EMDR for Addiction

The root causes of addiction are often linked to genetics, psychological factors, and environmental influences, with trauma playing a major role. Therapists have increasingly turned to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to help people overcome addiction. Although EMDR has been studied for many years, it remains a lesser-known therapy, one that has shown successful outcomes. At WellBrook Recovery, we are committed to integrating the best practices into our treatment programs, which is why we believe EMDR deserves attention and discussion.

Key Takeaways on EMDR Therapy for Addiction Treatment

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy that helps the brain reprocess traumatic or distressing memories, reducing their emotional impact.
• Using bilateral stimulation, such as rapid eye movements or tapping, EMDR helps clients confront and reframe traumatic experiences safely, regulating emotions and promoting healing.
• Many addictions are fueled by unresolved trauma. EMDR targets these underlying memories, reducing emotional triggers, cravings, and the risk of relapse.
• EMDR may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those early in recovery, with severe mental health disorders, or unable to tolerate trauma-focused work. It should always be paired with comprehensive addiction treatment.
• EMDR should always be conducted by a trained therapist who can ensure emotional safety, provide coping strategies, and guide the therapy toward effective outcomes.

What is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a technique used for treating traumatic memories that is very different from traditional talk therapies. EMDR therapy is based on the idea that disorders such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) occur because someone has gone through a traumatic or stressful memory and has not thoroughly processed it. This means the brain is still storing distressing emotions about the event, so the mere thought or mention of it triggers debilitating reactions, because the brain thinks the event is still ongoing.

EMDR therapy is a structured treatment process that involves activating sensory inputs on either side of the body, often by making rapid, rhythmic eye movements or using vibrating hand stimulators. This takes the person through the traumatic memory so they confront, reprocess and resolve it, changing the way they store the memory and allowing it to be healed. It regulates their emotions about the event, replacing their negative thoughts with more positive thoughts and consolidating the memory.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

EMDR therapy is an eight-phase psychotherapy treatment focused on systematically working through the person’s unresolved traumas. The different strategies, such as rapid eye movements, involve activating both hemispheres of the brain, known as bilateral stimulation. The bilateral work keeps the person grounded in their body so they can stay focused on the present while accessing events that happened in the past. When both hemispheres communicate with each other, they can effectively reprocess the traumatic events in a more healthy way, leading to a reduction in distressing symptoms like anxiety, depression and flashbacks.

Why Is EMDR Therapy Used for Addiction Treatment?

EMDR therapy is used for addiction treatment because it helps process traumatic memories that often drive substance use. By reprocessing distressing experiences, EMDR reduces emotional triggers, cravings, and relapse risk. It targets the root causes of addiction stored in the brain’s memory networks and promotes long‑term recovery.

What Is The Role of Trauma in Addiction?

People who have experienced trauma have an increased risk of developing substance use disorders (SUDs) such as alcohol or drug addictions. The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies reports that 20%-40% of people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a co-occurring SUD. Typically, exposure to trauma and the resultant development of PTSD precede the onset of SUD. They often start abusing these substances as a way to cope with the pain of their unresolved trauma and to reduce the intrusive memories, sleep impairment and flashbacks.

How EMDR Addresses Trauma-Related Addiction

EMDR targets these unresolved traumas by directly addressing the distressing memories and beliefs that fuelled the addiction in the first place. When the person reprocesses these memories, their emotional intensity is reduced, which diminishes the need to rely on substances to manage these overwhelming feelings.

Using EMDR for alcoholism and drug addiction doesn’t erase the past – it helps the brain reframe memories so they no longer create overwhelming emotional reactions. By reprocessing distressing experiences, EMDR can lessen the intensity of emotional triggers and cravings that might otherwise lead to relapse.

To address trauma-related addiction, therapists will often use a trauma-focused (TF-EMDR) approach to reduce the impact of the past.

