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Reviewed by Addiction and trauma are often closely intertwined, with studies showing that up to 45% of individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) also experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The connection is not coincidental. For many, addictive behaviors begin as a coping mechanism, a way to navigate the pain or numb the distress caused by traumatic experiences. However, this cycle only deepens suffering, as substance use frequently leads to further traumatic events, worsening mental and physical health.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has shown effectiveness in addressing the root cause: the trauma that often underlies addiction. Read on to learn how EMDR therapy can be an effective tool in breaking the cycle of addiction.
Table Of Contents:
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a structured psychotherapy approach developed to help individuals process and resolve traumatic memories.
Initially created by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR therapy was designed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but has since been adapted for a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and addiction.
EMDR therapy centers around the idea that trauma can disrupt the brain’s natural processing capabilities, causing disturbing memories and emotions to become โstuck.โ Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t focus on extensive discussion of the traumatic experience. Instead, it uses a series of 8 structured phases to help the brain reprocess these distressing memories.
Research suggests that EMDR may benefit individuals struggling with various addictions, including:
- Alcohol addiction
- Gambling addiction
- Internet addiction
- Sex addiction
- Opioid addiction
- Nicotine addiction
Though current data on EMDRโs impact on substance use disorders (SUD) remains limited, researchers remain optimistic about its potential benefits for addiction recovery, given the frequent overlap between SUD, trauma symptoms, and PTSD.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
EMDR therapy follows an eight-phase, structured approach that roughly includes:
- Preparation
- Assessment
- Desensitization
- Reprocessing
During EMDR sessions, therapists typically use bilateral stimulation techniques, such as guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues, to engage both sides of the brain.
This stimulation mimics the natural process during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, allowing the brain to โreprocessโ painful memories and emotions. Instead of simply talking about the traumatic event, the patient is encouraged to focus on specific traumatic memories while experiencing these bilateral movements.
Over time, the emotional intensity of these memories decreases, and patients can reframe negative beliefs associated with the trauma. For example, a person who has internalized the belief โI am powerlessโ due to past trauma may, through EMDR, replace this with a more empowering thought, such as โI am resilient.โ
Stages of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy consists of eight structured phases, each with a specific purpose to guide patients through the process of healing from trauma and distressing memories. Hereโs an overview of each EMDR stage:
History and Treatment Planning (Phase I)
In this initial phase, the therapist gathers a comprehensive history and develops a personalized treatment plan. Together, the therapist and patient identify specific traumatic memories and issues that will be the focus of EMDR. This phase sets the stage for targeted and effective therapy.
Preparation (Phase II)
During this phase, the therapist introduces the EMDR protocol and explains what to expect. During sessions, the patient learns coping strategies and relaxation techniques to manage potential emotional distress. Building trust and a sense of safety are critical goals in this phase, ensuring the patient is prepared for therapy.
Assessment (Phase III)
In the assessment phase, the patient visualizes a specific image of the traumatic incident and identifies associated beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations.
The therapist also helps the patient rate the disturbance level of the memory and the validity of their preferred, positive beliefs. These ratings provide a baseline for tracking progress throughout treatment.
Desensitization and Reprocessing (Phase IV)
This core phase involves desensitizing and reprocessing the traumatic memory. The patient focuses on a dual-attention stimulus, typically guided eye movements, while holding the traumatic memory in mind.
Bilateral tactile taps or auditory tones may be alternatives for those with difficulty tracking visual stimuli. After each set of bilateral stimulation (BLS), the patient notes any associative information or emotions that arise.
The therapist then uses this material as the focus for the next BLS set, following standardized procedures to allow the brain to process the memory and reduce its emotional impact.
Installation (Phase V)
In this phase, BLS is employed to strengthen a positive cognition chosen by the patient to replace the negative belief previously associated with the trauma. This reinforcement helps solidify the patientโs new, positive belief, supporting a more adaptive outlook.
Body Scan (Phase VI)
The body scan phase uses BLS to reprocess any residual physical sensations tied to the traumatic memory. The patient scans their body for lingering tension or discomfort, ensuring that the memory has been fully addressed on both emotional and physical levels.
Closure (Phase VII)
At the end of each session, the therapist guides the patient through relaxation techniques to help them achieve a state of calm. These techniques can also be practiced between sessions, supporting emotional stability and a sense of security as the patient progresses through the treatment.
Reevaluation (Phase VIII)
In the final phase, the therapist and patient review progress from the previous session and assess any ongoing needs. This phase helps determine whether to continue working on past targets or focus on new ones, ensuring that each session builds effectively toward lasting healing.
Through these structured phases, EMDR therapy addresses traumatic memories at a core level, gradually replacing distress with resilience and empowering patients to heal from past experiences.
Benefits of EMDR Therapy for Addiction Recovery
EMDR therapy offers several unique benefits for individuals struggling with addiction, mainly because it addresses the underlying trauma that often fuels substance use and other compulsive behaviors.
Here are some important benefits of EMDR therapy for addiction treatment:
Desensitizes Drug-Specific Memories
EMDR therapy helps individuals reduce the emotional impact of memories related to substance use, making them less likely to be triggered and aiding in relapse prevention.
Importantly, research shows that trauma-focused therapies like EMDR can be safely used for clients with co-occurring SUD and PTSD without compromising recovery. This addresses clinician concerns that processing trauma might increase relapse risk, offering a secure, effective way to treat both trauma and addiction.
Addresses Root Causes of Addiction
Many people struggling with addiction experience trauma, which can lead to patterns of substance use to self-medicate and cope with unresolved pain. EMDR therapy directly addresses these traumatic memories, helping clients heal from past experiences that contribute to their drug addiction. By working through trauma, patients often experience a reduced need to rely on substances.
