EMDR Therapy for Addiction: Mental Health Treatment at Lumina Recovery
EMDR Therapy for Addiction Treatment
At Lumina Recovery, we embrace the uniqueness of each individual’s path to healing and wellness. Among our specialized therapeutic offerings is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, a distinctive and effective treatment modality for addressing trauma-related issues, often associated with substance use disorders, addictions, and mental health challenges. EMDR therapy is also used to treat substance abuse and dependence on drugs by addressing the underlying trauma that contributes to these behaviors and the negative beliefs that fuel addiction.
EMDR therapy is a trauma-informed approach and is considered an evidence-based practice for treating addiction and trauma-related disorders. EMDR therapy is based on the adaptive information processing model, which explains how unprocessed traumatic memories can lead to psychological distress and the development of PTSD symptoms. This model also highlights the neurobiological mechanisms involved in EMDR therapy, which facilitate the reprocessing of traumatic memories.
EMDR therapy stands out for its ability to help individuals process and integrate traumatic experiences, thereby reducing their long-term psychological impact and supporting emotional regulation. This approach is an integral part of our holistic addiction treatment programs, where we are committed to providing evidence-based, compassionate care that supports addiction recovery and relapse prevention.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy is a unique and interactive psychotherapy technique specifically designed to alleviate psychological stress caused by trauma. EMDR therapy focuses on reprocessing traumatic memories, aiming to resolve the distress associated with them rather than just altering thoughts or beliefs.
At its core, EMDR therapy involves the patient recalling distressing experiences while receiving one of several types of bilateral sensory input, such as side-to-side eye movements, specifically bilateral eye movements, or hand tapping. Eye movements, especially bilateral eye movements, are a primary form of this bilateral sensory input. An EMDR session typically follows a structured therapeutic process organized into specific phases, including assessment, trauma processing with bilateral stimulation, and post-session discussion to evaluate progress and plan next steps.
This process is believed to facilitate the brain’s natural healing abilities, allowing the individual to reprocess traumatic memories in a way that reduces their long-lasting effects. EMDR treatment follows a specific protocol, often referred to as the standard EMDR protocol, to ensure safe and effective trauma reprocessing.
EMDR therapy does not involve detailed descriptions of the disturbing event, direct challenging of beliefs, or extended exposure to the traumatic event. Instead, it allows the brain to resume its natural healing process, which can be interrupted in times of intense stress or trauma.
Benefits of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy can be especially beneficial for patients who have experienced past trauma and need help addressing this to complete their recovery. In addition to improving emotional regulation, EMDR therapy helps individuals develop emotional regulation skills, which are essential for long-term recovery. But these are just some of the possible benefits of EMDR treatment.
Alleviates Emotional Distress from Traumatic Memories
For many individuals dealing with addiction, traumatic memories are often a driving force behind their addictive behaviors. EMDR therapy helps to reprocess these memories, reducing their influence and emotional grip. It addresses the pain caused by past trauma, helping patients process and heal from these difficult experiences.
Reduces Cravings and Relapse Triggers
Addiction is often fueled by triggers and cravings that can feel overwhelming. EMDR for addiction programs can help reduce the impact of these triggers, helping to make it easier to manage cravings and lower the risk of relapse. EMDR therapy helps people struggling with addiction to cope with triggers healthily, helping to reduce their reliance on substances.
Improves Self-Esteem and Self-Worth
By processing past traumatic experiences and understanding their impact, individuals often find an increase in self-esteem and a renewed sense of self-worth. These can be crucial components for long-term recovery. It can be affirming for developing an identity outside of the traumatic event.
Holistic Approach to Treatment
EMDR for addiction programs is not just about addressing addiction, but in treating the whole person. Dealing with emotional, mental, and historical aspects of an individual’s life helps to ensure a more comprehensive and lasting recovery. EMDR therapy supports the healing of addiction by addressing the struggle of overcoming both substance abuse and underlying trauma, helping to build a sustainable path toward long-term recovery.
