The Effective Therapy for Drug, Gambling, and Pornography Addicts with a Neurolinguistic Approach
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study investigates the effectiveness of Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) as a therapeutic intervention for individuals suffering from drug, gambling, and pornography addictions. Recognizing addiction as a complex interplay of cognitive distortions, emotional dysregulation, and maladaptive internal narratives, this research employs a mixed-methods design combining quasi-experimental pretest-posttest analysis with phenomenological inquiry. A total of 45 participants from three Indonesian rehabilitation centers underwent either NLP-based therapy or standard counseling over six weeks. Quantitative results from the Addiction Severity Index (ASI), Cognitive Distortion Scale (CDS), and Language Use Assessment (LUA) revealed statistically significant improvements in the NLP group across all addiction types. Participants exhibited reduced cravings, greater emotional regulation, and shifts in self-narration from passive, deterministic language to agentic, self-aware expressions. Qualitative findings further underscored the therapeutic value of NLP techniques such as submodality shifts, reframing, anchoring, and timeline therapy, which helped participants reprogram internal triggers and traumatic associations. The study concludes that NLP effectively addresses the neurocognitive and linguistic dimensions of addiction, facilitating sustained behavioral change. Its adaptable, experiential, and non-pharmacological nature makes it a promising complement to existing treatment modalities. Further research is encouraged to explore long-term effects and broader clinical integration of NLP in addiction recovery.
Article Details
How to Cite
Siregar, I. (2024). The Effective Therapy for Drug, Gambling, and Pornography Addicts with a Neurolinguistic Approach. LingLit Journal Scientific Journal for Linguistics and Literature, 5(4), 203-216. https://doi.org/10.33258/linglit.v5i4.1302
Issue
Section
Articles
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.Penulis.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (Refer to The Effect of Open Access).
References
Andreas, S., & Faulkner, C. (1994). NLP: The new technology of achievement. William Morrow.
Bandler, R., & Grinder, J. (1975). The structure of magic I: A book about language and therapy. Science and Behavior Books.
Cohen, D. (2016). Neurolinguistic programming as a complementary approach in treating behavioral addictions: A case-based review. Journal of Cognitive Therapies, 12(3), 112–120.
Cozolino, L. (2010). The neuroscience of psychotherapy: Healing the social brain (2nd ed.). W.W. Norton & Company.
Dilts, R. (1998). Modeling with NLP. Meta Publications.
Ghaisani, A., Siregar, I., & Susanto, A. (2024). The existence and Meaning of Betawi dance in Setu Babakan: a Social Semiotic study. Ghaisani | Budapest International Research and Critics in Linguistics and Education (BirLE) Journal. https://doi.org/10.33258/birle.v7i1.7805
Koob, G. F., & Volkow, N. D. (2010). Neurocircuitry of addiction. Neuropsychopharmacology, 35(1), 217–238. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2009.110
Korompot, C., Siregar, I., Khursanov, N., Abdullaev, D., & Mohamed, K. (2024). Investigating Gender DIF in the Reading Comprehension Section of the B2 First Exam. International Journal of Language Testing, (), 57-66. doi: 10.22034/ijlt.2023.421011.1301
Pangaribuan, R. E., Siregar, I., & Susanto, A. (2025). TINDAK TUTUR EKSPRESIF DALAM SERIAL FILM NANTI KITA CERITA TENTANG HARI INI PADA YOUTUBE KANAL TOYOTA INDONESIA: KAJIAN PRAGMATIK. J-Simbol: Jurnal Magister Pendidikan Bahasa Dan Sastra Indonesia, 13(1, April), 208–225.
Putri, O. M., Siregar, I., & Rachmawati, K. (2024). Semantic analysis in understanding and maintaining Betawi cultural identity through the bikin rume traditional ceremonial process. Putri | Budapest International Research and Critics in Linguistics and Education (BirLE) Journal. https://doi.org/10.33258/birle.v7i1.7806
Siregar, I. (2024). A Phenomenological Critique of Darwin’s Theory of Human Origins and Its Cultural Implications. Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture, 5(1), 51-61.
