EMDR - Reprocessing of the addiction memory

Substance abuse is always a challenge for the therapist. Substance abuse and its sequelae often mean intense suffering for the individual and huge costs for society. Established treatment modalities, as good as they are, lack effectiveness. Recent research in the field of neuroscience has shown that most experience is automatically processed on sub cortical levels, i.e. by "unconscious" interpretations that are made outside of conscious awareness. Insight and understanding have only a limited influence on the operation of these sub cortical processes. These findings are also applicable on addicted people and help to create a new approach. The concept of an addiction memory is helpful (Wolffgramm 2000: Wolffgramm 2002). It can be understood as a form of maladaptive memory and EMDR is the tool for resolution (Shapiro 2001). In this workshop an overview over theory and the practical aspects of EMDR treatment for substance abusers will be given.

Theory in combination with video demonstration will facilitate the transfer of knowledge into everyday therapy.

Conference

English

Michael H. Hase

Hase, M. H. (2005, June). EMDR - Reprocessing of the addiction memory. Presentation at the 6th EMDR Europe Association Conference, Brussels, Belgium