EMDR for Addiction Treatment in Tucson, Arizona
Best Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy for Addiction Treatment
At Sabino Recovery, we offer a trauma-centered approach to addiction treatment that combines naturopathic and allopathic medicine with evidence-based modalities, including EMDR. Our holistic approach focuses on helping individuals heal from their underlying trauma, which is often the root cause of addiction.
Our EMDR therapy program for addiction is led by an experienced and licensed therapist who is trained in this modality. They use eye movements, sounds, or taps to help individuals process traumatic events and the negative emotions that may contribute to a person’s substance use disorder.
If you or a loved one is struggling with trauma and addiction, we encourage you to contact Sabino Recovery today. Our EMDR therapy program is just one of the many evidence-based modalities we offer to help individuals recover from addiction and mental health issues.

What is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a form of therapy that helps individuals recover from psychological trauma. It is a relatively new form of therapy that was developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro, a psychologist. EMDR works by using bilateral stimulation, which involves moving your eyes back and forth while focusing on a traumatic experience or thought.
During an EMDR session, the therapist will guide you through the process of recalling past trauma while simultaneously providing bilateral stimulation. This can be done through eye movements, tapping, or other forms of sensory input. The goal of EMDR therapy is to help you process the traumatic memory in a way that is less distressing.
EMDR is different from traditional talk therapy in that it focuses on the body’s response to trauma rather than just talking about the traumatic event. It is believed that EMDR treatment works by reprocessing the traumatic memory, which can help reduce the intensity of traumatic symptoms.
Overall, EMDR therapy has been found to be an effective treatment for a variety of disorders, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and addiction. If you are struggling with co-occurring disorders like trauma and addiction, EMDR may be a helpful treatment option for you.
What Are the Phases of EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy has been proven to be an effective way to treat addiction and trauma. It involves eight phases that aim to help the individual process and resolve past traumatic experiences that may be contributing to their addiction.
Preparation
Establishing trust, explaining the EMDR process to the client, and teaching self-soothing techniques for emotional regulation.
Assessment
Identifying and assessing target memories. This involves selecting a specific memory, identifying a negative belief associated with that memory, pinpointing the desired positive belief, gauging the intensity of the negative feelings, and identifying physical sensations related to the memory.
Desensitization
Using bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements) to process the target memory until its associated distress is reduced.
Installation
Promoting the strengthening of the desired positive belief related to the target memory.
Body Scan
Identifying and processing any residual physical tension or discomfort linked to the target memory.
Closure
Returning the client to equilibrium at the end of the EMDR session. If processing is not complete, the therapist will use self-soothing techniques taught in the Preparation phase to ensure the client leaves feeling stable.
Reevaluation
Checking the results of the processing in subsequent sessions to ensure that the positive outcomes are maintained and addressing any remaining or new areas of distress.
Overall, EMDR is a highly effective approach to treating trauma and addiction that can help individuals overcome past traumas and develop the skills and coping mechanisms necessary to maintain their sobriety. If you are struggling with addiction, entering a professional treatment center and working with an EMDR therapist may be a valuable tool in your recovery journey.
EMDR and Substance Abuse
EMDR has been shown to be effective in treating substance use disorders and unresolved traumas as dysfunctional behaviors, such as substance abuse, can often be traced back to underlying trauma. EMDR therapy helps patients process and resolve these traumas, leading to a reduction in the urge to use drugs or alcohol.
This modality is especially effective in helping individuals heal from addiction when combined with other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These therapies can help patients develop coping mechanisms for dealing with mental illness that may contribute to substance use.
EMDR therapy can also be used to treat mental disorders that often co-occur with addiction, such as anxiety and depression. By addressing these underlying mental illness issues, patients are better equipped to maintain sobriety.

Benefits of EMDR in Addiction Treatment
The EMDR therapy approach has been shown to help individuals struggling with addiction by addressing distressing memories, emotions, and beliefs that may be contributing to their addictive behaviors. Here are some of the benefits of EMDR therapy:
- Reduction of trauma-related symptoms: EMDR can help reduce post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms like panic attacks that may be contributing to addiction.
- Decreased cravings and urges: EMDR can help reduce cravings and urges to use drugs or engage in other addictive behaviors.
- Increased self-efficacy: EMDR can help increase self-efficacy or the belief in one's ability to achieve goals and overcome challenges.
- Improved emotional regulation: EMDR can help improve emotional regulation, making it easier to cope with stressors and regulate emotional distress in a healthy way.
- Enhanced ability to cope with stressors: EMDR can help individuals develop coping skills to better manage stressors and other triggers for addiction.
- Reduction in anxiety and depressive symptoms: EMDR can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, which can be common in individuals struggling with addiction.
- Resolving underlying traumatic memories: EMDR can help individuals process and resolve underlying traumatic memories that may be contributing to addiction.
- Reduction in dissociative experiences: EMDR therapy can help reduce dissociative experiences, which can be common in individuals with a history of trauma.
- Decreased guilt and shame associated with addiction: EMDR can help individuals process and reduce feelings of guilt and shame associated with addiction.
- Increased motivation for recovery: EMDR therapy can help increase motivation for recovery and support long-term sobriety.
- Improved overall mental well-being: EMDR can help improve overall mental well-being, leading to a better quality of life.

EMDR And AddictioN Treatment at Sabino Recovery
At Sabino Recovery, you will receive comprehensive care designed to address all issues you may be having. Our treatment centers utilize evidence-based modalities, like EMDR for addiction, to treat the whole person. Each resident completes an in-depth assessment upon admission, which provides our team with the necessary information to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Our dual diagnosis facility specializes in addiction and mental health, with a focus on treating underlying trauma. We offer individual, group, and family therapy to ensure that all aspects of your recovery are addressed. Our individual therapy program includes 50 one-on-one sessions in just 35 days, while our group therapy sessions never exceed eight participants. Moreover, our robust family program offers on-campus, in-person sessions, including a dedicated family therapist to involve your loved ones in the healing process.
Continuing care planning is crucial to the success of your treatment. That's why we start your aftercare planning shortly after admission, ensuring that you have a robust plan to set you up for success. This may include medication management, individual therapy, partial hospitalization, or intensive outpatient programs.
We also offer a lifelong alumni program free of charge, which includes individualized follow-up, structured weekly group Zoom calls, and alumni reunions.
At Sabino Recovery, we are confident that our comprehensive care and evidence-based modalities, like EMDR for addiction, can help you overcome addiction and co-occurring substance use disorders.
Heal From Your Addiction With Our EMDR Therapy in Tucson, AZ
If you're struggling with addiction, you're not alone. Addiction is a complex issue that can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma and other underlying mental health disorders. At Sabino Recovery, we offer an EMDR therapy program that can help you heal from your addiction and address any underlying issues that may be contributing to your substance abuse.
Here we offer a comprehensive EMDR therapy program that is tailored to meet your individual needs. Our team of experienced therapists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique challenges and goals.
If you're ready to take the first step towards healing from your addiction, we encourage you to contact Sabino Recovery today. Our compassionate team is here to support you on your journey to recovery.