Addiction can be rooted in a number of factors. Some people may believe that it is just a matter of willpower. It can be caused by factors far more complicated than just willpower. In a lot of cases, substance use disorder can be driven by mental health disorders, so this needs to be addressed within addiction treatment. Various therapies can help with a person’s mental state, and one of those therapies that is rapidly growing in popularity is Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
But is EMDR for addiction a viable treatment path?
Can EMDR Therapy Help with Addiction?
Trauma and addiction can often be linked together. It is not unusual for a person to use substances as a means of coping with a traumatic event. Over time, they can become dependent on substance abuse because they haven’t addressed their trauma or their mental health. Eventually, this dependence can evolve into addiction.
EMDR therapy for addiction can be viable in these cases. EMDR is a form of therapy that is meant to help people whose substance use is rooted in their trauma. By addressing that trauma, EMDR may help reduce a person’s need to use drugs and alcohol. In this regard, it can be instrumental in treating addiction.
What is Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing?
EMDR is a therapy that primarily treats trauma-related conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. The rationale behind it is that traumatic memories can get ‘stuck’ in a person’s head, and that is what causes their emotional impact. EMDR treatment seeks to help patients process these memories and blunt their emotional impact.
Because of how trauma can inform multiple facets of a person’s mental and emotional health, it can be used in treatment plans to help people struggling with addiction or other mental health conditions.
How Does the Process of EMDR Work?
EMDR therapy helps people process traumatic memories. During sessions, an EMDR therapist uses bilateral stimulation, such as alternating taps or guided finger movements. This helps replicate the REM phase of sleep, which is when memories are processed.
The therapist will also have the patient bring up a specific traumatic memory. By having this targeted memory at the forefront of the mind, the memory is processed, and its emotional weight is lightened. This can reduce a person’s trauma and help them live an emotionally healthier life.
8 Phases of EMDR Treatment
EMDR therapy happens in phases and, on average, takes 6 to 12 sessions, though depending on the trauma, it can be done for more or less sessions. The eight phases of EMDR are:
History Taking
At the beginning of treatment, the therapist gathers information regarding the patient’s history, symptoms, and treatment goals. Furthermore, the therapist helps the patient identify memories to process.
Preparation
At this point of treatment, the therapist will establish trust with the patient and explain how EMDR helps their condition. The therapist will also teach the patient coping skills, relaxation techniques, and emotional regulation strategies to ensure the patient’s stability.
Assessment
During the EMDR phase, the targeted memory and negative beliefs that may stem from it are identified. The intensity of the disturbance caused by these memories is also assessed. Furthermore, positive beliefs that need to be reinforced are also identified.
Desensitisation
This is the phase of treatment wherein the client focuses on the targeted memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation. This can happen through following the fingers of the therapist, light pulses, or light taps, depending on what the client is most comfortable with. This helps process the memory and reduce its emotional charge.
Installation
The positive beliefs that were earlier identified are reinforced, replacing the previously identified negative beliefs. The traumatic memory normally affects these beliefs.
Body Scan
At this point in the EMDR process, the patient checks their body for any lingering tension or discomfort tied to the targeted memory. If any discomfort remains, further treatment is initiated.
Closure
At this phase of an EMDR session, the therapist ensures that the patient is stable and uses grounding techniques to help them get stable. The therapist and the patient will discuss any remaining concerns.
Evaluation
This happens at the start of the next session. The therapist assesses the patient’s progress and determines whether further processing is needed or if a new memory should be targeted.
Pros of Using EMDR for Addiction
EMDR therapy can help a person with their trauma and their substance use disorder. But that is not to say that it is perfect for all people who struggle with substance use. Some of the benefits of EMDR for addiction treatment include:
Addressed Underlying Condition
EMDR has proven to be an effective treatment for trauma-related disorders. This form of treatment can help with trauma and greatly reduce emotional triggers for substance use.
Does Not Require Intensive Psychotherapy
Most other forms of therapy need the client to revisit their traumatic event, often in great detail verbally. EMDR does not rely on talk therapy, and this can be beneficial for those who find it difficult to talk about their trauma or verbally articulate their feelings.
Fast
EMDR is not only effective, but it also acts quickly. In some cases, a person can find relief from their trauma in as little as three sessions. It is important to note that this varies depending on the trauma’s intensity and the client’s responsiveness.
Cons of EMDR for Substance Treatment
As effective as EMDR can be, it may not help all people suffering from addiction. Some of the drawbacks to EMDR for substance use disorder include:
Not a Main Treatment
EMDR helps address the trauma behind some people’s addictions, but it does not directly address their behaviour regarding substance use. It is often used alongside behavioural therapies but is not used as a standalone treatment for addiction.
Emotional Intensity
Recalling a traumatic memory to process it can be emotionally intense, and some people may find it overwhelming. This can increase the need to use substances in some people.
