What is EMDR Therapy? by Rehab Recovery Centers

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a treatment used for trauma by the use of sporadic visual stimulation. This cutting-edge form of therapy has found a relation to the rhythm of an individual’s eye movements to the way their brain stores trauma memory.

This therapy works by allowing patients to recall their trauma memories while stimulating their vision, helping their brain reprocess how those memories are stored. Additionally, EMDR therapy helps reduce the intensity of the patient’s feelings concerning their trauma. EMDR has been proven to help patients heal from traumatic events, change negative reactions, and resolve any triggers. This form of therapy typically takes 8 sessions and utilizes an exercise that includes a professional focusing on the patient’s past, present, and future about traumatic events.

EMDR is so effective that many addiction rehabs and mental health treatment facilities utilize this therapy as part of their treatment plans. EMDR therapy is versatile, meaning it can aid in the treatment of many conditions, including addiction and PTSD. If you think EMDR therapy is right for you or your loved one, talk to your physician, or research local resources.

How Does EMDR Treatment Work?

While there is not an understanding of exactly how EMDR works in the brain, there is evidence that proves its usefulness. The eye movements that EMDR cause somehow diminish the feelings associated with traumatic events. This therapy is extremely effective for individuals who have struggled with issues such as abusive relationships and PTSD.  It is widely known that PTSD is one of the most common causes of addiction and substance abuse. Therefore, EMDR therapy is a useful tool in addiction recovery. Additionally, many addiction treatment patients suffer from co-occurring disorders, making EMDR a vital staple among many treatment centers in America.

When an individual is doing EMDR therapy, there is no medication involved. This treatment is completely conducted by the use of visual stimulation. This is beneficial for many people who have a hard time adjusting to the side effects of psychiatric medication or for individuals who are at a high risk of substance abuse. EMDR may be applied through the use of specialized medical machines, or by a pen and paper. There is no evidence proving that one method of EMDR is better than another.

While EMDR seems simple when explained, this treatment should not be attempted at home. The proper use of this therapy includes a doctor discussing trauma memories with a patient. This can cause EMDR to be an emotionally painful process and even trigger intense feelings and erratic behavior that should be monitored by a medical professional. Because EMDR has the ability to worsen conditions if not done properly, this therapy is only conducted by licensed and experienced professionals.

EMDR Therapy for Addiction Recovery

EMDR is heavily used among addiction treatment facilities because of the connection between trauma and substance abuse. It is understood that by treating the patient’s trauma, the causes of their addiction will diminish – ultimately leading to recovery and sobriety. In other words, EMDR helps treat the compulsion aspect of addiction and substance abuse.

Phase 1 of EMDR therapy focuses on identifying emotional distress. Next, phase 2 incorporates the utilization of imagery and more stress reduction techniques. During phases 3 through 6, patients will identify negative self-beliefs, vivid visuals, and related emotions. Lastly, phases 7 and 8 include the patient seeking their own self-calming techniques while the therapist examines the patient’s progress.

Therapists who utilize EMDR always approach their patient’s addiction from a trauma-informed perspective. As a result, therapists are able to examine their patient’s condition while the client learns the root causes and effects of their addiction. Due to this, EMDR plays a significant role in the treatment of addiction. Additionally, many individuals recovering from substance abuse suffer from co-occurring PTSD. This makes EMDR one of the most important therapies, as it greatly helps a patient and reduces their risk of relapse.

How Does EMDR Help Addiction Memory?

It is extremely common for individuals to become addicted to substances after experiencing some form of injury, getting prescriptions for opioids, and becoming dependent on the substance. While some people become addicted to drugs or alcohol as a result of trauma, the latter is becoming more common than ever. While EMDR may not be helpful for them as trauma treatment, it might still benefit them if they deal with something known as addiction memory.

To explain, addiction memory is characterized by a memory of the loss of control over the consumption of a particular substance or a memory of a certain drug’s effects. Addiction memory is what often leads to continuous drug-seeking behavior, contributing to one’s ability to remain sober. In the same way that EMDR therapy lessens the intensity of trauma-related feelings, they can diminish the intense feelings that come with addiction memories.

Attend EMDR Treatment Near You

If you or someone you love suffer from addiction and have failed at recovery in the past, you should consider EMDR. Many treatment centers offer EMDR as a treatment for the underlying causes of addiction. Additionally, individuals who suffer from co-occurring disorders such as PTSD will benefit immensely from the effects of EMDR therapy. Rehab Recovery Centers is available around the clock to answer any questions you might have about the process of recovery. Contact us today to find a rehab in your state that utilizes EMDR therapy.

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