EMDR Therapy for Addiction in Los Angeles
Trauma and addiction feed off each other, building a cycle that feels impossible to escape. For many individuals, substance use becomes a way to silence painful memories or manage overwhelming emotions. Traditional talk therapy works for many people, but some trauma sits too deep for words alone to touch.
That’s where Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy comes in. Lasting sobriety means addressing more than just substance use, but also healing the emotional wounds driving it. Recovery Zone LA specializes in integrating evidence-based therapy treatments like EMDR into comprehensive addiction recovery plans. Our outpatient programs in Los Angeles provide a safe, supportive environment where individuals can process these experiences without judgment.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a structured approach that helps reduce the distress tied to traumatic memories. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, it is now recognized as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR taps into the brain’s natural ability to heal itself. EMDR works on a simple idea: the mind can heal from psychological trauma the same way the body recovers from a physical wound. EMDR therapy assists the brain in removing the “blocks” that prevent mental healing. Though it was first developed for PTSD, EMDR can work remarkably well for treating emotional pain that fuels addiction.
The Eight-Phase EMDR Protocol
EMDR isn’t just one technique. I’s an eight-phase treatment approach ensuring you’re prepared and supported before any deep processing starts.
- Phase 1: History Taking and Planning: The therapist gathers information and identifies specific targets for processing.
- Phase 2: Preparation: You learn techniques to handle emotional distress and establish coping mechanisms, so you’re prepared for EMDR treatment.
- Phase 3: Assessment: You identify a specific image, negative belief, and physical sensation associated with a target memory.
- Phase 4: Desensitization: You focus on the memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation to reduce disturbance.
- Phase 5: Installation: You strengthen a positive belief to replace the negative one.
- Phase 6: Body Scan: You observe your physical response to ensure no residual tension remains.
- Phase 7: Closure: Every session ends with stabilization techniques to ensure you leave feeling grounded.
- Phase 8: Reevaluation: The therapist checks your progress and determines the next target.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
When trauma occurs, a memory can get “stuck” in its original, distressing form. When something triggers these stuck memories, you react like the trauma is happening right now. EMDR helps the brain “process” these memories, moving them from reactive storage to long-term narrative storage.
Processing Traumatic Memories
During an EMDR session, you don’t have to discuss the traumatic event in detail. Instead, you hold the memory in mind while focusing on bilateral stimulation. This split focus keeps you grounded in the present while your brain works through the past.
The environment is controlled and safe. You are fully awake and in control. Bilateral stimulation helps to create distance from the memory. With proper treatment, the memory is integrated into your life story as a past event that no longer controls your present. This shift in how your brain works matters for recovery — it removes the emotional urgency that often leads to relapse.
What Does EMDR Therapy Help to Treat?
SAMHSA data shows that over 21 million American adults live with both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder. Though best known for treating PTSD, EMDR works for many mental health conditions that show up alongside addiction. This may include:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): EMDR can help resolve trauma from combat, assault, accidents, or natural disasters.
- Anxiety Disorders: EMDR can be effective in treating panic attacks, phobias, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety.
- Depression: EMDR can help in resolving the emotional roots of depressive symptoms.
Benefits of EMDR Therapy for Addiction Treatment
EMDR can help provide real benefits to addiction recovery. It doesn’t just manage symptoms, but helps to resolve what’s causing the distress. When you resolve underlying trauma, you take away what’s fueling the addiction.
Rapid Trauma Processing and Healing
One of EMDR’s biggest advantages is efficiency. Traditional therapy can take years to work through deep trauma (depending on the individual and their needs). EMDR’s structured approach can speed things up by lessening the impact of traumatic memories and activating the brain’s processing system to form new connections.
Reduced Relapse Risk
Relapse can often take place when emotional distress hits or when someone is exposed to cues tied to past drug use. EMDR can help to take the power out of these triggers. Research shows that six months after treatment, the group of participants that underwent EMDR had a 67% relapse rate (compared to 100% in the control group or participants). This shows that EMDR can offer real protection against addiction’s chronic nature.
Enhanced Emotional Regulation
Addiction can freeze emotional growth in place. EMDR can help ease the power of trauma and/or strong emotions so growth can get moving again. As trauma symptoms ease, the person can learn to sit with distress and trust themselves to handle tough emotions without experiencing strong reactions.
What to Expect During EMDR Treatment in Los Angeles
Starting EMDR can feel intimidating, but knowing what’s coming helps ease anxiety. At Recovery Zone LA, we work with you every step of the way.
The Structure of EMDR Sessions
Sessions usually run 60 to 90 minutes, with frequency of once or twice weekly. During the session, the therapist acts as a guide. The person reports what they notice after each set of eye movements, and the therapist helps keep the processing moving.
Integration with Outpatient Addiction Programs
EMDR is most effective when integrated into a broader program like an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) or Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP).
At Recovery Zone LA, EMDR sessions are scheduled alongside group therapy, individual counseling, and holistic activities. This ensures that as the person processes deep emotions, they have daily support and a structured environment.
Other Therapies that Help with Addiction
Comprehensive addiction treatment requires a multi-faceted approach. While EMDR addresses trauma, other therapies provide necessary skills and support.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps people to identify the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It provides practical tools to challenge irrational thoughts and replace them with healthier ones.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT teaches four core modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. The focus is on helping the individual develop helpful skills that can help them throughout the duration of recovery and beyond. Studies show a 60% reduction in relapse rates for individuals who received DBT alongside standard addiction treatment.
Group Therapy
Group therapy helps to break the isolation of addiction. Sharing your story with others who understand reduces shame, and builds a support network that can provide fellowship and perspective through recovery.
Family Therapy
Family therapy helps to repair trust, improve communication, and educate loved ones on supporting recovery without enabling future substance use. Healing the family unit and re-establishing bonds is often crucial for long-term sobriety.
Find EMDR Therapy for Addiction at Recovery Zone LA in Los Angeles
Recovery is a journey of reclaiming your life, and you do not have to walk it alone. At Recovery Zone LA, we integrate EMDR therapy into our addiction treatment programs to help you heal from the past while building a vibrant future. We won’t just stick you in a cookie-cutter program. Individual needs and treatment requirements are taken into account at Recovery Zone LA.
Whether you’re dealing with PTSD, anxiety, or lingering shadows of past trauma, we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our EMDR therapy options in Los Angeles and how we can support your path to lasting recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions about EMDR Therapy For Addiction
Is EMDR Therapy Usually Covered by Insurance?
Yes, most major insurance plans cover EMDR therapy when part of treatment for PTSD or substance use disorders. Because it is evidence-based and recognized by the APA, it is typically included in mental health benefits.
Who Should Not Do EMDR Therapy?
EMDR may not be suitable for individuals who are currently unstable, experiencing active psychosis, or in acute withdrawal stages. A qualified therapist will conduct a thorough assessment to ensure safety.
Can EMDR Therapy Be Combined with Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Absolutely. EMDR can pair well with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). While medications help to manage physical cravings, EMDR helps to address psychological and emotional roots. This combination can offer comprehensive healing for both brain and mind.
References:
- https://www.samhsa.gov/
- https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/comorbidity
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies
- hhttps://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing
- https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders
- https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
- https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/comorbidity/part-1-connection-between-substance-use-disorders-mental-illness
- https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/
- https://www.emdria.org/blog/the-eight-phases-of-emdr-therapy/
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