Reduces Cravings and Triggers
As EMDR helps patients reprocess traumatic memories and drug-specific triggers, it often results in a decrease in cravings and the strength of external triggers. Clients learn to associate their memories with healthier beliefs, which makes it easier to resist urges to use substances.
Promotes Positive Self-Beliefs
Addiction often leads to negative self-beliefs, such as feelings of shame, guilt, or hopelessness. EMDR therapy helps replace these negative thoughts with positive, constructive beliefs. This shift in self-perception empowers clients to make healthier choices and reinforces their commitment to recovery.
Improves Emotional Regulation
Many people with addiction struggle with managing intense emotions, which can lead to substance use as a coping mechanism. EMDR therapy fosters emotional resilience, helping clients process and healthily regulate their feelings. This increased stability is beneficial in maintaining sobriety and building healthier responses to stress.
Reduces Co-Occurring PTSD Symptoms
Untreated PTSD can lead to a range of negative long-term mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, disruptive behaviors, and even substance use disorders.
Addressing PTSD is especially crucial for young people, who are particularly vulnerable to addiction. Research suggests that EMDR therapy can be a promising approach for treating PTSD and its comorbid symptoms, helping to prevent the development of future addiction or co-occurring disorders by reducing the distress caused by unresolved trauma.
Dangers of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy is generally safe, but there are potential risks, especially for patients with complex trauma or unstable emotional states.
During the therapy, patients may experience heightened emotional distress, vivid flashbacks, or temporary increases in symptoms such as anxiety or sleep disturbances. In some cases, the intensity of reprocessing traumatic memories may trigger unresolved trauma or cause emotional overwhelm.
Given the intensity of EMDR, therapy must be conducted by trained and experienced professionals in a safe and controlled environment. Skilled therapists or addiction specialists can properly guide patients through emotional processing and provide support when difficult memories or emotions arise.
How Long Is EMDR Therapy?
Each EMDR therapy session typically lasts between 50 to 90 minutes. During this time, therapists work with patients to process specific memories, with one to three sessions often required to address a single traumatic memory.
However, the overall length of treatment can vary significantly depending on the complexity and number of traumatic memories being processed, as well as the patient’s individual needs and progress.
Depending on the patient’s specific circumstances, the total length of treatment can range from a few weeks to several months. The average treatment duration typically is between 6 and 12 sessions.
How Much Does EMDR Therapy Cost?
Each therapy session can costย between $75 and $250, with the average cost around $150.ย The cost can vary depending on several factors, including:
- Location
- Therapist expertise
- Session length
- Insurance coverage
EMDR therapy is considered an evidence-based treatment for reducing PTSD symptoms, so most insurance companies typically cover it.ย However, the specifics of your rehab coverage, including the cost of EMDR, may vary depending on your policy and insurance provider.
You can check with your insurance company to determine if EMDR therapy is covered and what the associated costs may be.
Find EMDR Therapy Near Me
People often struggle to go to therapy due to a combination of factors, includingย fear of judgment, the stigma associated with mental health issues, concerns about privacy, discomfort with discussing personal problems, uncertainty about the process, and a belief that they should be able to handle their problems alone.
Finding a qualified EMDR therapist that makes you feel comfortable is important in receiving effective treatment and long-term sobriety. Here are some tips to help you locate an EMDR professional in your area:
- Use Online Directories: Visit EMDRIA’s website to search for certified EMDR therapists in your area.
- Ask for Referrals: Get recommendations from your doctor, counselor, or trusted friends.
- Check Local Clinics: Contact mental health centers or rehab facilities that offer EMDR therapy.
- Verify Credentials: Ensure the therapist is certified in EMDR therapy through EMDRIA or ask them directly.
- Consider Teletherapy: If local options are limited, many EMDR therapists offer online sessions.
Break Free from Addiction with EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy offers a powerful and effective approach for patients struggling with substance use disorders (SUD) and comorbid PTSD.
While many drug rehab centers recognize the importance of addressing PTSD in SUD treatment, integrated therapies that address both conditions are still lacking in many facilities. EMDR therapy, with its trauma-focused approach, directly targets the underlying trauma often linked to substance misuse, offering a more comprehensive path to recovery.
By addressing both the trauma and the addiction simultaneously, EMDR can help patients break free from the cycle of pain and destructive behaviors. Contact a local rehab center for more information.
People Also Ask
What does EMDR therapy do?
EMDR therapy helps process and reframe traumatic memories, reducing emotional distress and enabling healthier coping mechanisms, particularly for PTSD and addiction.
How is EMDR therapy done?
It involves eight phases: history-taking, memory processing with bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or tones), and reprocessing trauma to replace negative beliefs with positive ones.
How much is EMDR therapy?
Costs vary widely, ranging from $75 to $250 per session, depending on location, therapist experience, and the duration of the therapy. Some insurance plans may cover it.
Page Sources
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- Moreno-Alcรกzar, A., et al. (2017). Efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Children and Adolescents with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 1750. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01750
- Carletto, S., et al. (2018). EMDR as Add-On Treatment for Psychiatric and Traumatic Symptoms in Patients with Substance Use Disorder. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 2333. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02333
- Markus W, et al. (2017). EMDR Interventions in Addiction. https://connect.springerpub.com/content/sgremdr/11/1/3.full.pdf
- Landin-Romero, R., Moreno-Alcazar, A., Pagani, M., & Amann, B. L. (2018). How Does Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy Work? A Systematic Review on Suggested Mechanisms of Action. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 1395. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01395
- Qurishi, R., et al. (2017). EMDR therapy reduces intense Treatment-Resistant cravings in a case of Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid addiction. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 11(1), 30โ42. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.11.1.30