For those struggling with addiction, finding the right treatment, eye movement desensitization and reprocessingemdr therapy (EMDR) therapy is an option that many may not even know is available. This type of therapy has proven to effectively treat addiction by addressing the trauma related to the addiction. Along with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), EMDR is an effective form of treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as part of a professional drug and alcohol rehab.

At Solution Based Treatment, we recognize how trauma can lead to a vicious cycle of destructive behaviors. Our team believes in the effectiveness of addiction therapy programs to address and heal trauma and addiction. Let us help you or a loved one find a path to recovery and a better quality of life today.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy uses specific eye movements to desensitize you to the memories associated with past trauma and the pain that has resulted from it. This therapy approach helps to remove those negative feelings and replace them with a more productive outlook. Clients who suffer from PTSD and other mental health disorders that resulted in addiction have found EMDR to be beneficial as an alternative to traditional therapies. Being able to let go of the memories that have been a roadblock to their recovery sets clients up for a successful new way of living.

In fact, EMDR is able to help clients move on from their trauma much quicker than more traditional psychotherapies. It’s one of the reasons why his time-effective model of therapy fits in well with addiction therapy programs like the one at SBT.

How does EMDR work? A typical therapy session can include:

  • Imagery and relaxation exercises that help you positively deal with stress
  • A discussion of past or current stressful events and situations with a therapist
  • Focusing on and visualizing a specific traumatic memory to recognize and address the negative feelings and reactions associated with the memory
  • Repeating some guided eye movement exercises to address the negative reactions associated with that specific memory
  • Journaling after the session, to keep track of symptoms you still have or other memories or reactions to the session

EMDR Therapy at SBT

The unfortunate reality is that there is a direct link between trauma and drug or alcohol abuse. While trauma can lead to addiction, an existing addiction can make you more sensitive to the effects of traumatic events as well. Drug and alcohol abuse also puts you at greater risk of experiencing trauma to begin with, as those struggling with addiction tend to engage in more risky or dangerous behavior than most people. That risky behavior, of course, puts you in a place that potentially exposes you to trauma. It’s a domino effect.

The effects of trauma only worsen over time if they go unaddressed. Many people are in denial that they have experienced a traumatic event. Trauma can include overwhelming experiences such as:

  • Worldwide pandemics
  • Life-threatening illness
  • Sexual or physical assault
  • Childhood neglect or abuse
  • Natural disasters
  • Verbal or emotional abuse
  • Divorce
  • Death
  • Active military service
  • Terror attacks or mass violence

Explore Solution Based Treatment’s EMDR Therapy Program

Through various therapeutic modalities, our highly experienced and compassionate mental health and addiction specialists help clients develop the skills needed to manage their daily lives and move toward recovery. Moving past the negative associations with past trauma and addiction is not easy. EMDR therapy can be the key to recovery for your or a loved one.

At SBT, we understand the connections between trauma and substance use disorder. Contact our team today by calling 833.999.1941 or completing our online form for more information.