How EMDR Therapy Can Help You Overcome Addiction

We recognize that addiction often stems from unresolved trauma or distressing life experiences. Our holistic approach to substance use treatment includes evidence based therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to address these underlying issues and support long-term recovery.

EMDR is a specialized psychological treatment designed to help individuals process and heal from trauma and emotional pain. Many people struggling with addiction at MAPS for Recovery have found that past traumatic events can become “stuck,” leading to ongoing distress, cravings, and the urge to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.

During EMDR sessions at MAPS, our trained therapists guide clients to recall distressing memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements, sounds, or taps). This process is believed to mimic the way the brain naturally processes memories during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. By doing so, EMDR helps reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity and allowing clients to view them from a healthier perspective.

We recognize the significant connection between past trauma and the development of addiction. Many individuals who seek our support for substance use disorders have a history of traumatic experiences—such as childhood abuse, neglect, violence, or profound loss. Trauma can fundamentally disrupt the brain’s normal response to stress, leading to persistent anxiety, fear, or emotional pain. In an effort to manage these unresolved feelings, people may turn to substances like alcohol or drugs as a temporary means of relief or emotional numbing. Unfortunately, this coping mechanism can quickly lead to dependency, as the individual becomes reliant on substances to manage the distress rooted in their trauma.

Our team is committed to addressing not just the symptoms of addiction, but also the root causes. That’s why we offer specialized trauma-informed therapies, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR is a well established therapeutic approach that specifically targets the effects of trauma. In EMDR sessions at MAPS for Recovery, our trained therapists guide clients through the safe recall of traumatic memories while using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements. This process helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories, so they become less emotionally charged and lose their power to influence current behaviors.

By targeting the underlying trauma that often drives substance use, EMDR can help break the cycle of addiction. As traumatic memories are processed and lose their intensity, the urge to self-medicate with substances diminishes, strengthening your recovery journey. Our goal is to empower each individual to heal from trauma and develop healthier, more sustainable coping strategies—so that recovery is not just possible, but lasting.

At MAPS for Recovery, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is one of the evidence based therapies we use to help clients move beyond addiction. During a typical EMDR session at our practice, your therapist will begin by working closely with you to review your history and identify specific memories, cravings, or triggers related to your substance use. This collaborative process ensures that your unique experiences are at the center of your care.

Before starting EMDR procedures, your therapist will make sure you feel safe and have effective coping strategies in place. Once you’re ready, you’ll be guided to focus on a particular memory or trigger associated with your addiction. While you hold this target in mind, your therapist will lead you through sets of bilateral stimulation—most commonly gentle side-to-side eye movements, but sometimes using tapping or auditory cues, depending on your comfort and needs.

As this bilateral stimulation takes place, you’ll be encouraged to notice any thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, or images that arise, all without judgment. Your therapist will check in regularly, inviting you to share what you’re experiencing and then helping you return to the memory or trigger. Over time, the emotional distress tied to these memories or cravings often lessens, and new, more adaptive beliefs about yourself and your recovery may emerge.

Throughout your EMDR sessions, your therapist’s focus is on supporting you as you process difficult emotions and return to a sense of calm before each session ends. The ultimate goal is to help you feel less triggered by addiction related cues and more confident in making healthy choices as you move forward.

We recognize that healing from addiction related trauma is a highly individualized journey. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is one of the evidence-based approaches we offer to help clients address the underlying trauma that often fuels addictive behaviors.

The number of EMDR sessions needed to see meaningful results can vary from person to person. Factors such as the severity and complexity of the trauma, the presence of co-occurring mental health conditions, and an individual’s personal history all play a role in determining the course of treatment. At MAPS for Recovery, some clients may start to notice improvement within just a few sessions, while others may benefit from a more extended period of therapy. Many individuals experience initial relief or a reduction in trauma symptoms after approximately six to twelve sessions. However, deeply rooted or multiple traumatic events may require ongoing work, and additional sessions are often recommended to help consolidate progress and support long-term addiction recovery.

Our team of trained EMDR therapists works closely with each client to develop a personalized treatment plan. We conduct regular assessments to ensure therapy remains effective and responsive to your unique needs and goals. By tailoring your EMDR experience, we strive to make your path to recovery as effective and supportive as possible. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients from Austin TX, Georgetown TX, Leander TX, Jonestown TX, Cedar Park TX, Round Rock TX, Rollingwood, TX, Bluff Springs TX, Del Valle TX, and surrounding areas.