Many people have a hard time healing from past trauma and turn to drugs or alcohol to cope. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), is a psychotherapy approach that is an effective method used for treating victims of trauma. EMDR is used as a mental health intervention for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. PTSD affects the brain and disrupts the way information is processed.
EMDR affects the way the brain processes information. It mimics what naturally happens during dreaming or rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. After EMDR treatment, a client will still remember the trauma, but is typically less disturbed by it. According to the EMDR International Association, (2005), “EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Therefore, EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically based therapy that helps a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way.”
Remembering the trauma can be just as painful as it was the first time it occurred. The senses become trapped in time and remembering a trauma may feel as bad as going through it the first time. These memories have a lasting negative impact that interferes with a person’s life and relationships.
According to Dr. Francine Shapiro, senior research fellow at the Mental Research Institute and director of EMDR Institute, “Current experiences must link with the memory networks in our brain to be interpreted. If there is an unprocessed memory, the negative emotions and sensations can emerge and color our perception of this current situation. In short, the past is present.”
When mental health complications co-occur with addiction, both conditions need to be treated simultaneously. EMDR treats mental health conditions such as panic attacks, grief, phobias, stress, addiction, abuse, and dissociative disorders. In EMDR treatment, the memory is properly aligned while the brain is stimulated. The memory can be transformed into a learning experience and negative emotions can be morphed into a positive sense of self and mindfulness.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or trauma, get help now. Do not wait another day. Make the decision to start your journey to a lifelong recovery and get help today.
Cypress Lake Recovery specializes in addiction treatment and is located in a serene, remote, lush-green, oxygen enriched environment. The program encompasses holistic addiction therapy and offers yoga and meditation for the mind, body, and soul. The focus is on physical, mental, and emotional well-being by generating the balance of life-enriching treatment, wellness, and healthy, sober, sustainable relationships. Call us to get started: 409-331-2204