How EMDR Therapy Helps With Addiction Recovery
EMDR therapy follows a specific protocol consisting of eight structured phases, which guide the treatment process and ensure a systematic approach to trauma processing. Here’s a glimpse at the eight phases of EMDR therapy for substance abuse:
Building a History
This initial phase involves gathering a comprehensive history of the person in treatment and identifying past experiences that may be contributing to current distress. The therapist and the individual themselves collaborate to develop a treatment plan.
Preparation
The therapist introduces the person to the EMDR process, establishes trust, and ensures that the client feels safe and comfortable. Techniques for stress reduction and emotional regulation are often taught during this phase.
Assessment
This phase identifies the specific target memory (or memories) for EMDR processing. Components such as vivid visual images related to the memory, negative beliefs about oneself, related emotions, and body sensations are identified.
Desensitization
The therapist uses EMDR techniques (such as eye movements or bilateral stimulations) to process the target memory. The client focuses on the memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, reducing the emotional impact of the memory.
Installation
The goal of this phase is to strengthen positive beliefs. The therapist helps the individual replace negative beliefs with positive ones, reinforced through the EMDR process.
Body Scan
After desensitization and installation, the individual is asked to think of the target memory again and observe if there is any residual physical tension. If there are lingering physical sensations, these are targeted for further EMDR processing.
Closure
This phase ensures the individual leaves each session feeling better than at the beginning. The therapist may revisit grounding techniques and ensure that the individual feels stable.
Evaluation of Results
At the beginning of subsequent sessions, the therapist and individual review the progress that has been made, ensuring that therapeutic gains are maintained and any new areas that need to be addressed receive treatment.
Each phase plays a crucial role in the overall effectiveness of EMDR for addiction, ensuring that the individual receives comprehensive treatment for trauma and other distressing life experiences.
Conditions That EMDR Can Help Treat
EMDR therapy is a versatile and effective treatment modality used for a wide range of psychological conditions, often with a particular focus on issues stemming from trauma. It is especially effective for certain conditions where trauma and mental disorders intersect, and is often incorporated into dual diagnosis treatment for addiction.
Trauma-Related Disorders
EMDR is perhaps best known for its effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can be beneficial for individuals who have experienced sexual and/or physical abuse, disturbing memories, and certain aspects of dissociative disorders, all of which are often associated with traumatic experiences. EMDR therapy can also be used to treat mental disorders that co-occur with trauma, such as mood disorders.
Anxiety and Mood Disorders
EMDR is an effective treatment for various anxiety-related conditions, including panic attacks, phobias, and performance anxiety. It can also be beneficial for those suffering from depression and certain symptoms of bipolar disorder, especially when these conditions are connected to traumatic experiences.
Stress and Emotional Regulation
EMDR therapy can be a valuable tool for stress reduction and helping individuals manage complicated grief. This can contribute to overall improved emotional regulation.
Psychosomatic and Pain Disorders
EMDR can assist in managing pain disorders and certain somatic symptoms, especially when these conditions are linked to psychological stress or trauma.
Specific Psychiatric Conditions
While EMDR is not a primary treatment for all psychiatric conditions, it can be helpful in specific cases of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), personality disorders, body dysmorphic disorders, and certain eating disorders. It can be particularly helpful when these conditions intersect with traumatic or stressful experiences.
Sleep Disturbances
EMDR therapy may also benefit individuals suffering from sleep disorders that have connections to traumatic or stressful experiences.
It’s important to understand that EMDR for addiction therapy is most effective when it is part of a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to an individual’s specific needs.
Treating trauma may involve using different forms of treatment at different times. It all comes down to the needs of the individual person seeking treatment.
Other Therapies Offered at Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers
At Lumina Recovery, we believe in a holistic approach to drug addiction treatment therapies, recognizing that each individual’s journey is unique. Alongside EMDR therapy, we offer a variety of other modalities of addiction therapy to provide comprehensive care at our addiction treatment centers. These include:
Recover From Addiction at Lumina Recovery
Your journey to healing and transformation is just one decision away. If you’re suffering from trauma and find that it’s leading you to an increase in addictive substance use, we can help. We’re not here to judge what happened. We’re on your side, and we want to help you get better.
Reach out today to learn more about our locations and offerings for addiction treatment. Let our team help you find the solution that’s right for you.
Call Us Today – (877) 716-7515