Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured psychotherapy that helps patients process traumatic memories — the kind of unresolved trauma that frequently drives addictive behavior. Developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987, EMDR is now recognized by the World Health Organization, the VA/DoD, and SAMHSA as an effective treatment for PTSD and trauma-related conditions.
The Trauma-Addiction Connection
The link between trauma and addiction is one of the most well-established findings in addiction research. Studies consistently show that 50-75% of people seeking addiction treatment have significant trauma histories. Many individuals begin using substances specifically to manage trauma-related symptoms: intrusive memories, hyperarousal, emotional numbing, nightmares, and chronic anxiety.
Traditional talk therapy asks patients to verbally process traumatic experiences — which can actually re-traumatize some individuals. EMDR offers an alternative pathway: it appears to access and reprocess traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones) in a way that reduces the emotional charge of the memory without requiring extensive verbal processing.
How EMDR Works
EMDR follows an 8-phase protocol: history taking and treatment planning, preparation (teaching coping skills), assessment (identifying target memory and associated negative beliefs), desensitization (bilateral stimulation while holding the target memory), installation (strengthening positive beliefs), body scan (checking for residual physical tension), closure, and re-evaluation.
During the desensitization phase, the patient focuses on a traumatic memory while simultaneously following the therapist's hand movements (or other bilateral stimulation). This appears to activate the brain's natural information processing system, allowing the traumatic memory to be integrated and stored normally — reducing its emotional intensity and the associated triggers for substance use.
EMDR for Addiction
In addiction treatment, EMDR can target the traumatic memories driving substance use, the traumatic experiences that occurred during active addiction (overdoses, violence, loss), addiction-related shame and guilt, and craving triggers linked to specific memories or situations. Research on EMDR for addiction is growing, with several randomized controlled trials showing reduced PTSD symptoms, decreased substance use, and improved treatment retention.
Call (855) 392-7460 to find trauma-informed treatment programs offering EMDR.