EMDR and the Feeling-State Protocol: A Beacon of Hope for Alcohol Addiction
Understanding addiction, especially alcohol addiction, requires a multi-faceted approach. One of the most promising methods in recent years has been Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and its offshoot, the Feeling-State Protocol. But what are these therapies, and how can they help those battling alcohol addiction? Let's dive in.
What is EMDR?
EMDR was initially developed to treat trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Shapiro, 1989). It's a psychotherapeutic approach that helps individuals process distressing memories and beliefs. The therapy involves recalling traumatic memories while undergoing bilateral stimulation, usually in the form of guided eye movements. Over time, the distress associated with these memories decreases, allowing the individual to form more adaptive beliefs about themselves.
So, How Does EMDR Relate to Alcohol Addiction?
Research suggests that many people with substance use disorders, including alcohol addiction, have experienced trauma (Read, Brown, & Kahler, 2004). These traumatic experiences often underlie the urge to drink, as alcohol can provide a temporary reprieve from distressing emotions and memories. EMDR can address these underlying traumas, thereby reducing the need to self-medicate with alcohol.
Enter the Feeling-State Protocol
The Feeling-State Theory of Impulse-Control Disorders posits that addictive behaviors arise from a fixation on a pleasurable feeling linked with a specific event (Miller, 2010). This fixation leads to a type of behavioral addiction, where the behavior or substance is pursued to recreate or maintain that pleasurable feeling.
In the Feeling-State Addiction Protocol (FSAP), a modified form of EMDR is used to break the link between the pleasurable feeling state and the behavior. By addressing and "de-linking" this connection, the compulsion to engage in the addictive behavior (like drinking) diminishes.
Benefits for Alcohol Addiction
Addressing the Root Cause: Both EMDR and FSAP delve deep into the origins of addiction. Instead of just addressing the symptoms (the drinking), these therapies aim to treat the underlying issues causing the addiction.
Reducing Relapse: By treating the foundational causes of addiction, the chances of relapse can be reduced. When individuals have healthier ways to cope with trauma and negative feelings, the need to turn to alcohol diminishes.
Empowerment: These therapies can help individuals regain control over their lives. Understanding the link between past traumas or pleasurable feelings and current behavior can be a powerful tool in recovery.
In Conclusion
While EMDR and the Feeling-State Protocol are not magic bullets, they offer a valuable toolkit in the battle against alcohol addiction. They present a way to address the deep-seated traumas and emotions that often fuel addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, it may be worth exploring these therapeutic options with a licensed professional.
References:
Shapiro, F. (1989). Efficacy of the eye movement desensitization procedure in the treatment of traumatic memories. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2(2), 199-223.
Read, J. P., Brown, P. J., & Kahler, C. W. (2004). Substance use and posttraumatic stress disorders: Symptom interplay and effects on outcome. Addictive Behaviors, 29(8), 1665-1672.
Miller, R. (2010). Feeling-state theory and the feeling-state addiction protocol. Traumatology, 16(3), 2-10.