How EMDR Addresses Non-Trauma-Related Addiction

Addiction is not always caused by trauma. It can also develop when positive feelings (such as excitement, power and satisfaction) become rigidly linked to specific behaviours surrounding the use of substances. People often feel a sense of belonging when they engage in substance use with a group of friends, so they continue this behaviour to achieve that feeling again. Addiction may also develop as a result of other psychological issues such as guilt, shame and low self-esteem.

To address this kind of addiction, therapists will use an addiction-focused (AF-EMDR) approach. This will help reduce the attractiveness of addictive behaviour by disrupting the positive feelings linked to substance use and reducing cravings. EMDR provides people with a new perspective on themselves, fostering self-empowerment and promoting healing.

Long-term Benefits of EMDR Therapy

EMDR for addiction treatment resolves people’s underlying traumas and other psychological issues, which are often the root of the addiction. This allows for a stable and sustainable recovery, reducing the likelihood of relapse, because the reason to turn to drugs or alcohol has been removed. EMDR also equips people with the tools to be able to face challenging emotional situations in the future without resorting to their old coping mechanism of substance abuse, because they have practised self-regulating their emotions during EMDR sessions.

Beyond addressing addiction, EMDR therapy has a positive impact on people’s overall mental health and well-being, as it promotes a healthy self-image and reduces other co-occurring psychological conditions that often come hand-in-hand with addiction (such as depression and anxiety).

What Steps Are Involved in EMDR Therapy for Addiction?

EMDR therapy is a structured treatment of eight phases, over several sessions.

1.      History taking and treatment planning:

This is the initial assessment phase, where the therapist discusses your history to identify potential target memories in your past, such as traumatic experiences related to addiction and any negative beliefs related to them. They also identify your strengths and external resources. You then develop an appropriate treatment plan together for the next steps.

2.      Preparation:

Your therapist will explain the EMDR process and its rationale to you and address any questions or concerns you may have. They will establish a trusting therapeutic alliance with you. They will also teach you healthy coping skills to ensure you have stress reduction techniques to manage emotional disturbances that may arise during future phases. They may test out the different eye movements with you.

3.      Assessment:

You work together with your therapist to identify the core target memories to reprocess. (These may involve negative self-beliefs, traumatic events or addiction triggers.) You talk about different aspects of the event, including images, feelings, thoughts, body sensations and beliefs.

4.      Desensitization:

You begin eye movements or tapping or other forms of bilateral stimulation whilst thinking about the memory. This allows you to reprocess the event whilst gradually releasing any disturbing emotions associated with these memories. This ‘desensitizes’ the memory until distress is reduced or eliminated, and new thoughts and sensations start to emerge.

5.      Installation:

You continue eye movements whilst linking the target event with positive feelings and beliefs about yourself, changing how your brain associates with that memory. This enhances your self-esteem as you are replacing negative self-perceptions with healthier ones.

6.      Body scan:

You think about the target memory together with the new positive belief associated with it, whilst concurrently scanning your body from head to toe. Your therapist assists you in identifying any lingering physical sensations or tension and reprocesses them using more bilateral stimulation.

7.      Closure:

Your therapist helps you return to a calm state at the end of each session (whether the reprocessing is complete or not) and provides strategies for containment and self-soothing techniques. They will discuss with you what to expect in between sessions.

8.      Re-evaluation:

At the start of each new session, you will discuss with your therapist recently processed memories to ensure no lingering discomfort is felt in connection with them and that the positive beliefs are still strong. You determine together whether to continue on with the same event (if needed) or move on to identify the next disturbing emotion or memory. This whole process is continued until all symptoms related to addiction have decreased significantly.

How Is Progress Measured in EMDR Treatment?

There are two important measurement systems used to track progress during EMDR treatment.

1.      Subjective Units of Distress (SUDs EMDR)

2.      Validity of Cognition (VOC)

During the Assessment phase, both metrics are measured to establish the initial baseline measures. During the Desensitization phase, the therapist works to decrease your SUD to zero, and during Installation, they focus on increasing your VOC, so your positive belief feels completely true. Reprocessing of an event or memory is considered complete when you feel utterly neutral about it (so your SUD is 0), the positive belief about it feels entirely true (so your VOC is 7) and your body is totally clear of disturbance.

