Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder With Adjunctive Addiction-Focused EMDR: A Feasibility Study

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment presents a serious challenge, many patients do not complete regular AUD treatment.

Article Abstract

“Alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment presents a serious challenge. While there are evidence-based treatment options available, there is still a substantial group of treatment-seeking patients who do not complete regular AUD treatment. In addition, accomplished reductions in drinking behavior during treatment are often lost posttreatment. Therefore, both feasibility and effectiveness of AUD treatment are important. Innovative interventions, such as addiction-focused eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (AF-EMDR) therapy (Markus & Hornsveld, 2017), may hold promise as adjunctive treatments. Here the results of a feasibility study of adjunctive AF-EMDR therapy in outpatients with AUD and without comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are described. A multiple baseline design across four participants was used. They received AF-EMDR alongside treatment as usual (TAU). The results suggest that, while challenging, AF-EMDR therapy in outpatients with AUD can be safe, acceptable, and feasible. Whether it is effective, under what conditions and for whom, requires further study however.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Markus, W., de Kruijk, C., Hornsveld, H. K., de Weert–van Oene, G. H., Becker, E. S., & DeJong, C. A. J. (2019). Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder With Adjunctive Addiction-Focused EMDR: A Feasibility Study. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13(3), 187–220. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.13.3.187

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.