*Disclaimer: Please note that parts of this sci-fly have been automatically translated.*
Relapse in addiction is often related to impulsive behavior. In this “theoretical” article, we propose that EMDR treatment – a treatment classically consisting of a series of eye movements now used primarily for trauma – can also help addiction, by making addiction stimuli less powerful. In fact, craving (strong desire or craving for a substance) plays a major role in addiction.
We think EMDR treatment can make people less likely to experience craving when they see or experience something that reminds them of their addiction, such as a drink, drugs, stress or specific emotions. So far, little good research has been done on using EMDR treatment for addiction. Some studies show hopeful results, such as when treatment focuses on key situations in the present in which a person craves a drug. More research is needed to confirm this. To set up this research properly, it is important to understand how EMDR treatment would likely be best used to tame addiction. The purpose of the current article was to provide more insight into this.
Why would EMDR treatment tame addiction?
We suggest adapting EMDR treatment to a client’s personal “craving-calling” situation, while treating not so much old memories, but rather personal images, situations or emotions that are now evoking craving. By straining working memory during EMDR, addiction memories are likely to become less powerful. In this article, we specifically propose that this working memory load leads to effects as people experience changes in their expectations and beliefs (“I can resist this drug”). This process can lead to the suppression and updating of addiction-related (conditioned) memories. Thus, responses to addiction stimuli are reduced. Physiological activation during the retrieval of current “craving” memories can create optimal therapy conditions that enhance the effectiveness of EMDR therapy.
EMDR can also affect how vivid and emotional a memory feels. We suggest, based on the trauma literature that these effects seem to have a less direct impact. But they may help to further attenuate and modify addictive memories. This could ultimately lead to fewer cravings, less addictive behavior and less chance of relapse. So taming cravings? Good research on EMDR treatment, as well as why this treatment works, seems to make sense!
Reference
Larsen, J. K., Markus, W., Wiers, R. W., & de Jongh, A. (2025). Targeting craving with EMDR therapy: Future directions. Addictive Behaviors, 164, 108288. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108288
This sci-fly was written by Dr. Junilla Larsen (Radboud University) for RAD-blog, the blog on smoking, alcohol, drugs and diet.
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