Trauma can leave a lasting impact on how you think and cope with difficult situations. Unfortunately, for some people, trauma can also contribute to substance abuse.
So, how can you heal from addiction and trauma in New Jersey?
One way is through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy.
This therapy helps people process distressing memories to treat PTSD. Moreover, it can support addiction treatment when trauma contributes to a substance use disorder.
If you’re looking for EMDR therapy in New Jersey, this guide is for you.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy. It’s a type of trauma therapy that has been used since the 1980s. The goal of EMDR is to help people heal from distressing memories.
During treatment, EMDR therapists use lateral eye movements to rewire how you process memories.
Major organizations like the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization recommend EMDR therapy for treating the following:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Panic disorders and panic attacks
- OCD
- Eating disorders
- Phobias
- Addictive behaviors and substance abuse
Is EMDR Right for You?
EMDR therapy is worth trying if trauma plays a role in your addiction. That said, it isn’t for everyone.
A healthcare professional will consider your personal history, symptoms, and background to determine whether EMDR is appropriate.
Will EMDR Help With What You’re Experiencing?
Trauma and substance use are closely related. People struggling with distressing memories may use substances to cope. Yet, this can cause addiction and co-occurring disorders.
EMDR therapy helps individuals process distressing memories. At the same time, it can reduce trauma-related triggers that lead to addiction.
Who Is EMDR Not Suitable For?
Some people prefer EMDR because, unlike talk therapy, it doesn’t require you to share your past experiences with the therapist. You can keep your traumas private. However, undergoing EMDR also means recalling bad memories during the session.
A mental health professional will conduct an assessment to determine whether you’re ready for EMDR.
What’s an EMDR Session Like?
Starting your first EMDR session may be a little daunting, especially if you’ve never tried trauma-focused therapy. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for it.
What You Will Be Asked to Do
Here’s what you may be asked to do during your EMDR sessions.
- History-Taking: Your therapist will ask about your history, concerns, and treatment goals. Following this, they will explain how EMDR works.
- Preparation: Your therapist will teach you grounding techniques and coping strategies. Preparation for EMDR is essential. It maintains your stability before we address the traumatic memories.
- Memory Assessment: When you’re ready, your therapist may ask about the emotions and sensations related to your memory. During this stage, we identify negative beliefs associated with the memory.
- Desensitization: While you’re focused on the memory, your therapist will conduct bilateral stimulation. The guided eye movements reduce the stress associated with the memory.
- Strengthening Positive Beliefs: After desensitization comes installation. Here, we help you associate the memory with positive beliefs.
- Body Scan: Your therapist will ask you to scan yourself to see whether you feel any negative sensations. Your therapist will continue bilateral stimulation until all the negative sensations are cleared.
- Closure: Before the session ends, your therapist will return you to the present. You’ll also discuss how to manage any difficult emotions you may feel at home.
- Re-Evaluation: Near the end of your EMDR sessions, your therapist will review whether the memory remains upsetting. Re-evaluation determines the next steps of the trauma treatment.
How EMDR Works for Addiction and Trauma
During EMDR, you’ll be asked to focus on a painful memory while performing another task, such as side-to-side eye movements. This is called bilateral stimulation.
Bilateral stimulation works by activating both sides of your body through alternating sensations. The movements change how you process memories. Over time, it can make traumas feel less vivid.
There are several approaches for treating addiction and PTSD using EMDR.
- TF-EMDR: The trauma-focused approach desensitizes you to triggers and reinforces positive thoughts.
- AF-EMDR: The addiction-focused approach reduces cravings and disrupts positive feelings linked to substance use. This makes you more stable for treatment.
- IFS: IFS, or Internal Family Systems, teaches that only a small part of you is attached to addictive behaviors. It can give you more confidence to seek treatment.
For people with addiction, unresolved trauma causes emotional distress, which triggers substance use. EMDR aims to reduce the emotional impact of these experiences so they have less influence over your life.
