For many people struggling with addiction, the thought of going to treatment can be daunting. After all, addiction is a personal battle that requires courage and strength to overcome. So, why do people need addiction treatment? Like any other disease, addiction requires professional treatment to overcome. Without treatment, addiction will only get worse.
At Northpoint Seattle, we offer various addiction treatment services that can help you or your loved one on the road to recovery. We know how EMDR therapy works to heal addiction because it is a highly effective therapy that has helped countless people recover.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, call us at 888.483.6031 today to learn more about our addiction treatment program that can help you take the first steps on the road to recovery.
What Is EMDR for Addiction?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy used to treat addiction. The treatment is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that helps people change how they think about and respond to triggers that can lead to addictive behaviors.
EMDR therapy works on the idea that the brain is a natural healer. When people experience a traumatic event, their brain often has trouble moving past the trauma, which can lead to problems later in life. EMDR therapy helps to recognize the trauma and move past it so the brain can heal itself.
Experts have found that EMDR therapy for addiction is effective, just as it is for treating trauma. One study even found that EMDR was more effective than traditional CBT in reducing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and substance abuse in people with co-occurring disorders.
How EMDR Therapy Works
A therapist will conduct EMDR therapy in a series of sessions. During each session, the therapist will help the patient focus on a particular memory or thought related to their addiction. The therapist will then guide the patient through eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, like tapping or buzzing, that help the brain process the memory or thought.
The therapist will continue this process until the patient no longer feels distressed when thinking about the memory or trigger. This can often be done in just a few sessions, although some people may need more sessions to work through all of their triggers.
EMDR therapy is an effective treatment for various mental health conditions, including addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, talk to a therapist about whether EMDR therapy in Seattle near you could help.
Who Does EMDR Therapy Help?
EMDR therapy can be an effective treatment for people struggling with addiction. The therapy has been found to help people:
- Reduce symptoms of PTSD
- Decrease anxiety and depression
- Manage triggers related to their addiction
- Improve coping skills
- Increase self-esteem
Therapists and recovery specialists will often use EMDR for addiction alongside other forms of treatment, like traditional talk therapy or 12-step programs. This can help provide a well-rounded approach to addiction treatment that meets each person’s unique needs.
Find EMDR Therapy in Seattle
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, EMDR therapy may be able to help. At Northpoint Seattle, we offer EMDR therapy as part of our comprehensive addiction treatment program. Our program works to meet the unique needs of each person and to help them on the road to recovery.
We offer various services, including individual and group counseling, 12-step programs, and life skills training. We also provide a variety of amenities, like yoga and meditation classes, to help our clients relax and heal.
If you’re ready to take the first steps on the road to recovery, call us at 888.483.6031 today to learn more about our addiction treatment program.