EMDR Therapy is a powerful treatment method for those suffering from trauma and substance abuse. It helps individuals adjust their responses to traumatic triggers, making them less likely to turn to drugs or alcohol.
EMDR is available through private rehabilitation facilities and the NHS. If you are interested in EMDR, talk to your GP who can assess your needs and refer you to an appropriate therapist.
Stage 1: Assessment
During this stage, professionals evaluate each patient’s situation. This includes identifying any triggers that may arise during treatment. They will also arm patients with self-soothing techniques to use in case they become distressed during a session.
During this stage, patients work to desensitize past distressing memories that relate to their addiction. They do this by undergoing bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements. It isn’t entirely understood why these movements help, but it seems to disrupt the underlying memory networks.
Stage 2: Desensitization
During this phase, the therapist will identify any past or present-related distressing memories and beliefs. This includes any themes of dysfunction and irrationality that may be contributing to your addiction.
During the desensitization phase, clients will work to lessen their sensitivity to these memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as rapid eye movements). They’ll also address maladaptive body sensations associated with this memory.
After the desensitization stage, EMDR therapy moves to the installation phase. In this phase, clients will begin to associate positive beliefs with the traumatic memories.
Stage 3: Reprocessing
EMDR is used to tackle past experiences that lead to dysfunctional emotions, thoughts, and behaviours – including substance dependency. This is a sensitive treatment that can bring up strong emotions and can cause stress for patients. Therefore, professionals will make sure that patients know some self-control and self-soothing techniques to use.
The therapist will discuss the client’s history and background to identify specific memories they will address during treatment. They will also prepare the patient for EMDR by explaining what it involves and what to expect during sessions.
Stage 4: Restructuring
After a thorough assessment of the individual, the therapist will determine what areas of trauma are relevant to their addiction. This includes memories and beliefs that lead to dysfunctional behaviors such as substance abuse.
During the desensitization stage, the client will focus on a memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation. This can include eye movements or other external stimuli.
Many EMDR practitioners claim that the eye-movement component of this treatment is unique, but multiple studies have found that it does not offer incremental validity. Rather, it borrows established therapeutic techniques from other psychological paradigms.
Stage 5: Closure
Many people suffering from a substance use disorder have experienced traumas in the past. These traumatic experiences can trigger drug cravings and lead to substance abuse. Therefore, it is important to address these underlying issues in order to achieve long-term recovery from addiction.
EMDR is a powerful therapy that can help individuals overcome and recover from substance use disorder and PTSD. By addressing unresolved traumas, patients will be able to develop a more positive outlook on life.
Stage 6: Reevaluation
As the reevaluation stage begins, clients will begin to assess how satisfied they are with their progress. The therapist will also determine whether any areas of trauma need to be readdressed.
EMDR has been shown to desensitize memories associated with drug use. This can help to reduce cravings and prevent relapse in the future.
Addiction can often be viewed as a symptom of underlying trauma. Using EMDR to address these issues can help people to better cope with stressful feelings and lower the risk of relapse.
Stage 7: Integration
EMDR is a relatively new therapy treatment. It’s not 100% understood why and how it works, but it does use established therapeutic principles from different psychological paradigms.
Studies have shown that trauma is a common root cause of substance misuse and SUD. EMDR may help to address those traumas that are contributing to the addiction. During the integration phase, patients work to replace distressing emotions with positive position affirmations. This will help to reduce stress levels and improve stability.
Stage 8: Finalization
EMDR is an integrative treatment that addresses both trauma and substance use. Addressing trauma helps your clients reframe negative dysfunctional emotions, thoughts and behaviours – including reliance on drugs or alcohol – to achieve stable and long-term recovery from their addiction.
EMDR is a highly effective, safe, and non-invasive therapy for traumatic experiences. In fact, a review of research found that EMDR outperformed behavioral and pharmacological approaches to trauma treatment. The eight-phase EMDR protocol includes history taking, client preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure and reevaluation.