Siregar, I. (2024). Assessing Religious Obligations: A Phenomenological Approach to Value and Legal Perspectives. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 4(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.33258/polit.v4i1.1016
Siregar, I. (2024). Effectiveness of Multisensory Therapy in Treating Communication Barriers and Social Isolation in Transcortical Aphasia Sufferers. SIASAT, 9(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.33258/siasat.v9i1.166
Siregar, I. (2024). Examining the Vulnerability of the Betawi Language through a Multidisciplinary Approach. Siregar | Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal). https://doi.org/10.33258/birci.v7i1.7857
Siregar, I. (2024). New strategies in Applied Linguistic Research for health therapy. Budapest International Research and Critics in Linguistics and Education (BirLE) Journal, 7–7(2), 95A-106A. https://doi.org/10.33258/birle.v7i2.7937
Siregar, I. (2024). Phenomenological Review of the Issue of Political Apathy of Indonesia’s Young Generation. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 4(2), 135-147. https://doi.org/10.33258/polit.v4i2.1159
Siregar, I. (2024). Research Methodology: A Comprehensif and Holistic Viewpoint. Jakarta: LPU-Unas
Siregar, I. (2024). The Errors of the Democratic System According to Pancasila: A Critical Examination of Governance in Indonesia. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 4(2), 123-134. https://doi.org/10.33258/polit.v4i2.1158
Siregar, I. (2024). Research methodology: a comprehensive and holistic viewpoint. Jakarta: LPU-Unas
Siregar, I., & Demidyuk, L. (2024). The Relations and Relevances of the Poda Na Lima Batak People’s Philosophy with Islamic Views. Kultura: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, Sosial, Dan Humaniora, 2(4), 15–33. https://doi.org/10.572349/kultura.v2i4.879
Siregar, I., & Hsu, F. (2024). The Interplay of Cultural Dynamics within the Globalization Paradigm. Kultura: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, Sosial, Dan Humaniora, 2(4), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.572349/kultura.v2i4.657
Siregar, I., Anjani, S. D., & Yahaya, S. R. (2023). Projection of the Vitality of the Betawi Language in the Future Time in Jakarta. International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation, 6(3), 39–46. https://doi.org/10.32996/ijllt.2023.6.3.4
Siregar, I., Hamzah, N. H. (2024). Effectiveness of the Language Preservation Model in the Betawi Community. Eurasian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 9(1), 274-283. Doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.32601/ejal.901023
Siregar, I., Kiesner , R., & Aesnring , B. (2024). A CULTURAL SCIENCE PERSPECTIVE ON PREMIUM GROG. Kultura: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, Sosial, Dan Humaniora, 2(4), 69–79. https://doi.org/10.572349/kultura.v2i4.1199
Siregar, I., Purnama , A. R., & Xien li , X. (2024). TRANSFORMATION OF THE MEANING OF THE WORD "DOG" IN THE WIDE COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT. Kultura: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, Sosial, Dan Humaniora, 2(4), 80–87. https://doi.org/10.572349/kultura.v2i4.1200
Siregar, I., Purnama, A. R., & Gual, A. (2024). Changing conceptions of “Anjing - dogs” in contemporary social contexts. Siregar | Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal). https://doi.org/10.33258/birci.v7i1.7858
Siregar, I., Yahaya, S. R. (2023). Model and Approaches to Preserving Betawi Language as an Endangered Language. Eurasian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 9(1), 274-283. Doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.32601/ejal.901023
Siregar. I. (2024). An Exploration of Online Behavior of Asian and European Netizens: A Conceptual Phenomenological Comparative Review. SIASAT, 9(1), 15-27. https://doi.org/10.33258/siasat.v9i1.167
SS Wahyuni, I Siregar, K Rachmawati, NH Hamzah. (2024). Written Language Errors Of Dysgraphic Children Aged 9-12 Years In Inclusive Classrooms. Jurnal Onoma: Pendidikan, Bahasa, Dan Sastra, 10(3), 3420-3430. https://doi.org/10.30605/onoma.v10i3.4126
Stipancic, M., Renner, W., Schütz, A., & Dond, R. (2010). Treatment of anxiety disorders and depression using neurolinguistic programming: A pilot study. Psychology & Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 83(2), 152–163. https://doi.org/10.1348/147608309X474549
Tosey, P., & Mathison, J. (2009). Neuro-linguistic programming: A critical appreciation for managers and developers. Palgrave Macmillan.
Wahyuni, S. S., Siregar, I., Rachmawati, K., Hamzah, N. H., & Yahaya, S. R. (2025). Kesalahan Bahasa Tulis Anak Disgrafia Umur 9 – 12 Tahun Siswa di Kelas Inklusi SDN Parakan 01. Stilistika: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Dan Sastra, 18(1), 191–202. https://doi.org/10.30651/st.v18i1.23343
Wake, J. (2015). NLP and addiction recovery: A structured approach. British Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 22(6), 289–294.
