Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing or EMDR

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What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and is a therapy technique used to treat mental health issues. First developed in 1987, this therapy uses eye movements to help change the brain’s neural networks, decreasing the negative emotions experienced from a traumatic event. EMDR and substance abuse treatment options are important for those struggling with addiction to consider.

Understanding EMDR

Though this treatment is very different from traditional, conversation-based therapy techniques, evidence suggests that it is effective. Some studies have shown that the treatment can have a success rate of over 77% for those struggling with PTSD. Given this treatment’s effectiveness, it is becoming increasingly common to use EMDR for other mental health issues, such as anxiety, eating disorders, panic attacks, and phobias.

For example, certain smells may remind people of happy memories, which will trigger a physical response of happiness in the body. When the brain connects the scent with a happy memory, it will release endorphins, which lower heart rate, reduce stress, and feel rewarded. A similar process unfolds with a negative experience, such as when the mind hears a song that was playing at the time of a car accident.

In this situation, the individual may experience a rapid heart rate, increased breathing, and a sense of overwhelming fear. They may even experience nightmares or other re-living of the trauma in the coming days.

Memories

A similar process unfolds with a negative experience, such as when the mind hears a song that was playing at the time of a car accident. In this situation, the individual may experience a rapid heart rate, increased breathing, and a sense of overwhelming fear. They may even experience nightmares or other re-living of the trauma in the coming days.

In some cases, certain smells may remind people of happy memories, which will trigger a physical response of happiness in the body. When the brain connects the scent with a happy memory, it will release endorphins, which lower heart rate, reduce stress, and feel rewarded.

Mental Illness and EMDR

Substance use disorders and mental illness are closely connected. And while users often seek relief from underlying mental health issues through drugs and alcohol, they may not realize that substance abuse can cause or worsen those issues. Substance use can lead to changes in the brain that mirror those of schizophrenia, anxiety, mood, or impulse-control disorders.

It is important to note that trauma, negative thoughts, and triggers are often barriers to recovery for each of these mental illnesses. By assisting individuals in better processing these triggers, EMDR can help those struggling with mental illness feel more confident in facing their everyday lives. EMDR and substance abuse treatment can help someone in recovery work towards getting clean and sober.

Treatment

It is important to keep in mind that while EMDR can be very beneficial for those with certain mental illnesses, it is not a replacement for a professional treatment plan for substance addiction. This is because addiction is both physical and psychological, requiring diverse tactics to ensure lasting recovery.

Since EMDR does not require a prescription and does not appear to have harmful side effects, it can be added to other treatment solutions. This provides those in recovery with yet another, evidence-based opportunity to further their success with sobriety.

Payment Information

Do you want treatment but are worried about how you can pay for it? We have a team of financial professionals who provide free insurance verification. We will work with you to determine how to move forward with the treatment in a way that works for you and your financial situation.

How to Get Help

At Resurgence Behavioral Health, our compassionate team respects your individuality and is ready to provide the time and attention you need to achieve health, wellness, and sobriety. We offer supervised clinical detoxification to help you experience relief from addiction and withdrawal.

You will be safe and cared for through every step of this process and emerge free from harmful, addictive substances. Call 855-458-0050 to schedule your consultation. It is time for you to say “yes” to a healthier, happier future.