An addiction can often stem from a serious traumatic event. In these instances, treating both the substance use disorder (SUD) and the trauma is the best path to recovery. Behavioral therapies like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy are often part of a customized treatment plan to treat an SUD, as well as a co-occurring mental health disorder stemming from a trauma. Alternative therapies like EMDR work alongside more traditional talk therapies to create a holistic treatment experience. Learn more about the power of EMDR therapy for addiction recovery at a treatment center such as The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is a behavioral therapy that looks at how certain eye movements can desensitize clients to specific past traumas. When the eye follows objects left-to-right with consistency, triggering memories can surface as a result. EMDR therapy sessions work on how these memories affect clients and how they can move forward. This ultimately lessens the effects of the memories and the greater effect the trauma has in their life going forward. It also paves the way for recovery by addressing addiction and trauma together.
EMDR therapy can include:
- Eye movement exercises that are guided by a therapist
- Visual and relaxation exercises that help reduce stress associated with the triggered memories
- Discussion around the trauma to further identify triggers
- Memory visualization
- Exploring the connection between trauma triggers and addiction
- How to address negative feelings associated with trauma
- A focus on accountability and self-reflection
- Journaling to track symptoms, triggers, and reactions
With a dual diagnosis, EMDR therapy can be very effective in treating co-occurring disorders. It can also work faster than more traditional therapies.
EMDR Therapy for Addiction Recovery
It is common for those dealing with trauma to turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to numb the effects of the trauma. EMDR therapy provides a healthier, more productive way to address triggers and redirect negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Through sensory stimulation, traumatic memories can move from being “stuck” in the brain to being logically processed. This allows clients to move forward in their lives instead of being caught in a vicious cycle of triggers they cannot escape.
Benefits of EMDR therapy include:
- Reducing trauma triggers
- Eliminating cravings for drugs or alcohol
- Building coping skills to better manage triggers
- Improved self-esteem
- Desensitizing traumatic memories
- Working quickly as a therapeutic method
- Being a great option for those who have trouble expressing themselves verbally
Some clients with an SUD may not even know that the source of their addiction is related to a trauma. EMDR therapy addresses the root of trauma and addiction, with the goal of having clients be able to refocus on a healthier life in the present and for the future. The coping techniques learned as part of professional treatment can be used for life and greatly reduce the risk of a relapse.
Connect With The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare for EMDR Therapy
Getting to the root cause of an addiction is a large focus of professional treatment for an SUD. This process can unearth past traumas that may have led to addiction. Behavioral therapies—like EMDR therapy—give clients the opportunity to let go of the negative associations with the trauma and focus on more productive and positive parts of their lives. Each person’s needs are unique, so crafting a customized treatment plan that can include a variety of therapies that work best for the client is a smart approach.
Call the treatment team at The Arbor today at 844.413.2690 to get more information on all of the therapy options available, including EMDR therapy. You can also reach us using our online contact form.