Addiction is a challenging issue to overcome. For many, traditional treatments may not always work to achieve long-term sobriety goals. That’s where Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy comes in.
This alternative treatment is effective in treating addiction.
If you or a loved one is struggling to overcome addiction, our team at Alpine Recovery Lodge specializes in creating personalized treatment plans that meet your specific health, wellness, and sobriety needs — EMDR included.
In this article, we will discuss how EMDR therapy works and how it can help individuals overcome addiction for good. Continue reading to learn more.
Understanding EMDR Therapy for Addiction
EMDR therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves eye movements, sounds, or tapping to help individuals process traumatic experiences.
The therapy works by accessing traumatic memories and processing them in a safe and controlled environment.
EMDR therapy has been used to treat various mental health issues, including addiction.
How Does EDMR Work for Addiction?
EMDR therapy works by accessing traumatic memories and reprocessing them in a safe and controlled environment.
During an EMDR session for addiction, a therapist guides you through a series of eye movements, sounds, or tapping. At the same time, you focus on a specific traumatic memory that may be acting as the root cause of your addiction.
This process helps to activate both sides of the brain, which allows you to process the traumatic memory in a new and more adaptive way.
Through EDMR sessions, the negative emotions and beliefs associated with the traumatic experience can be reduced, and you can begin to feel a sense of relief while coming to terms with the past trauma.
Over time, EMDR therapy can help you let go of the distressing effects of traumatic experiences and move forward with greater ease and resilience. In addition, this change in mindset disassociates the trauma from an addictive response.
The Connection Between Trauma and Addiction
Trauma and addiction often go hand in hand.
Many individuals turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with traumatic experiences.
However, substance abuse can exacerbate trauma symptoms, leading to a vicious cycle of addiction and trauma. EMDR therapy helps individuals process traumatic experiences, which can reduce the urge to continually turn to drugs or alcohol for relief.
EMDR for Addiction Helps With Relapse Prevention
The risk of relapse is an everyday reality for individuals in recovery.
EMDR therapy can help prevent relapse altogether by addressing the underlying issues that may trigger a relapse in addiction, reducing cravings, and preventing triggers from arising in the first place.
EMDR Therapy for Addiction and Its Tie to Self-Esteem
Addiction can have a significant impact on an individual’s self-esteem.
With substance use disorders, there are various negative feelings and emotions associated with active addiction and recovery, including guilt, shame, helplessness, sadness, and fear.
EMDR therapy can help improve self-esteem and these negative emotions by addressing the underlying issues that may have contributed to addiction.
When directly addressed, individuals can better understand themselves and their behaviors, leading to improved self-esteem and confidence, thus leading to a higher quality of life and a more robust and fulfilling long-term recovery journey.
Innovative and Effective EMDR Therapy for Addiction in Utah
EMDR therapy is powerful in treating many mental health conditions and disorders, including addiction.
By addressing trauma and other underlying issues that may have led to addiction, EMDR therapy can help individuals overcome addiction and maintain long-term sobriety.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, consider seeking EMDR therapy as an alternative treatment option. Contact us today to get the help you need now.
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