Recent research on EMDR as a tool for reducing addictive cravings

A recent article by a group of international researchers discusses the expansive possibilities for EMDR as an addiction treatment through targeting memory processes in the brain. The article, “Targeting Craving with EMDR Therapy: Future Directions” explains (very technically) how EMDR can help with addictive cravings. In my practice I have had good results targeting the “highs” and desensitizing them much as one would a trauma. It’s like if someone is craving alcohol, I ask them to think about how much they love alcohol, times they’ve had fun drinking, and other positive thoughts about alcohol that make them want to drink. Then we begin reprocessing and desensitizing those thoughts and pleasant memories.  But usually very quickly the brain spontaneously goes to the negative aspects of drinking and the person says, I should really cut down… What has happened is the brain has desensitized the positive thoughts and taken the power out of them, so a common feeling is now more like, I don’t need that, or, I can take it or leave it. Emdr helps the brain loosen its grip on whatever addictive thing one is fixated on. It normally happens within minutes, but in some tougher cases it may take a little longer, and also we may need to intentionally focus on/target the negative memories (but after we have desensitized the positive thoughts). In my experience almost any addiction or compulsive behavior can be helped in this way. I’ve helped clients with all kinds of substance use problems: alcohol, marijuana, nicotine, kratom, opiates, but also compulsive behaviors such as porn, gaming, gambling, disordered eating issues, and OCD.