Potential Challenges and Limitations of EMDR Therapy for Drug and Alcohol Addiction

While EMDR is highly effective for many people, it’s not right for everyone. Because EMDR is about triggering the person’s trauma, it’s not suitable for people who aren’t far enough along in their recovery journey to be able to face those memories yet. They may be unable to tolerate the intense emotions that come along with reprocessing the memory. Also, some people with severe mental health disorders may not be ready for EMDR therapy.

People who have substance abuse disorders also need to be aware that just going through the standard EMDR psychotherapy treatment alone is not going to eliminate their addiction. It will certainly address their trauma, but they must still work through the other issues contributing to their substance abuse with a skilled therapist, as well as treat their withdrawal symptoms and work on lifestyle changes to prevent relapses.

Addressing Misconceptions About EMDR

Despite its growing popularity, many people have questions or misunderstandings about EMDR therapy. So let’s clarify common misconceptions and explain how EMDR can be a valuable tool in the recovery process:

1. Some people think that EMDR treatment simply involves random eye movements invented by therapists with no scientific basis. However, EMDR is actually one of the most extensively researched and evidence-based therapies, and it has proven to be effective even in the most severe trauma cases.
2. Many people are hesitant to start EMDR therapy as, unfortunately, there’s still a perception that seeking help for your mental health is a sign of weakness. Just as someone would see a doctor to heal a broken arm, trauma can create “breaks” in the brain. Asking for help to address it is nothing to be ashamed of.
3. When beginning EMDR treatment, it’s important to know that it’s not an instant fix, despite what you may have heard. While some individuals may notice relief quickly, most people need several sessions to fully process traumatic memories and experience lasting results. EMDR is a gradual, structured approach that works by helping your brain reprocess distressing experiences safely over time.

Utilizing the Power of EMDR for Addiction Recovery

At Wellbrook Recovery, we always ensure that each person is matched with the therapy best suited to their unique recovery journey. Because of the strong link between addiction and trauma, we use EMDR to address the underlying trauma, since addiction cannot be fully treated while these issues remain unresolved. Although EMDR may not be the right fit for everyone, we offer a wide range of evidence-based therapies and make sure you receive only what is best suited to help you achieve lasting sobriety.

Whether you want to learn more about EMDR or explore the other therapies we offer, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are happy to discuss which approaches are most likely to support your way to sobriety.

Frequently Asked Questions on EMDR and Addiction

Can EMDR help if my addiction isn’t caused by a trauma?

Yes, EMDR can still help your addiction. Addiction is often caused by a need for belonging or a sense of low self-esteem, and EMDR can implant positive self-beliefs in you and reduce the appeal of the addictive substances.

Can I do EMDR on my own?

No, EMDR therapy should not be done on your own. It must be done with a trained and qualified EMDR therapist, because it involves revisiting traumatic memories. A skilled therapist will ensure you stay within your emotional capacity during each session. They will also ‘close down’ the work and help you contain within the therapy room any emotions that may have arisen during the session. This promises that you will return to a calm place at the end of each session.

Do I have to relive my trauma during EMDR sessions?

You do not have to fully relive your trauma during EMDR sessions. EMDR focuses on recalling distressing memories without becoming overwhelmed. The therapist guides you through rapid eye movements while you briefly access the memory, allowing your brain to reprocess it safely and reduce emotional intensity.

Is EMDR safe to use alongside other addiction therapies, like CBT or group counseling?

EMDR is safe to use alongside other addiction therapies like CBT or group counseling. It complements these methods by targeting the trauma that underlies substance use. Combining EMDR with cognitive and behavioral strategies enhances emotional processing, supports relapse prevention, and improves overall treatment outcomes.

What questions can I ask my EMDR therapist about using EMDR for addiction?

·   What can I expect during EMDR sessions?

·   How can EMDR help me recover from my addiction?

·   Can EMDR trigger a relapse in my recovery? What steps will we take if I get emotionally overwhelmed?

·   How long will EMDR treatment take?