EMDR therapy stands for “eye movement desensitization and reprocessing” therapy. It is used to treat past traumas and conditions that are caused from stress and emotional responses. EMDR therapy looks at a patient’s eye movements when recalling traumatic memories and can help with addiction treatment as well as mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and personality disorders. Research has shown that 45% of patients with substance use disorder suffer from comorbid PTSD – making them ideal candidates for EMDR therapy.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
EMDR therapy works by having patients think or speak about bad, traumatic memories while stimulating their vision. This allows clinicians to to understand how the memory is affecting the brain and how the brain processes the trauma. EMDR therapy takes place over approximately a dozen sessions, all aimed at helping patients work through their trauma and learn how to manage it. The process can also help clinicians discover triggers, helping their patient actively avoid them. Each session targets either the past, present, or future – working through traumatic events or fears.
EMDR therapy is frwquently used in conjunction with medically supervised detox. This helps individuals recover productively and comfortably. EMDR therapy can utilize lights, vibrating electrodes and other stimulating tools.
EMDR Therapy and Substance Use Disorder
Many people struggling with substance use disorder also experience co-occurring mental health conditions – often using drugs and alcohol to cope. Once a medical team determines that EMDR therapy is right for a recovering patient, they will work with them to discover what traumas are triggering substance use. Then they will work out what stimulation is needed. The next step will be desensitization and reprocessing the memories and emotions that cause negative feelings and thoughts. Once the desensitization process is over, positive restabilization occurs. The goal of this final step in EMDR therapy for substance use disorder is to redirect negative feelings and behaviors.
Finding a Qualified EMDR Therapy Provider
Not all therapists and clinicians are qualified to conduct EMDR therapy. EMDR therapy is not a “do it yourself” treatment style. Solution Based Treatment offers comprehensive substance use disorder detox and rehab. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions, our team works with you and your insurance coverage to get you on the road to recovery. We offer medically supervised detox to residential rehab and beyond into intensive outpatient treatment and partial hospitalization programs. Our team can get you set up with the right recovery plan for your needs.
About Solution Based Treatment
Solution Based Treatment is a national leader in detox and rehab programs. We offer inpatient medical detox, substance rehab, intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs, faith-based recovery, and sober living options. We maintain a 2:1 client to staff ratio to offer the best support possible to our patients within upscale living environments. At Solution Based Treatment, we support better living for brighter futures, all starting with our detox and rehab services. For more information visit our website at solutionbasedtreatment.com or give us a call at (833) 999-1941.