A randomized study to compare the effects of EMDR added to TAU on substance memory in a residential addiction setting

Study suggests that EMDR and treatment as usual in substance use disorder inpatient in a residential setting may reduce substance craving.

Article Abstract 

“Background: The “Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing” (EMDR) is a therapy targeting traumatic memories. Although memories from their substance use memory may increase the risk of relapse, only a few studies investigated the effects of EMDR in addiction.

Methods: Individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) receiving TAU in a residential setting were randomized for EMDR in conjunction with TAU (EMDR + TAU) and TAU groups. Craving for the substance, substance target memory features, relapse rates and other measures of EMDR efficacy were assessed after intervention at 6 weeks (T1) and 6-month follow-up (T2).

Results: EMDR + TAU significantly suppressed substance craving, pleasantness, and target memory vividness at T1, but increased substance unpleasant scores. EMDR effects were also significantly observed at T2 for pleasantness and vividness. EMDR + TAU group showed high scores and reported benefits from EMDR, but not significant differences in relapse rate, vs. TAU group.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that EMDR + TAU in SUD inpatient in a residential setting may reduce substance craving, and in the meantime, provides proof-of-concept on targeting substance memory.”

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Sguladini, E., Favaro, N., Dal Lago, D., Cibin, M., & Chiamulera, C. (2023). A randomized study to compare the effects of EMDR added to TAU on substance memory in a residential addiction setting. Journal of Substance Use, online. https://doi.org/10.1080/14659891.2023.2166611