Written by: Banyan Editorial Staff | Medically reviewed by: Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne - Chief Medical Officer | Edited: February 2026
For many facing addiction, the real struggle goes beyond cravings or withdrawal. Painful memories of abuse, combat, or loss can feel overwhelming and keep people stuck in distress. To cope, some turn to drugs or alcohol, which only makes things worse. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy that helps the brain process these difficult memories so they lose their hold. At Banyan Treatment Centers, EMDR is used to treat both addiction and mental health issues, giving clients a chance to move forward.
What is EMDR?
EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro, who observed that guided eye movements could ease the distress tied to traumatic memories. Since then, EMDR has become one of the most researched and effective therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, and other co-occurring mental health conditions[1].
The Process: How EMDR Works
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require clients to revisit every detail of their trauma. Instead, it uses a process called bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds that activate both sides of the brain. This stimulation helps the brain “reprocess” memories, reducing their emotional intensity and allowing new, healthier associations to form.
For individuals in recovery, this means that trauma triggers no longer have to fuel cravings or relapse. For those struggling with depression, anxiety, or PTSD, EMDR helps reduce overwhelming symptoms and creates a greater sense of emotional stability. At Banyan, EMDR is always part of an addiction treatment plan that integrates addiction recovery with mental health support.[6]
Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy: What Happens?
EMDR therapy follows eight structured phases designed to ensure clients feel safe while working through painful experiences.[5] The process begins with history-taking and treatment planning, where the therapist gathers background information and identifies which memories or themes will be addressed. Clients then move into preparation, where they learn grounding and relaxation techniques that help them feel secure before deeper trauma work begins.
Once ready, the assessment stage identifies specific memories and negative beliefs that will be processed. During desensitization, bilateral stimulation helps the brain reduce the intensity of these memories, gradually decreasing the distress they cause. As this happens, clients move into the installation phase, where positive, more adaptive beliefs are reinforced to replace the negative ones tied to trauma.
The therapist then guides the client through a body scan, checking for any lingering tension or emotional discomfort. Each session closes with techniques to restore balance and ensure stability, while re-evaluation at later sessions allows progress to be measured and treatment goals adjusted.
Through this process, clients learn that their past experiences no longer need to control their present, paving the way for healing in both addiction recovery and mental disorders.
Questions about our Facilities or Programs?
Our admissions coordinators are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have as you consider whether treatment at Banyan is right for you or your loved one.
Benefits of EMDR Therapy
Research shows that EMDR can produce faster results than traditional talk therapy for trauma-related conditions.[3] Benefits include:
- Reduced cravings, as trauma-related triggers lose their intensity.
- Lower relapse risk by addressing the root causes of substance use.
- Improved mental health, easing symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
- Better emotional regulation helps clients feel safer in their own bodies.[4]
- Relief without re-traumatization, since EMDR doesn’t require retelling every detail of trauma.
- Faster progress, with many clients noticing improvements within a few sessions.
How EMDR Supports Addiction Treatment
Substance use often begins as an attempt to numb pain or escape distressing emotions. EMDR addresses those root causes by helping clients process the memories and beliefs that fuel addiction. Once those core wounds lose their intensity, the need to self-medicate decreases.
Ways EMDR helps in addiction recovery:
- Reduces cravings by lessening the emotional intensity of trauma-related triggers.
- Decreases relapse risk through improved emotional regulation.
- Improves self-image and resilience, replacing negative beliefs (e.g., “I’m broken” or “I can’t cope”) with healthier perspectives.
- Supports dual diagnosis treatment by addressing trauma and co-occurring mental health conditions simultaneously.
Research supports EMDR’s effectiveness for addiction. A 2021 meta-analysis found EMDR significantly reduced substance use frequency, cravings, and PTSD symptoms among people with dual diagnoses.
EMDR and Mental Health
While EMDR is highly effective for addiction recovery, its primary strength lies in addressing co-occurring mental health conditions rooted in trauma. Many clients at Banyan struggle with both, and EMDR bridges the gap.
EMDR has been shown to help with:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reduces flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.
- Depression is helped by reprocessing negative self-beliefs tied to past experiences.
- Anxiety disorders by decreasing fear responses linked to traumatic memories.
- Panic attacks, through reducing triggers and body-based responses.
- Grief and loss, by helping clients process unresolved emotions.
By addressing trauma directly, EMDR creates a foundation for healing that benefits both addiction recovery and long-term mental health.
Getting into treatment is easy with our free insurance verification
"*" indicates required fields
Types of Disorders Treated by EMDR
Substance Use Disorders
EMDR is used to support recovery from:
- Alcohol use disorder
- Opioid addiction
- Stimulant addiction
- Polysubstance use
Co-Occurring Disorders
Because trauma and mental health conditions often fuel substance use, EMDR also treats:
- PTSD and trauma-related disorders
- Depression and anxiety
- Panic disorder
- Complicated grief
EMDR for Military Members and Veterans
Service members and veterans often experience trauma that leads to PTSD, anxiety, or substance misuse. EMDR has shown strong results in this population.
- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes EMDR as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD.
- Studies show veterans receiving EMDR report significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, improved sleep, and decreased alcohol or drug misuse.
- EMDR can also be combined with cognitive-behavioral and exposure-based therapies for enhanced outcomes.
At Banyan, our clinicians use EMDR to help veterans and first responders process combat-related trauma, reintegrate into civilian life, and regain emotional balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find an EMDR Program Near You
Healing from addiction often means healing from trauma. EMDR therapy helps clients reprocess painful memories, reduce emotional distress, and create space for lasting recovery. At Banyan Treatment Centers, our EMDR program integrates trauma-focused therapy with comprehensive addiction and mental health care, ensuring clients receive the support they need on every level.
Inpatient EMDR Therapy Options
For those requiring a more residential approach to recovery, our centers offer EMDR in a structured and immersive environment, allowing clients to focus fully on their recovery. Find out which of our treatment centers offering EMDR are closest to you:
Outpatient Solutions for EMDR
Outpatient rehab (either through Telehealth or day programs) offers flexibility for individuals who are ready to continue treatment while balancing work, school, or family responsibilities. Our outpatient program includes EMDR (one-on-one or in group therapy) as part of its curriculum.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and unresolved trauma, EMDR may be the next step forward. Verify your insurance or complete our contact form today to learn more about EMDR at Banyan.
