The effect of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy on reducing craving in populations with substance use disorder: A meta-analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to gain more insight into the therapeutic benefits of EMDR therapy for reducing craving during withdrawal in substance use disorder.

Article Abstract

“Substance use disorder (SUD) has a significant negative impact on individuals and communities worldwide. It is estimated that approximately 5.5% of the global population aged 15 to 64 has used drugs in the last year, without any proven cure. In the 1980s, the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing method (EMDR) was developed to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, its effectiveness in reducing desire during withdrawal has not been demonstrated so far. Thus, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to gain more insight into the therapeutic benefits of EMDR therapy. The search was performed on PubMed and Web of Science, and studies that used EMDR were selected, following the preferential information guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). The results indicated that EMDR therapy significantly reduced the desire to consume drugs. Using the fixed effects model, the standard median differential (SMD) was -0.7243, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from -0.9960 to -0.4527 (z = -5.23, p < 0.0001). The random effects model revealed a more significant effect (SMD = -0.7985), with a 95% confidence interval ranging from -1.2314 to -0.3656 (z = -3.62, p = 0. 0003). Based on these findings, it can be concluded that EMDR therapy is effective in inhibiting the desire to consume drugs.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Martinez-Fernandez, D. E., Garzon-Partida, A. P., Aguilar-Garcia, I. G., Garcia-Estrada, J., Luquin, S., & Fernandez-Quezada, D. (2024). The effect of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy on reducing craving in populations with substance use disorder: A meta-analysis. Research Square Preprint. Open access: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4391211/v1