Wardani, E. T., Siregar, I., Susanto, A., & Hamzah, N. H. (2024). Strategies and Role of Parents on Language Acquisition of Children with Special Needs. Jurnal Onoma: Pendidikan, Bahasa, Dan Sastra, 10(3), 3431-3440. https://doi.org/10.30605/onoma.v10i3.4130
Wardani, E. T., Siregar, I., Susanto, A., Hamzah, N. H., & Yahya, S. R. (2025). Strategi dan Peranan Orang Tua terhadap Pemerolehan Bahasa ABK dalam Komunitas Masyarakat Betawi. Stilistika: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Dan Sastra, 18(1), 131–146. https://doi.org/10.30651/st.v18i1.23371
Witkowski, T. (2010). Thirty-five years of research on neuro-linguistic programming. NLP Research Data Base, Polish Psychological Bulletin, 41(2), 58–66. https://doi.org/10.2478/v10059-010-0008-0
Bandler, R., & Grinder, J. (1975). The structure of magic I: A book about language and therapy. Science and Behavior Books.
Cohen, D. (2016). Neurolinguistic programming as a complementary approach in treating behavioral addictions: A case-based review. Journal of Cognitive Therapies, 12(3), 112–120.
Cozolino, L. (2010). The neuroscience of psychotherapy: Healing the social brain (2nd ed.). W.W. Norton & Company.
Dilts, R. (1998). Modeling with NLP. Meta Publications.
Ghaisani, A., Siregar, I., & Susanto, A. (2024). The existence and Meaning of Betawi dance in Setu Babakan: a Social Semiotic study. Ghaisani | Budapest International Research and Critics in Linguistics and Education (BirLE) Journal. https://doi.org/10.33258/birle.v7i1.7805
Koob, G. F., & Volkow, N. D. (2010). Neurocircuitry of addiction. Neuropsychopharmacology, 35(1), 217–238. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2009.110
Korompot, C., Siregar, I., Khursanov, N., Abdullaev, D., & Mohamed, K. (2024). Investigating Gender DIF in the Reading Comprehension Section of the B2 First Exam. International Journal of Language Testing, (), 57-66. doi: 10.22034/ijlt.2023.421011.1301
Pangaribuan, R. E., Siregar, I., & Susanto, A. (2025). TINDAK TUTUR EKSPRESIF DALAM SERIAL FILM NANTI KITA CERITA TENTANG HARI INI PADA YOUTUBE KANAL TOYOTA INDONESIA: KAJIAN PRAGMATIK. J-Simbol: Jurnal Magister Pendidikan Bahasa Dan Sastra Indonesia, 13(1, April), 208–225.
Putri, O. M., Siregar, I., & Rachmawati, K. (2024). Semantic analysis in understanding and maintaining Betawi cultural identity through the bikin rume traditional ceremonial process. Putri | Budapest International Research and Critics in Linguistics and Education (BirLE) Journal. https://doi.org/10.33258/birle.v7i1.7806
Siregar, I. (2024). A Phenomenological Critique of Darwin’s Theory of Human Origins and Its Cultural Implications. Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture, 5(1), 51-61.
Siregar, I. (2024). Assessing Religious Obligations: A Phenomenological Approach to Value and Legal Perspectives. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 4(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.33258/polit.v4i1.1016
Siregar, I. (2024). Effectiveness of Multisensory Therapy in Treating Communication Barriers and Social Isolation in Transcortical Aphasia Sufferers. SIASAT, 9(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.33258/siasat.v9i1.166
Siregar, I. (2024). Examining the Vulnerability of the Betawi Language through a Multidisciplinary Approach. Siregar | Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal). https://doi.org/10.33258/birci.v7i1.7857
Siregar, I. (2024). New strategies in Applied Linguistic Research for health therapy. Budapest International Research and Critics in Linguistics and Education (BirLE) Journal, 7–7(2), 95A-106A. https://doi.org/10.33258/birle.v7i2.7937
Siregar, I. (2024). Phenomenological Review of the Issue of Political Apathy of Indonesia’s Young Generation. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 4(2), 135-147. https://doi.org/10.33258/polit.v4i2.1159
Siregar, I. (2024). Research Methodology: A Comprehensif and Holistic Viewpoint. Jakarta: LPU-Unas
Siregar, I. (2024). The Errors of the Democratic System According to Pancasila: A Critical Examination of Governance in Indonesia. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 4(2), 123-134. https://doi.org/10.33258/polit.v4i2.1158
