingly, to a disease to which, like any other illness, some people appear to be more susceptible than others.
The cure to addiction lies in the brain itself. The brain is a remarkable organ and scientists continue to discover it can change and adapt. Interestingly, research has shown that the damage caused by addiction begins to reverse itself quickly once the cycle of addiction is broken, providing hope of a speedy recovery from addiction .
Call Stuart - 07825 599340 to discuss how neuroplasticity can rewire your addictive issues
stuart@harleystreetaddictionspecialist.co.uk
www.harleystreetaddictionspecialist.co.uk

https://www.stuartdowning.co.uk/client-reviews

Stuart Downing is an expert life coach offering life and business coaching in London, across the UK, internationally, and online coaching.

04/06/2022

Substance abuse is the medical term used to describe a pattern of using a substance (drug) that causes significant problems or distress. This may be missing work or school, using the substance in dangerous situations, such as driving a car. It may lead to substance-related legal problems, or continued substance use that interferes with friendships, family relationships, or both. Substance abuse, as a recognized medical brain disorder, refers to the abuse of illegal substances, such as ma*****na, he**in, co***ne, or methamphetamine. Or it may be the abuse of legal substances, such as alcohol, ni****ne, or prescription medicines. Alcohol is the most common legal drug of abuse.
Substance dependence is the medical term used to describe abuse of drugs or alcohol that continues even when significant problems related to their use have developed. Signs of dependence include:

Tolerance to or need for increased amounts of the drug to get an effect

Withdrawal symptoms that happen if you decrease or stop using the drug that you find difficult to cut down or quit

Spending a lot of time to get, use, and recover from the effects of using drugs

Withdrawal from social and recreational activities

Continued use of the drug even though you are aware of the physical, psychological, and family or social problems that are caused by your ongoing drug abuse

What substances are most often abused?
Substances frequently abused include:

Alcohol

Ma*****na

Prescription medicines, such as pain pills, stimulants, or anxiety pills

Methamphetamine

Co***ne

Opiates

Hallucinogens

Inhalants

What causes drug abuse or dependence?
Cultural and societal factors determine what are acceptable or allowable forms of drug or alcohol use. Public laws determine what kind of drug use is legal or illegal. The question of what type of substance use can be considered normal or acceptable remains controversial. Substance abuse and dependence are caused by multiple factors, including genetic vulnerability, environmental stressors, social pressures, individual personality characteristics, and psychiatric problems. But which of these factors has the biggest influence in any one person cannot be determined in all cases.

What are the symptoms of drug abuse or dependence?
The following are the most common behaviors that mean a person is having a problem with drug or alcohol abuse. But each person may have slightly different symptoms. Symptoms may include:

Using or drinking larger amounts or over longer periods of time than planned.

Continually wanting or unsuccessfully trying to cut down or control use of drugs or alcohol.

Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of drugs or alcohol.

Craving, or a strong desire to use drugs or alcohol.

Ongoing drug or alcohol use that interferes with work, school, or home duties.

Using drugs or alcohol even with continued relationship problems caused by use.

Giving up or reducing activities because of drug or alcohol use

Taking risks, such as sexual risks or driving under the influence.

Continually using drugs or alcohol even though it is causing or adding to physical or psychological problems.

Developing tolerance or the need to use more drugs or alcohol to get the same effect. Or using the same amount of drugs or alcohol, but without the same effect.

Having withdrawal symptoms if not using drugs or alcohol. Or using alcohol or another drug to avoid such symptoms.

The symptoms of drug or alcohol abuse may resemble other medical problems or psychiatric conditions. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.

