EMDR for Addiction: How It Works, Examples, & Effectiveness

What Is EMDR?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a structured psychotherapy approach designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories. EMDR helps individuals process and reframe distressing memories or traumatic experiences so past events don’t continue to affect their present day functioning. EMDR is recognized for its effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but is also used to address various emotional issues, anxiety, and certain addictive behaviors by addressing the underlying trauma or triggers.¹

How Does EMDR Work?

Many people wonder how EMDR works. During EMDR sessions, individuals recall distressing experiences while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, often through guided eye movements, taps, or sounds. This process aims to facilitate the reprocessing of traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact and promoting adaptive coping mechanisms.¹

The EMDR therapeutic process involves the following:²

• Intake and history: In this initial phase, the therapist gathers information about the client’s trauma history, current issues, and treatment goals. This helps in tailoring the EMDR approach to the individual’s specific needs.
• Preparations: The therapist educates the client about EMDR, establishes trust, and teaches relaxation techniques to ensure they are emotionally prepared for the reprocessing work ahead.
• Assessment: Identifying target memories or distressing events to work on during EMDR. Clients rate the emotional distress associated with each memory.
• Desensitization: The core of EMDR, during which clients focus on a distressing memory while following the therapist’s bilateral stimulation. This process helps desensitize the memory and allows for emotional processing.
• Installation: Encouraging the integration of positive beliefs or emotions to replace negative ones associated with the traumatic memory.
• Body scan: Clients check for any remaining physical tension or distress related to the targeted memory.
• Closure: Ensuring clients are emotionally stable before ending a session, providing self-soothing techniques if needed.
• Reevaluation: In subsequent sessions, the therapist assesses progress and determines if further EMDR processing is necessary on other target memories or issues.
• Integration: The final phase involves helping clients apply the insights and changes from EMDR sessions to their daily life, promoting lasting healing and adaptive coping.

What Is Addiction?

Addiction is a complex condition characterized by a compulsive and uncontrollable urge to engage in a particular behavior or consume a substance despite adverse consequences. It typically involves the development of tolerance (needing more for the same effect) and withdrawal symptoms when the behavior or substance is not accessible.³

Addiction can have profound effects on an individual, causing physical, psychological, and social harm. It can disrupt relationships, impair one’s ability to fulfill responsibilities, and lead to physical and mental health problems, making it a challenging and chronic condition to overcome. Once any behavior tends to override other areas of one’s life, it may be considered an addiction.

Can EMDR Be Used to Treat Addiction?

Research suggests that eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) can be a valuable component in addiction treatment. While not a standalone solution, EMDR has demonstrated effectiveness in addressing underlying trauma and emotional issues that often contribute to addiction. EMDR has been shown to reduce cravings in participants when the target is cravings, rather than memories.^{4, 5}

EMDR can effectively treat the following addictions:⁶

• Substance abuse: EMDR has been shown to be effective in addressing the compulsive behaviors and underlying issues associated with gambling addiction.
• Gambling addiction: EMDR has been shown to be effective in addressing the compulsive behaviors and underlying issues associated with gambling addiction.
• Food addiction: EMDR can be applied to treat overeating and other forms of food addiction, helping individuals regain control over their eating habits.
• Sexual addiction: EMDR therapy can assist in addressing the emotional trauma and compulsive sexual behaviors that characterize sexual addiction.
• Internet & technology addiction: EMDR can be employed to address the underlying emotional triggers and compulsive use of the internet, including social media addiction, or video game addiction.
• Shopping & spending addiction: EMDR can help individuals overcome impulsive shopping habits and excessive spending by addressing emotional drivers behind shopping addiction.

The Link Between Trauma & Addiction

The link between trauma and addiction is profound. Many individuals turn to addictive substances or behaviors as a way to cope with the emotional pain and distress resulting from past traumatic experiences. Trauma can include physical or emotional abuse, accidents, loss, or other distressing events. The use of substances or addictive behaviors temporarily provides relief from these emotional wounds, but it often leads to a vicious cycle of dependency.⁶

EMDR can be effective for addiction when it directly addresses the underlying trauma that drives addictive behaviors. By helping individuals process and reframe traumatic memories, EMDR reduces the emotional distress associated with these experiences. As a result, the compulsion to use substances or engage in addictive behaviors may diminish, making it easier for individuals to break free from the cycle of addiction. EMDR empowers individuals to develop healthier coping mechanisms and regain control over their lives, promoting lasting recovery from addiction.⁶

Benefits of EMDR Therapy for Addiction

EMDR therapy offers a promising approach to addiction treatment by addressing the underlying emotional wounds and trauma often intertwined with addictive behaviors. This innovative therapy not only helps individuals reduce cravings and manage triggers but also empowers them to heal from the root causes of their addiction.⁶ By providing a path to emotional recovery and enhanced coping skills, EMDR can contribute significantly to the journey of lasting sobriety and improved overall well-being.

