Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)One of the newer and more effective means of treating addiction is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy EMDR. This means of psychotherapy can be used for a range of medical and psychological conditions, some of which include addiction, panic attacks, PTSD and personality disorders.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy EMDR uses rapid-eye movements in concert with discussing traumatic events or negative emotions in order to help patients become desensitized to their potentially destructive power. As part of your research on drug rehab treatment centers, it’s a good idea to learn more about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy EMDR, its role in addiction therapy and its benefits.

Understanding Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, or EMDR for short, was developed in the 1990s by Francine Shapiro. By chance, Shapiro realized that moving the eye back and forth rapidly helped to reduce the negative impact and influence of sad or disturbing thoughts and feelings. In EMDR sessions, patients recall negative emotions while following the therapist’s finger with their eyes.

The theory behind the efficacy of EMDR is that rapid eye movements cause the severity and influence of negative thoughts and emotions to be diminished. Over time, many patients report that EMDR therapy has reduced their feelings of anxiety, their cravings for addictive substances and their shame related to addiction, treatment or past actions.

The Role of EMDR in Addiction Treatment

It’s important to note that EMDR is far from a comprehensive approach to addiction rehabilitation. However, it can be a useful tool for those who have completed detox. After withdrawal symptoms have subsided, EMDR can help patients to address some of the deeper issues that might exist behind their addictions.

Many individuals in rehabilitation for drugs or alcohol feel a strong sense of shame about either their past behavior or the consequences of their actions. Many people also have strong negative memories that cause them to abuse a particular substance. Unfortunately, such feelings are rarely helpful on the road to recovery. Through EMDR, some patients are able to be released from the power of negative emotions, thoughts, visions or even dreams that cause them pain and lead them back to substance abuse.

Benefits and Risks of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy EMDR

In treatment and recovery centers like Beaches Recovery, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy is used in part because of its many benefits, but also because it has limited drawbacks. To start, EMDR can help patients fighting strong negative thoughts take control over their emotions and their way of thinking. If specific negative thoughts or memories are causing emotional distress, then EMDR can less their impact, freeing up time and energy to focus on recovery.

In addition, EMDR has few, if any, negative side effects. Unlike some methods of treatment and therapy, EMDR requires no prescription medication and no drastic actions. Patients simply watch the finger of their therapist while discussing unhappy thoughts as well as happy thoughts, aiming to become less sensitive to the impact of the negative and harmful emotions.

Where EMDR is Offered

EMDR is widely offered around the world at hospitals, as well as in the private offices of psychologists and therapists. However, those struggling with addiction will appreciate that EMDR therapy is often provided in conjunction with other means of therapy in rehabilitation and treatment centers. EMDR is offered in a one-on-one setting, never in a group setting, in order to maximize its efficacy for patients.

Through Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, you can learn more about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy EMDR and how it can play an integral role in addiction treatment and long-term recovery. Call us today at 8666050532 and get started on your personal road to recovery.