EDMR & Substance Use Disorders

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy technique that has been found to be effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health disorders. It is a form of therapy that involves a series of guided eye movements, hand taps, or sounds, while the patient recalls a traumatic event or a distressing memory.

EMDR has also been explored as a treatment for substance use disorders (SUD). While the evidence is limited, some studies suggest that EMDR may be helpful in reducing substance cravings, improving treatment retention, and reducing the symptoms of PTSD and other co-occurring disorders that often contribute to SUD.

In a study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, researchers examined the effectiveness of EMDR as an adjunct therapy to standard substance abuse treatment. They found that patients who received EMDR in addition to standard treatment had significantly greater reductions in substance use and PTSD symptoms compared to those who received standard treatment alone.

Another study, published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, found that EMDR was effective in reducing cravings for cocaine among patients with co-occurring PTSD and cocaine use disorder. The study also found that EMDR was associated with improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms.

 At Innova, we believe in getting to the roots of substance use by addressing the underlying symptoms of use.  Thus, the ultimate benefit of EMDR in treating substance use, is addressing and resolving the underlying painful events that lead one to want to use substance and self-medicate. Alleviating pain at its source helps achieve long-lasting relief, rather than just treating the symptoms of substance use. 

If you or someone you know  is in need of support, call us today. 210-254-3618. 

Sources:

1. Lee, C. W., & Cuijpers, P. (2013). A meta-analysis of the contribution of eye movements in processing emotional memories. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 44(2), 231-239.
2. Hase, M., Schallmayer, S., & Sack, M. (2008). EMDR reprocessing of the addiction memory: Pretreatment, posttreatment, and 1-month follow-up. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 2(3), 170-179.
3. Gonzalez-Menendez, A., Fernandez-Prada, M., & Fernandez-Lopez, L. (2014). EMDR in the addiction field: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 8(3), 126-139.
4. Namkoong, K., Lee, B. O., Lee, D. W., Lee, J. Y., An, J. M., & Lee, J. H. (2017). EMDR therapy on craving and psychological symptoms of Korean female methamphetamine clients with PTSD: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 49(2), 120-129.
5. Tarquinio, C., Rotondi, V., Briscese, M., Cerritelli, F., Conti, C. M., & Carrozzino, D. (2020). EMDR as add-on treatment for psychiatric and traumatic symptoms in patients with substance use disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 121, 189-200.