Can EMDR help treat Substance Abuse?

Years ago, the recommendation for EMDR therapists and clients was that clients needed to be sober for about a year prior to starting EMDR therapy. This was to help ensure that clients were in a headspace where they could handle EMDR therapy. Nowadays, our understanding of substance abuse treatment and EMDR is evolving, and we know that this doesn’t necessarily need to be the case (EMDRIA Focal Point Blog, 2021; CBH Staff, 2023). Many EMDR therapists have seen an undeniable link between trauma and substance abuse, and it makes sense because usually the addiction, or unwanted behavior usually starts as a way to help us survive the traumatic event. EMDR can help in desensitizing activators, process positive feelings, and reinforce healthy coping skills. EMDR can work well alongside substance abuse counseling, 12 step program, and other approaches that support a substance abuse healing journey.

So we know this, but why might an EMDR therapist still opt to refer out a client?

Because each provider has different populations that they specialize in treating. Another factor we consider is how severe the substance abuse issue is, and whether a higher level of care may be needed instead. I, myself, am aware of what populations I am knowledgeable in treating and have ample experience working with. I have experience working with neurodivergent, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, First Gen, and Spanish-speaking adults who have experienced trauma, or are looking to overcome internalized shame messages like “I’m not good enough,” “My worth comes from what I produce,” or “I’m defective because I’m not like others.” I am also able to help individuals struggling with recurring nightmares that are connected to traumatic events. I know I have limited experience working with clients struggling with substance abuse, eating disorders, and psychosis, so if those are the main issues someone comes in to see me with, then I am transparent about my capacity to treat and will refer out to another provider who can be a better match.

Overall, EMDR is such a beneficial and powerful tool, but it is only one part of the equation. It also matters what populations your therapist is knowledgeable in treating. So, if one EMDR therapist says they can’t work with you, or maybe thinks EMDR is not recommended at present, then you always have the right to a second opinion. I encourage asking the therapist you are interviewing about any referrals they may have, and the types of populations they have experience working with. This will help you in further deciding if you’ve found a match, and give you a starting point of where to find a therapist who has experience working with people who have similar struggles as you.

TLDR: Times are changing, and our understanding of EMDR and substance abuse treatment is evolving. EMDR can help if you have substance abuse struggles, but you will need to find a therapist who is also knowledgeable in treating substance abuse issues.

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Sources:

EMDRIA Focal Point Blog. (July 26, 2021). https://www.emdria.org/blog/emdr-and-addictions/

CBH Staff. (October 20, 2023). https://compassionbehavioralhealth.com/emdr-for-addiction-treatment/