EMDR as an Evidence-Based Therapy for Addiction and Trauma
Does EMDR work if you have co-occurring PTSD and addiction?
For many people, mental health conditions and addiction go hand-in-hand. In fact, up to 45% of people with substance use disorder also struggle with PTSD.
Studies show that EMDR can relieve PTSD symptoms even when you’re struggling with substance use. It’s important to know that each condition can worsen the other. Therefore, treating both at the same time is necessary.
Those who try EMDR say they notice a huge difference in their behaviors. With EMDR, they can process and forget their childhood traumas in a way that substances never could.
EMDR Therapy in Your Addiction Treatment Plan
EMDR is an effective therapy that can be incorporated into your residential treatment plan. However, the timing of this trauma-focused therapy should depend on your symptoms and readiness.
Once you’re ready, a qualified healthcare professional will assess whether EMDR is appropriate.
EMDR complements other approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing.
If you have depression, anxiety, PTSD, or dissociative disorders, you can ask your therapist about EMDR.
Can Family Members Join EMDR Sessions?
EMDR is usually an individual treatment. That said, family members may join based on the clinician’s recommendations.
Family involvement can sometimes be helpful during EMDR. You can ask your treatment provider what options are available.
Does Insurance cover EMDR?
Many healthcare insurance plans will cover EMDR therapy if it’s medically necessary. The coverage depends on your policy and deductibles.
Before starting treatment, ask the insurance company about your benefits.
FAQs
Does EMDR Work for Addiction?
EMDR mainly addresses PTSD by reducing the emotional distress caused by the trauma. This can then help manage trauma-related triggers that cause addiction. Some patients say they can maintain sobriety with EMDR support.
EMDR can be a good addition to a broader treatment plan for addiction and other mental health conditions.
Do You Have to Talk About Your Trauma During EMDR?
No. During EMDR, you have to recall certain traumatic memories, but you don’t have to share them with your therapist. Your therapist should be able to guide you through the session at a pace that feels manageable.
You can discuss any concerns you may have about EMDR with your therapist.
How Long Does a Typical EMDR Course Last?
The length of EMDR therapy depends on your goals and the nature of the trauma. Some people need only a few sessions to address a specific memory. On the other hand, others may need longer courses.
Intensive EMDR sessions are available for those who need extra support for PTSD and depression.
How Will You Feel After an EMDR Session?
After an EMDR session, you should feel calmer and less distracted by the traumatic memory. Your therapist should make sure that you’re not feeling distressed or anxious.
In terms of addiction, EMDR doesn’t guarantee that your cravings will disappear. Instead, it can help you process traumas to prevent triggers.
Just continue following your addiction treatment plan, and you should see improvements.
What Therapy Is Most Effective for Addiction?
The most effective therapy varies based on your individual circumstances.
For many, cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is an effective treatment for addiction and mental health disorders. Meanwhile, others can benefit from EMDR, especially when they’re also struggling with PTSD.
Your therapist should be able to determine which treatment is the best for you.
What Is Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma-informed care is an approach that allows therapists to prevent traumatic stress. In trauma-informed care, your mindset is shifted from “What is wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”
EMDR is a trauma-informed psychotherapy. It can help you regulate emotions after diving into a memory.
Recalling bad memories can have negative effects. Because of this, it’s important to only start EMDR after trauma-informed care and preparation.
Where Can I Find EMDR Therapy for Addiction and Trauma in New Jersey?
If you’re looking for EMDR therapy in New Jersey, Garden State Detox offers services for addressing trauma and addiction. You can join EMDR sessions as part of residential treatment. This way, you receive support and minimize the triggers that contribute to substance use.
What’s the Difference Between EMDR and CBT for Addiction?
EMDR and cognitive behavioral therapy use different approaches to address addiction.
EMDR helps you work through traumatic experiences to reduce triggers. On the other hand, CBT allows you to recognize negative thoughts that cause substance use.
Both approaches can be helpful for those struggling with addiction and trauma.
