What you need to know: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy as a path to recovery for patients with substance use disorder

Adding EMDR therapy can allow for reprocessing traumatic memories that may trigger maladaptive coping strategies like misuse of substances.

Article Abstract

“Studies show a direct correlation between traumatic experiences and the development of substance abuse disorders (SUD). Some estimating 67-92% of the patients with a SUD reported having experienced at least one traumatic event (according to the DSMIV PTSD criterion A) in their lifetime (Carletto et al., 2018). Trauma is a contributing factor inhibiting the lifelong process of recovery and its long-term goal of abstinence. Without a focus on interventions that address both the SUD and underlying trauma, health care providers may not be providing the best possible evidence-based care and limiting the chance of recovery for patients (DiPirro, 2017). EMDR is a level A trauma treatment endorsed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as an evidence-based approach in treating those who suffer from trauma and its related symptoms. Adding EMDR methodology to treatment as usual approach {TAU) can allow for adaptive information processing to take place while reprocessing traumatic memories that may trigger maladaptive coping strategies such as overuse, and misuse of substances.”

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Palumbo, R., Protokowica, J., & Anka, R. (2020). What you need to know: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy as a path to recovery for patients with substance use disorder. Journal of Addictions Nursing, 31(3), 225-226. https://doi.org/10.1097/jan.0000000000000354