EMDR is an acronym for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. A type of therapy that was originally intended to help people process trauma related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR therapy is also beneficial for addiction recovery. Understanding the benefits of EMDR therapy for addiction will help people experiencing addiction decide whether it’s right for their recovery journey.
If you are interested in trying an EMDR therapy program for addiction, contact the friendly team at My 5 Palms. Our Florida treatment center offers co-occurring disorders treatment to address the challenging combination of PTSD and substance use disorder. Give us a call at 1.844.675.1022 to learn more.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
Unlike talk therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), EMDR does not center on discussing past traumatic experiences. Instead, it involves a structured approach that incorporates bilateral stimulation, including eye movements, taps, or sounds, to help an individual reprocess distressing memories and emotions.
EMDR therapy facilitates healthy communication between the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex so the brain and body are no longer stuck in a chronic stress response. These responses are often known as fight, flight, freeze, or fawn, and can slow down your body’s response to trauma. EMDR allows the brain to facilitate proper healing.
The benefits of EMDR therapy can be far-reaching and have a number of applications.
5 Benefits of EMDR Therapy for Addiction
It is clear that EMDR therapy is beneficial for those struggling with trauma and PTSD. But how can it help with addiction recovery? The following are five benefits people can experience when they participate in EMDR therapy for addiction.
1. Addressing Underlying Trauma Contributing to Substance Misuse
One of the primary benefits of EMDR therapy for addiction recovery is its ability to help you address trauma, known or unknown, that may be triggering addictive behaviors.
Trauma can occur in minor and major forms, known as “little t” and “big T” traumas, respectively. Many people do not realize they are experiencing a “little t” trauma because they are unaware that circumstances like the following can lead to a trauma response. Some of examples of events that may lead to these types of traumas are:
- Losing a job
- Getting divorced
- Losing a beloved pet
Unfortunately, symptoms of untreated trauma can lead people to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. EMDR can help you process trauma, no matter how big or small, to reduce the urge to use substances.
2. Reducing Cravings and Triggers
Abstaining from drug or alcohol abuse can be especially challenging when you experience powerful cravings or encounter triggers such as work stress, relationship problems, or mental health issues like PTSD.
By processing trauma and desensitizing the emotional charge associated with triggers, EMDR therapy can mitigate your emotional discomfort, reducing the compulsion to use drugs or alcohol.
3. Strengthening Self-Awareness
EMDR therapy can help you get to know yourself better, allowing you to understand the connection between your thought patterns and behaviors so you can break free from addictive patterns.
4. Increasing Emotional Resilience
To recover from addiction and reduce the risk of relapse, you need to build emotional resilience and coping skills. EMDR therapy helps to build the emotional strength needed to navigate the challenges and setbacks that are often part of recovery.
By processing past traumas and developing adaptive coping strategies, you can become more resilient in the face of triggers and temptations to use.
5. Encouraging Positive Change
Ultimately, addressing trauma, reducing triggers, becoming more self-aware, and building emotional resilience through EMDR therapy will guide you toward positive change and healthier habits that support your recovery journey.
Call My 5 Palms to Enroll in EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy is a powerful tool in your addiction recovery, especially if you have been dealing with the effects of trauma. If you are ready to process and move on from trauma and substance use disorder, reach out to My 5 Palms at 1.844.675.1022 or fill out our online form to get started on your recovery journey today.