In recent years, trauma-informed care has taken a leading role in effective substance use treatment—and with good reason. Many individuals struggling with addiction have histories of trauma that have gone unresolved for years. One evidence-based therapy designed specifically to treat trauma is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
Originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR is now being used in addiction treatment programs across the country. At Solace Treatment Center, we integrate this powerful therapy into personalized care plans for clients with co-occurring trauma and substance use.
In this post, we’ll break down what EMDR therapy is, how it works, and why it’s proving to be a valuable tool in long-term addiction recovery.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a structured, non-invasive psychotherapy technique that helps individuals process and resolve traumatic memories that are “stuck” in the brain. The therapy was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro, and has since been validated in more than 30 randomized controlled trials.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require clients to extensively recount their trauma. Instead, it uses bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements, tapping, or audio tones) to help the brain reprocess painful memories and reduce their emotional impact.
According to the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), the goal of EMDR is to transform how a person experiences traumatic events—not to erase them, but to help the brain integrate them in a healthier way.
How Trauma and Addiction Are Connected
Many individuals who develop substance use disorders have a history of trauma. This could include:
Childhood neglect or abuse
Sexual assault
Domestic violence
Medical trauma or accidents
Loss of a loved one
Military service or combat
When trauma remains unprocessed, the nervous system stays dysregulated. Substance use often becomes a coping mechanism—a way to numb, escape, or manage the overwhelming emotions that stem from traumatic experiences.
This connection between trauma and addiction is so significant that many treatment centers, including Solace Treatment Center, use trauma-informed frameworks for every aspect of care.
That’s where EMDR for addiction plays a unique and powerful role.
How EMDR Supports Addiction Recovery
EMDR can be an effective adjunct to addiction treatment because it directly addresses unresolved emotional wounds that may drive substance use. When those wounds are processed in a safe and therapeutic setting, clients often report fewer cravings, greater emotional regulation, and stronger commitment to sobriety.
Here’s how EMDR for addiction supports recovery:
1. Reduces Triggers
By desensitizing traumatic memories, EMDR helps reduce the emotional charge associated with triggers. That means fewer flashbacks, less anxiety, and decreased urges to self-medicate.
2. Enhances Emotional Regulation
Clients who undergo EMDR often report feeling more emotionally balanced, which allows them to engage more deeply in group therapy, individual sessions, and relapse prevention strategies.
3. Interrupts the Cycle of Avoidance
Addiction thrives on avoidance. EMDR helps clients confront painful memories without becoming overwhelmed—breaking the pattern of using substances to escape.
4. Improves Self-Worth
Many trauma survivors carry toxic shame or distorted beliefs about themselves. EMDR helps reframe these beliefs, allowing clients to see themselves as survivors, not victims.
5. Supports Long-Term Sobriety
By targeting the underlying emotional drivers of addiction, EMDR improves the odds of lasting recovery and reduces the risk of relapse.
A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that EMDR significantly reduced both PTSD symptoms and substance use severity when used in residential treatment programs. You can read more on PubMed Central.
What Does an EMDR Session Look Like?
A typical EMDR session at Solace Treatment Center follows an eight-phase protocol that includes:
History and Treatment Planning
Preparation (learning calming techniques and resourcing)
Assessment (identifying the target memory)
Desensitization (bilateral stimulation begins)
Installation of positive beliefs
Body scan for residual tension
Closure (return to emotional baseline)
Reevaluation in the next session
Sessions are conducted by licensed therapists trained in EMDR. Clients remain fully awake and in control throughout the process, and no substances or hypnosis are involved.
Who Is a Good Candidate for EMDR?
EMDR for addiction may be especially beneficial if:
You have a known history of trauma or PTSD
You experience frequent emotional triggers or flashbacks
You’ve used substances to cope with painful memories
You’ve had limited success with traditional talk therapy
You are in early recovery and want to reduce relapse risk
Our clinical team will assess your history, treatment goals, and current stability before integrating EMDR into your plan.
Why Choose Solace Treatment Center?
At Solace Treatment Center, we believe in treating the whole person—not just the addiction. Our trauma-informed care model includes:
EMDR therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Individual and group therapy
Family counseling
Our experienced team understands the unique intersection between trauma and addiction and creates personalized care plans that honor both.
When you choose EMDR for addiction at Solace Treatment Center, you’re not just learning to avoid triggers—you’re healing from the inside out.
Ready to Address the Root Cause?
If trauma is fueling your substance use, or if you feel stuck in the cycle of relapse, EMDR could be the breakthrough you need. It’s never too late to rewrite your story—and you don’t have to do it alone.
Reach out to Solace Treatment Center today to learn more about trauma-informed addiction treatment and explore whether EMDR therapy is right for you.
📞 Call us or visit www.solacetreatmentcenter.com to schedule a confidential consultation.
