EMDR Therapy and Substance Addiction Treatment Near Me

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Definition

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has grown in popularity for treating individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

While traditional methods of psychotherapy employ a combination of talk therapy and medications to help individuals, EMDR uses the individual’s eye movements to desensitize and help them reprocess the emotional stress associated with traumatic experiences or events.² Now, EMDR is being used in different therapeutic situations, including as part of the treatment approach for some individuals with addiction and co-occurring trauma or abuse.³

EMDR History and How it Works

EMDR therapy originated in the late 1980s because of the observations and experiences of psychotherapist Francine Shapiro.⁴

Shapiro noticed that her eye movements reduced negative emotional responses she associated with her own unsettling memories.⁵ She began to experiment with individuals who had experienced devastating trauma and had adjustment issues and others who had been formally diagnosed with (PTSD).⁶ She began to refine the technique of using side-to-side eye movements to help individuals process the effects of trauma.

The model on which EMDR is based, Adaptive Information Processing (AIP), posits that incomplete processing of traumatic life experiences or the dysfunctional storage of those adverse memories can cause several mental disorders, including PTSD, affective disorders, chronic pain, and addiction.³

The eight-phase, three-pronged process of EMDR therapy facilitates the resumption of normal information processing and integration.⁷ This treatment approach, which targets past experiences, current triggers, and future potential challenges, helps individuals process the events or memories that cause them problems or distress.⁷

Through EMDR, the desensitization and reprocessing therapy happens when the individual focuses on a dual attention stimulant—typically eye movement—while holding the memories, thoughts, images, or sensations associated with the traumatic event in their mind.¹ This helps the individual process the traumatic memories, and therefore, aids in the elimination of the symptoms of PTSD or other disorders.¹

EMDR Procedure

If it’s agreed that EMDR might be a good fit for the individual, the therapist begins by asking the individual to focus on aspects of traumatic experiences. This might include beliefs, emotions, bodily feelings, or something else. While the individual gives attention to the negative event, the therapist begins to use side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps that the individual notices and tracks.⁸

Eye movements are the most popular bilateral sensory stimulation used in EMDR. Horizontal saccadic eye movements, which are quick, jerky movements of the eye, help redirect a person’s line of sight to fix their vision on a moving object.⁹ Proponents of EMDR, such as Shapiro and her followers, claim that inducing these movements while reflecting on past traumatic experiences helps individuals to reprocess the experience and curbs the emotional response even if it is severe. However, EMDR also incorporates several other principles, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).⁷

EMDR Phases and Process

The delivery of EMDR can vary from treatment provider to treatment provider; however, in its classic presentation, EMDR involves eight phases.¹⁰

EMDR for PTSD and Addiction Treatment for Veterans

Research shows that PTSD and AUD co-occur in up to 53% of Veterans who were exposed to combat and seek treatment.¹¹ Additionally, more than 2 in 10 Veterans with PTSD also have a substance use disorder (SUD), the clinical term for a substance addiction.¹³

Military service members and Veterans face unique circumstances and situations that can affect their mental health and make them vulnerable to PTSD and addiction. For instance, Veterans are more likely to experience combat injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) than their civilian counterparts. And TBIs are associated with higher rates of a range of mental health conditions, including substance use disorder.¹⁴

Additionally, Veterans face issues specific to their separation from military service and multiple deployments, including civilian reintegration, employment after service, and homelessness prevention.¹⁵ These stressors—and others—can make recovery from PTSD and addiction challenging, but formal treatment can help, and EMDR is one intervention that has proven to be effective in treating PTSD in Veterans.¹⁶

Is EMDR Covered by Insurance?

EMDR therapy may be covered by your insurance provider in conjunction with inpatient rehab treatment. This depends on your specific health insurance plan. To see if your insurance provider covers all or at least part of the cost of rehab treatment, use our online verification form (at right).

Is EMDR Covered by Medicaid and Medicare?

Medicaid, the federal insurance program that provides coverage for lower income families and individuals through the Affordable Care Act, does cover many different types of therapy, including EMDR. That’s because Medicaid covers any therapy with a trained and licensed therapist that is evidence-based, clinically rigorous, and appropriate for the diagnosis.

Medicare coverage may vary on the specifics, but broadly speaking, Medicare covers EMDR therapy for PTSD and acute stress disorder (ASD) if the individual has been diagnosed with the disorder and the behavioral health provider is specifically licensed and certified in EMDR therapy.

Is EMDR Covered by the VA or TRICARE Insurance for Veterans?

The VA and TRICARE cover all or part of the cost of substance use treatment, which may include EMDR. In fact, many VA facilities offer EMDR.¹⁶ Additionally, TRICARE covers a range of treatments for substance use and mental health disorders.¹⁷ To understand the specifics of your plan, call the number on the back of your card.

Finding Therapy That Works for You

EMDR therapy can be highly effective for people working through co-occurring disorders like PTSD and addiction, as it can address the underlying trauma that often fuels these conditions. However, everyone’s recovery journey is unique. It’s crucial to find a therapeutic approach that resonates with you and addresses your specific needs and goals.

If you’re struggling with addiction or co-occurring disorders and need help finding effective evidence-based treatment to get you on the road to recovery, reach out to us today at . Our navigators are on hand to answer your questions, help verify your insurance, and go over your treatment options. When you’re ready to begin your recovery journey, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

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