How is drug abuse or dependence diagnosed?
A family doctor, psychiatrist, or qualified mental health professional usually diagnoses substance abuse. Clinical findings often depend on the substance abused, the frequency of use, and the length of time since last used, and may include:

Weight loss

Constant fatigue

Red eyes

Little concern for hygiene

Lab abnormalities

Unexpected abnormalities in heart rate or blood pressure

Depression, anxiety, or sleep problems

Treatment for drug abuse or dependence
Specific treatment for drug abuse or dependence will be determined by your doctor based on:

Your age, overall health, and health history

Extent of the symptoms

Extent of the dependence

Type of substance abused

Your tolerance for specific medicines, procedures, or therapies

Expectations for the course of the condition

Your opinion or preference

A variety of treatment (or recovery) programs for substance abuse are available on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Programs considered are usually based on the type of substance abused. Detoxification (if needed, based on the substance abused) and long-term follow-up management or recovery-oriented systems of care are important features of successful treatment. Long-term follow-up management usually includes formalized group meetings and psychosocial support systems, as well as continued medical supervision. Individual and family psychotherapy are often recommended to address the issues that may have contributed to and resulted from the development of a substance abuse disorder.
Zoom online appointments

Call Stuart for a free confidential consultation – 07825 599340
stuart@stuartdowning.co.uk
https://hypnotherapy4freedom.co.uk/hypnotherapy-services/hypnotherapy-for-alcohol-addiction
https://harleystreetaddictionspecialist.co.uk

What our clients say - https://stuartdowning.co.uk/client-reviews

Stuart Downing DMH DHyp CPNLP EMDR Dip MNACP

Professional Hypnotherapist - Life Coach & NLP Master practitioner

www.stuartdowning.co.uk

www.harleystreetaddictionspecialist.co.uk

www.hypnotherapy4freedom.com

02/06/2022

Bipolar Disorder and Hypnotherapy
It can sometimes feel like you’re completely at the mercy of unpredictable, dramatic mood and energy changes.Life with bipolar disorder is a pretty major challenge. Everybody’s moods fluctuate but when you have ‘manic depression’ the highs and lows are so much higher and lower, with good moods where you feel like you rule the world and bad moods where you feel like the world has completely crushed you.
Typically, when those euphoric moods get going, you feel like you can do anything, like there cannot possibly be any bad consequences of what you do. You lose all sense of perspective and rational judgement, leading you to behave in ways which have disastrous results.
When the downward swing starts, it all heads off in the other direction. Everything is terrible and the whole world is against you and what’s the point of getting up in the morning, or indeed anything? Once again, you have lost your perspective.

Learning to read storm warnings

Although other people can see the signs of these moods coming on, and developing into full blown emotional hurricanes, it can seem as if there’s no way for you yourself to tell that it is happening and that it’s time to take preventive action.

But overwhelming and insurmountable though these patterns might feel, it is actually possible to get more control, to learn to spot the danger signals, and take action to avoid getting derailed – again.
The goal with hypnosis for bipolar disorder is to reduce the client’s stress levels and help them to focus on the positive aspects.
Call Stuart 07825 599340 to discuss how hypnotherapy can bring balance back to your life .
stuart@stuartdowning.co.uk
https://hypnotherapy4freedom.co.uk
What our clients say - https://stuartdowning.co.uk/client-reviews

Zoom online appointments

Stuart Downing DMH DHyp CPNLP EMDR Dip MNACP

Professional Hypnotherapist - Life Coach & NLP Master practitioner

www.stuartdowning.co.uk

www.harleystreetaddictionspecialist.co.uk

www.hypnotherapy4freedom.com

01/05/2022

Alcohol abuse and dependency can creep up on you - one more drink , one more bottle !
In Alcohol therapy we treat both the symptom - the alcohol and the root cause as to why it has taken hold .
Utilising many therapeutic techniques we can make fast progress to reclaim control .
Call Stuart - 07825 599340 for a free confidential call to discuss how specialised therapy can help
Online Zoom appointments available
stuart@stuartdowning.co.uk
https://hypnotherapy4freedom.com/hypnotherapy-services/hypnotherapy-for-alcohol-addiction

https://www.alcoholabuseanddependencybirmingham.co.uk

See what our clients say =https://www.stuartdowning.co.uk/client-reviews

01/05/2022

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Often a pattern of ongoing instability in moods, behaviour, self-image, ,anger (splitting) and abandonment can all be prevalent in BPD.
Specialised therapy for BPD - Call Stuart -07825 599340 for a free telephone conversation to discuss how BPD therapy will help you take back control .
Zoom online appointments available
stuart@stuartdowning.co.uk

https://hypnotherapy4freedom.com/hypnotherapy-services/borderline-personality-disorder
https://www.borderlinepersonalitydisorderbirmingham.co.uk