Siregar, I. (2024). Research methodology: a comprehensive and holistic viewpoint. Jakarta: LPU-Unas
Siregar, I., & Demidyuk, L. (2024). The Relations and Relevances of the Poda Na Lima Batak People’s Philosophy with Islamic Views. Kultura: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, Sosial, Dan Humaniora, 2(4), 15–33. https://doi.org/10.572349/kultura.v2i4.879
Siregar, I., & Hsu, F. (2024). The Interplay of Cultural Dynamics within the Globalization Paradigm. Kultura: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, Sosial, Dan Humaniora, 2(4), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.572349/kultura.v2i4.657
Siregar, I., Anjani, S. D., & Yahaya, S. R. (2023). Projection of the Vitality of the Betawi Language in the Future Time in Jakarta. International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation, 6(3), 39–46. https://doi.org/10.32996/ijllt.2023.6.3.4
Siregar, I., Hamzah, N. H. (2024). Effectiveness of the Language Preservation Model in the Betawi Community. Eurasian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 9(1), 274-283. Doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.32601/ejal.901023
Siregar, I., Kiesner , R., & Aesnring , B. (2024). A CULTURAL SCIENCE PERSPECTIVE ON PREMIUM GROG. Kultura: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, Sosial, Dan Humaniora, 2(4), 69–79. https://doi.org/10.572349/kultura.v2i4.1199
Siregar, I., Purnama , A. R., & Xien li , X. (2024). TRANSFORMATION OF THE MEANING OF THE WORD "DOG" IN THE WIDE COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT. Kultura: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, Sosial, Dan Humaniora, 2(4), 80–87. https://doi.org/10.572349/kultura.v2i4.1200
Siregar, I., Purnama, A. R., & Gual, A. (2024). Changing conceptions of “Anjing - dogs” in contemporary social contexts. Siregar | Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal). https://doi.org/10.33258/birci.v7i1.7858
Siregar, I., Yahaya, S. R. (2023). Model and Approaches to Preserving Betawi Language as an Endangered Language. Eurasian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 9(1), 274-283. Doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.32601/ejal.901023
Siregar. I. (2024). An Exploration of Online Behavior of Asian and European Netizens: A Conceptual Phenomenological Comparative Review. SIASAT, 9(1), 15-27. https://doi.org/10.33258/siasat.v9i1.167
SS Wahyuni, I Siregar, K Rachmawati, NH Hamzah. (2024). Written Language Errors Of Dysgraphic Children Aged 9-12 Years In Inclusive Classrooms. Jurnal Onoma: Pendidikan, Bahasa, Dan Sastra, 10(3), 3420-3430. https://doi.org/10.30605/onoma.v10i3.4126
Stipancic, M., Renner, W., Schütz, A., & Dond, R. (2010). Treatment of anxiety disorders and depression using neurolinguistic programming: A pilot study. Psychology & Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 83(2), 152–163. https://doi.org/10.1348/147608309X474549
Tosey, P., & Mathison, J. (2009). Neuro-linguistic programming: A critical appreciation for managers and developers. Palgrave Macmillan.
Wahyuni, S. S., Siregar, I., Rachmawati, K., Hamzah, N. H., & Yahaya, S. R. (2025). Kesalahan Bahasa Tulis Anak Disgrafia Umur 9 – 12 Tahun Siswa di Kelas Inklusi SDN Parakan 01. Stilistika: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Dan Sastra, 18(1), 191–202. https://doi.org/10.30651/st.v18i1.23343
Wake, J. (2015). NLP and addiction recovery: A structured approach. British Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 22(6), 289–294.
Wardani, E. T., Siregar, I., Susanto, A., & Hamzah, N. H. (2024). Strategies and Role of Parents on Language Acquisition of Children with Special Needs. Jurnal Onoma: Pendidikan, Bahasa, Dan Sastra, 10(3), 3431-3440. https://doi.org/10.30605/onoma.v10i3.4130
Wardani, E. T., Siregar, I., Susanto, A., Hamzah, N. H., & Yahya, S. R. (2025). Strategi dan Peranan Orang Tua terhadap Pemerolehan Bahasa ABK dalam Komunitas Masyarakat Betawi. Stilistika: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Dan Sastra, 18(1), 131–146. https://doi.org/10.30651/st.v18i1.23371
Witkowski, T. (2010). Thirty-five years of research on neuro-linguistic programming. NLP Research Data Base, Polish Psychological Bulletin, 41(2), 58–66. https://doi.org/10.2478/v10059-010-0008-0