The Effectiveness of EMDR With Individuals Experiencing Substance Use Disorder: A Meta-Analysis

This meta-analysis synthesizes studies on the effectiveness of trauma-focused & addiction-focused EMDR for people with substance use disorder.

“The current meta-analysis aims to synthesize existing studies on the effectiveness of both trauma-focused and addiction-focused eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for people with substance use disorder (SUD). Search and selection procedures involved screening 1,733 references, yielding 10 studies published between 2008 and 2021 from 8 countries with 561 participants. After the removal of one outlier study, the results showed EMDR to be effective on a variety of outcomes for people with SUD (n = 9, d = .654, 95% CI [.332, .985], p < .001). Regarding the effects on SUD outcomes, meta-analysis also showed EMDR to be effective (n = 7, d = .580, 95% CI [.209, .951], p = .002). Specifically, EMDR was effective with SUD treatment engagement and severity, but not necessarily the reduction of cravings, and also effective for reducing comorbid posttraumatic and depressive symptoms. This meta-analysis is limited by the number of studies and participants, heterogeneity in methods of included studies, the quality of studies, and other factors.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Logsdon, E., Cornelius-White, J. H. D., & Kanamori, Y. (2023). The Effectiveness of EMDR With Individuals Experiencing Substance Use Disorder: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 17(1), 21–32. https://doi.org/10.1891/EMDR-2022-0046

About the Journal

The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research is a peer-reviewed publication devoted to integrative, state-of-the-art papers about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a broadly conceived interdisciplinary journal that stimulates and communicates research and theory about EMDR, and their application to clinical practice. The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research is the Official Publication of the EMDR International Association.