Addictions And Other Compulsive Behaviors
"The important thing is this: To be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become."
- Charles du Bois
The relationship between trauma and addiction is well established in the literature. The most well known, large-scale, epidemiological study demonstrating this relationship is the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study, conducted collaboratively between Kaiser Permanente San Diego and the Center for Disease Control in the 1990's, now known world-wide.
Understanding Addiction: Three Perspectives
Addiction as a Misguided Solution
Addictive behaviors start out as solutions to a problem: defending against the intrusion of underlying trauma and other disturbing life experiences leading to overwhelming negative emotions, beliefs, and internal states. Once behaviors become excessive and compulsive, they become the biggest problem of all.
Addiction as a Disorder of Learning
We tend to remember whatever has the greatest emotional charge. Addictions develop when a desired feeling and a substance or behavior get 'wired' together, especially where there is a trauma history in addition to a pre-existing biological vulnerability to addiction.
Addiction as Protection
Addictive behaviors are seen as protection from underlying, unprocessed trauma, negative emotion, and inability to cope with internal states and external challenges. EMDR therapy targets and reprocesses this underlying disturbance efficiently and effectively.
Addictions Treated
Substance and behavioral addictions and compulsions can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes standard EMDR therapy integrated with several modified EMDR approaches.
Specialized EMDR Approaches
In the 1980's, several modified EMDR approaches were developed specifically for addiction treatment:
- DeTUR - Desensitization of Triggers and Urge Reprocessing (A.J. Popky)
- Positive Affect Targeting - Targeting the positive feelings associated with addiction (Jim Knipe)
- Feeling-States - Similar positive affect targets (Miller)
- CravEx - Craving Extinguishment Protocol (Michael Hase)
The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study
The ACE Study is a groundbreaking research project that demonstrated the powerful relationship between childhood trauma and adult health outcomes, including addiction. The study found that as the number of adverse childhood experiences increases, so does the risk for developing addictive behaviors and other health problems.
Understanding this connection is crucial for effective treatment. By addressing the underlying trauma through EMDR therapy, we can help break the cycle of addiction and support lasting recovery.
My Treatment Approach
EMDR Therapy Integrated with IFS
I specialize in the integration of EMDR therapy and IFS (Internal Family Systems) informed procedures for the treatment of addictions and compulsive behaviors. This integrated approach allows for safer and more comprehensive healing by addressing both the trauma underlying the addiction and the protective parts that developed the addictive patterns.
Comprehensive Treatment Planning
Treatment includes targeting and reprocessing past traumas, current triggers and urges, the positive feelings associated with the addictive behavior, and the underlying emotional states that drive compulsive patterns. This comprehensive approach addresses the full complexity of addiction.
Relapse Prevention
A key component of treatment is relapse prevention, which includes targeting past relapses, current relapse cycles triggered by cravings, overwhelming stress, and unconscious processes. By understanding and addressing these patterns, we can strengthen recovery and build lasting change.
Ready to Break Free?
If you're struggling with addiction or compulsive behaviors, specialized EMDR therapy can help. Contact me to schedule a consultation and learn how this integrated approach can support your recovery journey.
Specialized Addiction Workshops for Clinicians
I offer specialized IFS informed EMDR workshops for clinicians treating addiction and compulsive behaviors. Learn more about upcoming training opportunities.
View Workshops