Many individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) benefit from participating in alternative holistic therapies aimed at addressing trauma or other underlying factors impacting sobriety. Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can give you a safe space to reprocess trauma related to substance abuse. Exploring EMDR under the guidance of a mental health professional improves self-confidence and self-awareness. Bright Mission Recovery uses EMDR and other therapeutic modalities to provide clients with personalized addiction treatment.

What Is Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy?

EMDR therapy was initially created to help individuals diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related mental health disorders. The treatment utilizes bilateral stimulation and eye movement to help clients reprocess trauma in a safe, effective, and noninvasive way. Many people with SUD have co-occurring trauma-related mental health issues affecting their ability to maintain sobriety. According to BMC Psychiatry, “Up to 45% of the patients with SUD experience comorbid PTSD, indicating a clear need for PTSD treatment in this population.” EMDR is a quick and proven method for successfully treating PTSD. EMDR helps individuals heal and move past trauma by changing how their brain processes memories. 

Exploring EMDR During Rehabilitation

During rehabilitation, clients may benefit from exploring EMDR and other complementary treatments. Safely addressing trauma reduces the risk of relapse and decreases stress during treatment. Many individuals feel empowered after participating in EMDR therapy. 

You can collaborate with the experts at Bright Mission Recovery to determine if EMDR is the best way to treat your condition. The clinicians use comprehensive assessments and screening tools to diagnose PTSD and other co-occurring conditions. You can rely on their expertise to ensure you receive effective and appropriate treatment for SUD or dual diagnosis. 

EMDR helps people heal during addiction treatment by doing the following: 

• Reducing anxiety, depression, and other mental health symptoms related to trauma 
• Decreasing the severity of trigger responses 
• Increasing self-awareness and self-confidence 
• Improving stress tolerance 

You can benefit from using EMDR and other forms of therapy to address underlying issues impacting your ability to function and move forward with your life. EMDR can help you regain control of your healing journey and give you the boost you need to feel comfortable facing past traumas. 

What Conditions Does EMDR Treat?

Bright Mission Recovery uses an integrative approach to client care, combining various treatment modalities to identify and address all active and underlying issues. Trauma is one of the most common factors impacting people’s ability to manage stress and make healthier lifestyle choices. Treating the trauma reduces the risk of relapse and improves the effectiveness of rehabilitation. 

EMDR may be used to treat a range of trauma-related disorders, including: 

• PTSD 
• Panic disorder 
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Although EMDR was not designed to treat SUD specifically, it has been shown to increase the effectiveness of traditional talk therapy for many people in addiction treatment programs. Substance abuse and trauma have a complex relationship, and the presence of one increases a person’s risk of experiencing the other. 

The Health Benefits of Exploring EMDR

EMDR is not for everyone. You should explore the benefits and consult a trained EMDR therapist to determine if the treatment suits your needs. Therapy sessions are noninvasive and provide fast relief from the physiological and psychological effects of trauma. 

Some of the known health benefits of EMDR therapy include: 

• Fewer symptoms of trauma-related mental health disorders 
• Reduced stress
• Increased resilience 
• Improved confidence 

Addiction treatment fosters resilience and emotional growth by providing people with the time and space to treat issues affecting mental health. Reprocessing trauma using EMDR and other methods allows you to put the trauma in your past and move forward with your life.

Exploring EMDR at Bright Mission Recovery

Bright Mission Recovery encourages clients to use EMDR and other approaches to trauma treatment. Finding healthy ways to identify and manage the causes or contributing factors of addiction decreases the risk of relapse. You can explore EMDR with the support of your care team. Clinicians provide detailed information about each step of the therapy and how it may improve treatment outcomes. 

EMDR therapy involves multiple sessions, including several initial planning sessions, to ensure you fully understand what to expect and how to get the most out of each session. You will not need to go into detail about your trauma with the therapist. Instead, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation and eye movement to change how the brain processes specific thoughts, feelings, or memories.  

Processing Trauma Lowers the Risk of Relapse by Reducing the Severity of Some Triggers

Stress is a common cause of relapse. Processing trauma can reduce the severity of trigger responses and overall stress levels. You can use EMDR and other therapeutic methods to prepare for lasting sobriety by regaining control of your emotional and physiological reactions to various triggers. EMDR is highly effective and quick-acting, allowing you to reprocess trauma during rehabilitation without the need for follow-up sessions during continuing care. 

EMDR is a popular treatment option for individuals with trauma-related mental health disorders. Many people who abuse alcohol or drugs have a history of untreated trauma. Clinicians work with clients and their loved ones to determine if EMDR is the best treatment option to address trauma or other factors impacting sobriety. The therapy is highly effective, and people often report positive results within the first several therapy sessions. Bright Mission Recovery uses EMDR and other therapies to guide people through reprocessing past events and traumas. To learn more about our treatment programs and how we address trauma related to substance abuse or mental health disorders, call our office today at (747) 444-3284.