How does EMDR help with addiction recovery?

EMDR addresses the underlying trauma and emotional pain that often drives addictive behaviors. By processing these root causes, EMDR reduces cravings, helps manage triggers, and supports sustainable recovery by healing the wounds that fuel addiction.

Can EMDR be done while in early recovery?

Yes, EMDR can be adapted for different stages of recovery. Early recovery may focus on stabilization and resource building, while deeper trauma processing occurs when you have established sobriety and emotional stability.

What types of addiction can EMDR treat?

EMDR is effective for substance use disorders (alcohol, drugs) and behavioral addictions (gambling, eating disorders). It addresses the trauma and emotional dysregulation underlying all types of addictive patterns.

EMDR for Addiction Recovery

Break free from addiction by healing the underlying trauma and painful experiences that fuel addictive behaviors. Build lasting recovery through trauma-informed care.

Begin Your Recovery Journey

75%

of people with addiction have experienced significant trauma*

The Trauma-Addiction Connection

Addiction often develops as a way to cope with unresolved trauma, emotional pain, or overwhelming life experiences. EMDR addresses these root causes for more effective, lasting recovery.

How Trauma Leads to Addiction

Self-medication for emotional pain
Escape from traumatic memories
Numbing overwhelming feelings
Coping with negative self-beliefs
Managing hypervigilance and anxiety

Common Trauma Sources

Childhood abuse or neglect
Domestic violence
Combat or military trauma
Medical trauma or chronic illness
Loss and grief experiences

Addiction Types We Address

Substance Use Disorders

Alcohol dependency
Prescription drug misuse
Illegal drug addiction
Polysubstance use

Behavioral Addictions

Gambling addiction
Shopping compulsions
Food and eating disorders
Technology/internet addiction

How EMDR Supports Addiction Recovery

Work addiction
Exercise compulsion
Relationship/love addiction
Sexual addiction

Important Note

EMDR for addiction works best as part of comprehensive treatment. We recommend coordination with addiction specialists, medical providers, and support groups for optimal recovery outcomes.

Process Addictions

EMDR doesn't just address addiction symptoms - it heals the underlying wounds that make substances or behaviors feel necessary for survival.

Stabilization & Safety

Ensure you're stable in recovery before processing trauma. Build healthy coping skills and relapse prevention strategies.

Focus Areas: Trigger identification, grounding techniques, support system strengthening

Trauma Processing

Process the traumatic experiences and painful memories that contribute to addictive patterns and negative self-beliefs.

Focus Areas: Childhood trauma, relationship wounds, shame and guilt processing

Trigger Reprocessing

Address specific situations, emotions, or memories that typically trigger cravings or addictive behaviors.

Focus Areas: Craving triggers, environmental cues, emotional regulation

Future Preparation

Build confidence in your ability to handle challenges without substances or addictive behaviors.

Focus Areas: Relapse prevention, healthy coping strategies, self-efficacy building

Your Path to Lasting Recovery

As trauma heals and healthy coping skills develop, many clients experience significant improvements in their recovery journey and overall well-being.

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Emotional Regulation

Develop healthier ways to process and cope with difficult emotions

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Reduced Triggers

Decrease the intensity and frequency of addiction triggers and cravings

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Increased Self-Worth

Transform shame and self-criticism into self-compassion and confidence

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Sustainable Recovery

Build a foundation for long-term recovery based on healing, not just willpower

Sherly's Trauma-Informed Addiction Approach

Sherly understands that addiction is often a symptom of deeper wounds. Her compassionate, non-judgmental approach focuses on healing rather than shame:

No Shame or Judgment: Creating a safe space where you can explore addiction without fear of criticism or moral judgment.

Trauma-First Perspective: Understanding addiction as an adaptive response to trauma rather than a character flaw or weakness.

Coordinated Care: Working collaboratively with your existing treatment team, sponsors, and support systems.

Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing how cultural factors, family systems, and social context influence addiction and recovery.

Learn More About Sherly Schedule Consultation

Ready to Heal the Roots of Addiction?

Recovery is possible when you address both the addiction and the underlying trauma that feeds it. Take the next step toward lasting healing.

Assessment & Planning

Evaluate your readiness for trauma work and create a coordinated treatment plan

Stabilization Work

Build strong coping skills and relapse prevention strategies before trauma processing

Trauma Healing

Process underlying wounds while maintaining your recovery and building resilience

Schedule Consultation Recovery Questions