EMDR Therapy and Addictions

Treating addiction is a complex process that may require clients to try several types of therapy before they find the right one for them. Traditionally, behavioural therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) have combated addiction, but eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) has also presented highly positive results.

About EMDR

EMDR therapy is a relatively new form of therapy developed in 1987 by psychologist Francine Shapiro. Having found that her negative emotions lessened as her eyes moved from side to side as she walked, she decided to put this to the test with her clients and found it had a similar effect. This particular therapy works by asking the client to reflect on traumatic experiences that produce an emotional reaction. As the client does so, they follow the hand motions of their therapist with their eyes, which usually consist of quick, jerky movements. Unlike other therapies, EMDR consists of eight phases, including:

1. History and background – The therapist evaluates the client’s background and creates a detailed plan for future sessions.
2. Treatment preparation – The therapist prepares the client for treatment and teaches them holistic breathing techniques to help them deal with stress.
3. Assessment – Both the client and therapist work together to find different approaches to emotional reactions and explore alternative ways to cope with stress.
4. Desensitisation – Eye movement is used to help the client reevaluate traumatic events and emotional experiences.
5. Installation – Further reprocessing reinforces positive feelings when the client recalls past events.
6. Body scan – Clients assess their physical response whilst remembering the traumatic incident and identify somatic distress.
7. Closure – Therapists offer instructions and techniques to help contain the memory until further progress can be made in the next session.
8. Re-evaluation – The therapist examines the client’s psychological state and evaluates treatment results.

EMDR typically lasts for around six to twelve sessions, which may be given on consecutive days, and is primarily used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, new research is consistently being completed that suggests that it is also effective in treating anxiety symptoms.

The Effects of Trauma

Whether experienced as a child or later in life, traumatic events can significantly affect mental health and well-being. One study found that those who experienced adverse childhood experiences were seven to ten times more likely to suffer from a substance use disorder (SUD). Traumatic experiences affect how people live their lives on a day-to-day basis. They may find it difficult to relate to other people or attend work, school, and other obligations. Victims of trauma may have trouble regulating their emotions and could experience bouts of anger and sadness. They may also redirect their emotions to their loved ones. Trauma can also manifest physically. People who have experienced traumatic events may experience lethargy, fatigue, poor concentration, and panic attacks. They can also experience difficulty sleeping and disturbing flashbacks of the traumatic event. Unfortunately, some people do not know how to cope with these symptoms and turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms.

EMDR and Addiction

Often, addictions are related to past trauma. Many people with mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety simultaneously struggle with substance abuse in an attempt to numb the symptoms of their conditions. As a result, addiction can begin as a survival mechanism to get through a traumatic time or cope with a traumatic event, which EMDR can help individuals to reprocess. This is a dual diagnosis and requires specialist treatment to address both conditions. Many centres now offer EMDR as part of their therapeutic treatments to help combat addiction. Rather than treating addiction at a surface level, EMDR takes a trauma-informed approach that targets the root causes of addiction. Like other therapies, EMDR can be used in conjunction with additional therapeutic approaches, such as CBT, to help people in recovery target negative thoughts and behaviours and improve their mental health. EMDR may also be used in group settings during addiction treatment. This treats trauma and enables those in recovery to engage with others in the same situation as them and support one another throughout the process of healing. Furthermore, EMDR proves effective in treating addiction memory, a general memory about the effects of a particular drug that drives people to seek it out. People may remember their experiences with substances such as cocaine or alcohol in a positive light, which can hinder their efforts in recovery. EMDR can help reduce the intense feelings that come with memories of addiction and therefore prevent the chances of relapse.

Conclusion

EMDR is an effective addiction treatment method that is used worldwide. It enables clients to recover from past trauma that may cause addiction, overcome adverse life experiences, and begin substance-free healing. At Vitalis Wellbeing, we offer a range of therapies, including EMDR, to help individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. We provide personalised plans for each client as well as remote, accessible services for all needs. To find out more, contact us today.