Potential benefits of EMDR therapy for addiction include:

• Reduce alcohol cravings: EMDR has been found to significantly reduce cravings in individuals with a history of substance use disorders.^{4, 5}
• Trauma resolution: EMDR can effectively address underlying trauma, helping individuals process and release the emotional distress associated with past traumatic experiences, which are often at the root of addiction.⁷
• Enhanced emotional regulation: By promoting the reprocessing of distressing memories, EMDR can equip individuals with improved emotional regulation skills, reducing the need for substance use as a coping mechanism.¹
• Improved self-esteem: EMDR can enhance self-esteem and self-worth as individuals confront and reframe negative beliefs and self-perceptions tied to addiction.¹
• Relapse prevention: EMDR equips individuals with strategies to manage triggers and cravings, reducing the likelihood of relapse.⁶
• Holistic healing: EMDR offers a holistic approach to addiction treatment, addressing the emotional, psychological, and physiological aspects of addiction, contributing to more comprehensive recovery outcomes.⁶

EMDR Protocol Adaptations for Treating Addiction

EMDR therapy for individuals with drug or alcohol addiction often includes tailored protocol adaptations. It begins with a comprehensive assessment to identify and address underlying trauma or triggers. The DeTUR Protocol specifically addresses addiction by reducing the emotional intensity of substance-related triggers and cravings.¹ The Urge Reduction Protocol aims to make cravings more manageable for clients.⁶ A trauma-informed approach integrates trauma processing with addiction-specific interventions. Through reprocessing memories and beliefs tied to addiction, clients can achieve recovery and emotional healing.

EMDR for Disorders That Co-Occur With Addiction

EMDR is also a valuable therapeutic intervention for addressing co-occurring disorders often seen alongside addiction, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other trauma-related conditions. EMDR’s effectiveness in treating addiction is linked to its capacity to alleviate the emotional distress caused by these co-occurring disorders, which often serve as triggers for addictive behaviors.¹ By resolving the underlying trauma and emotional issues through EMDR, individuals can experience relief from co-occurring disorders and, in turn, reduce their reliance on addictive substances or behaviors as a coping mechanism.

What to Expect When Beginning EMDR for Addiction

Beginning EMDR therapy for addiction can be a significant step toward recovery. When you initiate this treatment, you can expect a therapist-guided process that addresses both the addictive behaviors and the underlying emotional trauma or triggers.

Sessions are typically one-on-one, lasting around 60 to 90 minutes. During these sessions, the therapist will help you reprocess distressing memories and beliefs tied to addiction, ultimately empowering you to break free from the cycle of addiction. EMDR can evoke strong emotions, but it is a transformative journey towards lasting recovery and emotional healing.

Here are a few things to expect when beginning EMDR for addiction:^{1, 6}

• Assessment: Your therapist will assess your addiction history and trauma-related issues to tailor the treatment.
• Processing painful memories: EMDR involves revisiting distressing memories to reprocess them, which can bring up strong emotions.
• Bilateral stimulation: You’ll engage in eye movements, tactile sensations, or auditory cues during sessions.
• Emotional shifts: You may notice changes in how you feel about your addiction and triggers.
• Increased insight: EMDR can provide new insights into your addiction and its underlying causes.
• Gradual progress: Recovery is a process, and results may not be immediate; consistent sessions are key.
• Relaxation techniques: Your therapist may teach relaxation methods to help manage distress between sessions.

Other Treatment Options for Addiction

Comprehensive addiction treatment combines various therapeutic approaches to address the complex nature of addiction effectively. Frontline in most cases often includes behavioral therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for addiction, and Motivational Interviewing (MI), which help individuals identify and change unhealthy thought patterns, behaviors, and enhance motivation for recovery. Other important treatment options include:

Other treatment options for addiction include:

• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): MAT combines behavioral therapy with medication to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, commonly used for opioid and alcohol addiction.
• 12-Step programs: Like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), provide peer support and structured steps for recovery.
• Individual and group therapy: Offers a safe space for individuals to explore the underlying causes of addiction and develop coping skills, while group therapy fosters a sense of community.
• Family therapy: Helps repair relationships damaged by addiction and educates families on supporting their loved ones in recovery.
• Holistic therapies: Complementary approaches like trauma-informed yoga, mindfulness, and art therapy promote overall well-being and stress management.
• Inpatient and outpatient programs: Tailored to the individual’s needs, inpatient and outpatient rehab programs provide varying levels of support and structure during recovery.

How to Find an EMDR Therapist for Addiction

To find an EMDR-trained therapist specializing in addiction, consider using an online therapist directory, which often allows you to filter by specialties and location. These directories can be valuable resources for identifying qualified professionals who offer both in-person treatment and EMDR online. Additionally, an online therapy platform may connect you with EMDR-trained therapists who can provide remote sessions, offering convenience and accessibility for those who may prefer this format. When selecting a therapist, ensure they are licensed and experienced in treating addiction with EMDR to receive the most effective care.