See what our clients say =https://www.stuartdowning.co.uk/client-reviews

18/04/2022

18/04/2022

Fast Addiction treatment with Neuroscience techniques
People who are prone to addiction often believe they cannot become addicted or stop their addiction any time they want. However, the reality of it is different and they feel despair when they cannot break the strong addiction cycle that negatively affects their life and their loved ones.
Whether you have a behavioural addiction, alcohol use disorder (AUD), or substance use disorder (SUD), the first step to addiction treatment is to recognize your addiction and decide to change. Next, you have to select the right treatment approach so that you can get the resources required to overcome the mental challenges.
How to overcome addiction?
In order to overcome addiction, you have to recognise that you have a problem that needs to be fixed. This is tough for most people who have become a victim of addiction and it takes time to process your thoughts internally to make a life-changing decision. This period is known as the ‘contemplation’ stage.
Common forms of addiction include:
● Drug addiction
● co***ne addiction
● cannabis addiction
● alcohol addiction
● gambling addiction
● food addiction - eating disorders
● anxiety
● P.T.S.D
● And more
It is recommended that you consult an addiction specialist to help you understand the harm reduction strategies that you have to follow. Setting ambitious goals such as trying to quit ‘cold turkey’ is an unrealistic approach and can cause more harm since you can end up relapsing. It is much better to consult an experienced addiction specialist and set a more realistic goal that you can follow.
How neuroscience techniques can help treat addiction fast
There are many different approaches to overcoming addiction such as using psychotherapy practices and medications for different forms of addiction. The different forms of psychotherapy that are used to treat addictive behaviour often includes the 12-step facilitation. Medication-based therapy includes detoxification for treating serious substance use disorders using suitable medications.
However, using neuroscience techniques, Hypnotherapy, NLP, E.M.D.R, and rapid intervention techniques can help you to get rid of your addiction in the shortest time possible
You need to be in the care of an experienced addiction specialist who can personalize a recovery program suitable for you. The program would allow you to recognize your cycle of addictive behaviour and allow you to cope with the triggers.
How to manage withdrawal symptoms and avoid relapse
Overcoming any form of addiction is challenging since you have to deal with withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and sometimes life-threatening. Generally, acute withdrawal symptoms pass within a week or so. However, if you suffer from post-acute withdrawal syndrome(PAWS) the symptoms can continue for weeks, months, and even years if not managed properly..
On average, almost 40 per cent of people who are trying to overcome substance use addiction relapse at some point in their journey. This happens due to strong urges known as cravings which can cause you to engage in your favourite form of addictive behaviour. Cravings can creep up on you after weeks or months and can be difficult to manage without help.
Using a combination of integrative therapies and nuero science techniques, the addictive behaviour is controlled/ reduced and the route cause issues resolved
If you want to overcome your addiction fast and need support you can contact Harley Street Addiction Specialist, London.
Call Stuart - 020 3143 5263/07825 599340 for a free no obligation telephone consultation
Harley Street Addiction Specialist
1 Harley Street,
London, W1G 9QD
stuart@harleystreetaddictionspecialist.co.uk
https://www.harleystreetaddictionspecialist.co.uk

05/02/2022

Hypnotherapy Stop Smoking in one session - £295 - Online - Saturday appointments available
Call Stuart - 07825 599340 if you are having issues around stopping smoking
Please see our independent client review page -
https://www.stuartdowning.co.uk/client-reviews
Email - stuart@hypnotherapy4freedom.com
https://hypnotherapy4freedom.com/.../hypnotherapy-to-stop...

01/02/2022

Recent client review regarding successful Hypnotherapy Stop Smoking in one session - £295 - Online - Saturday appointments available
Call Stuart - 07825 599340 if you are having issues around stopping smoking
Please see our independent client review page -
https://www.stuartdowning.co.uk/client-reviews
Email - stuart@hypnotherapy4freedom.com
https://hypnotherapy4freedom.com/hypnotherapy-services/hypnotherapy-to-stop-smoking-in-birmingham

I felt totally at ease, relaxed and under no pressure , it’s well worth talking to stuart as he can advise and guide you thru and process required, all in all perfect session and STILL smoke free and 16 weeks . Try it , it really works.