Addiction therapy programs can help you recover from substance issues in multiple ways. Sometimes, the treatment you receive addresses the direct effects of addiction. But they can also address underlying factors that help keep a substance addiction going. One treatment in this second but important category is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR can help you overcome the effects of lingering trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this way, it can also potentially help you recover from drug or alcohol addiction.
Do you need EMDR therapy in Waltham, MA? Turn to the specialists at Evoke Waltham. Every day, we use this therapy as part of our approach to treating PTSD. We also use it to help address the combined effects of PTSD and addiction. We’re standing by to support your return to lasting well-being. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 866.276.1920 to learn more about EMDR therapy.
The Basics of an EMDR Therapy Program
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy was developed as a trauma treatment in the 1980s. Its core principles state that:
- Painful, unwanted memories form in the aftermath of traumatic events
- These memories are sometimes not fully resolved or processed
- The result of these unprocessed memories can be PTSD or a similar illness
EMDR’s steps can help you fully process your traumatic memories
Ideally, this processing results in relief from the condition affecting you.
What Happens in an EMDR Session?
What happens during EMDR? As a rule, therapy sessions take place in a one-on-one setting with your therapist. During any given session, you focus on resolving the impact of a specific traumatic memory. To begin, your therapist will ask you to examine that memory in detail. That includes looking at the following:
- Any visual images related to the memory
- The thoughts and emotions that you associate with it
- Physical reactions stirred up by it
Factoring in these things, you will rate how disturbed you feel by the memory on a scale of zero to 10. Memories that rate a zero have no disturbing impact on you. Memories that rate a 10 have an extreme effect on you.
Memory Desensitization
The key to EMDR is becoming less sensitive to the effects of your traumatic memories. You achieve this goal by doing one of two things while focusing on a given memory. In the first approach, your therapist will ask you to move your eyes back and forth in a specific pattern. In the second approach, you follow a sound as it moves back and forth between your ears.
When these actions are performed over and over, they can help you feel less disturbed by your memories. You also process your physical reactions to trauma in the same way.
If you're ready to start your journey to recovery, we're here to help.
EMDR as a PTSD and Addiction Treatment
Research shows that EMDR therapy is often beneficial for people with PTSD. In turn, effective PTSD treatment may help you recover from drug or alcohol addiction. Why? Addiction and PTSD frequently occur together. By treating your unresolved trauma, you may undo some of the underlying support for addiction. In combination with other treatments, the end result is often a greater chance for an overall mental health recovery.
Seek an EMDR Therapy Program Near You at Evoke Waltham
Are you searching for EMDR therapy in Waltham, MA, or surrounding communities? Evoke Waltham is here for you. We feature an EMDR therapy program as part of our dedicated PTSD services. Our customized care plans help you reach your renewed health and wellness goals. We’re ready to support your recovery journey every step of the way. To get started, contact us today at 866.276.1920. You can also complete our brief online information form.
