Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of experiential therapy using eye movements and guided instructions to reprocess stored memories and trauma. This treatment has been shown to be very effective in treating addiction.  

Most clients with substance abuse disorders also have past trauma. Reprocessing the trauma helps to “repair” the mental imagery in the subconscious so that clients no longer relive the trauma that leads to craving the use of substances.

EMDR therapy can rapidly heal the mental blocks that once took years of traditional therapy. Using lateral eye movements, hand tapping or audio stimulus, the therapist guides the client through emotionally disturbing events in small doses. EMDR has been found to be so effective, that there is evidence that clients can heal in only a few sessions.  

How does EMDR work for overcoming addiction?

EMDR addresses the root causes of addiction by using bilateral stimulation of the brain to reduce symptoms of PTSD and C-PTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).  When people have unresolved trauma, they often seek relief through substances to help them numb their emotions. 

EMDR helps clients reprocess these traumatic memories by reducing the emotional distress associated with them. It opens up and allows for healthier coping mechanisms to develop. As a result, the client may experience less sensitivity to triggers and greater resilience. This can help them to face life’s challenges without turning to substances. 

A meta-analysis posted in the Journal of EMDR Practice and Research showed that EMDR was significantly effective in reducing the mental health outcomes of substance use disorder and found that it was effective in reducing addiction severity. Clients generally found EMDR helpful because of less triggering for the motivation to complete their addiction treatment and stay sober.   

Research by Brown, et. al. concluded that EMDR was effective for treating substance abuse disorders as part of a three prong approach. The three areas they addressed were, (1) past trauma and memories linked to addiction, (2) present triggers or cravings, and (3) future challenges to maintain sobriety.  

The study highlights the effectiveness of EMDR in addressing underlying trauma, which is often a root cause of addiction. By processing past trauma, it may reduce relapse rates and improve emotional regulation, which in turn makes it a valuable tool for addiction treatment.

While this modality may seem simple, it is intense and can bring up painful memories. It can also trigger extreme feelings and erratic behavior for the client, as they relive those moments. Proper use of this treatment requires a clinician taking necessary safety steps with the patient. 

What would a typical EMDR session look like in an addiction treatment center?

Each EMDR session typically lasts between 60-90 minutes.  Here’s how a typical session might look in an addiction treatment center:

1. Building Trust – The therapist builds trust with the client, explaining EMDR’s purpose and process and establishes a safe environment.
2. Identifying Traumas – The client identifies specific traumatic memories or cravings to target, including associated thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations.
3. Desensitization: The client recalls the traumatic memory or craving while focusing on a bilateral stimulus (e.g., eye movements, sounds, or tapping) provided by the therapist. This phase continues until the distress associated with the memory decreases.
4. Reprocessing: Positive beliefs or affirmations are introduced and “installed” as the client reprocesses the memory, focusing on healthier self-concepts or coping mechanisms.
5. Body Scan: The client scans their body for residual tension or discomfort, which might indicate lingering emotional distress related to the memory.
6. Closure: Each session ends with grounding techniques to ensure the client feels stable and safe before leaving. The client may keep a written log of issues that come up between sessions. 
7. Follow-up: In follow-up sessions, the therapist and client review progress, revisiting or targeting new triggers as needed.

Each session should ease the emotional trauma and improve the client’s ability to manage addiction triggers. 

How can you find an addiction treatment center with EMDR?

Many addiction treatment centers offer EMDR as part of their therapeutic approach, especially when treating clients with trauma-related issues. Centers that focus on dual diagnosis (treating both mental health and addiction) are more likely to incorporate it to address underlying traumas.  

All of the options around this topic may be difficult to weed through, so if you would like more personalized help, schedule a no-cost discovery call with Rae Guyer, your therapeutic consultant to discuss.

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