None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a well-established first line psychological treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. In the addictions field, it has been suggested that clients presenting with addictions have a concomitant history of trauma, and comorbidity rates of up to 75%. However, few studies to date have documented the use of EMDR in this area, and its efficacy as a treatment for addictions remains unclear and less well established in the literature. In the utility of EMDR for the treatment of alcohol dependency, the limited research available has suggested promising results in reducing craving for alcohol. The experience of craving for substances has been suggested by researchers to be one of the factors maintaining alcohol/drug use, as well as a precipitating factor for relapse. Implications for establishing the efficacy of EMDR in addiction treatment therefore includes the potential to improve existing relapse prevention programs, and consequently to reduce relapse rates. The current study aims to examine and evaluate the application of EMDR in the treatment of individuals with substance dependence. Specifically, the efficacy of an EMDR treatment that targets the experience of craving for substances will be investigated. Research questions for the study are as follows: 1. Is the application of EMDR in targeting craving effective as an adjunct to treatment for substance dependent individuals? 2. How does adding EMDR to a standardized treatment program for substance dependence compare to the: (a) addition of an active relapse prevention program (Mindfulness-based relapse prevention, MBRP)? and (b) addition of a program unassociated with craving and relapse prevention (cognitive rehabilitation)?
Interventions
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) - EMDR is a form of psychotherapy that was developed by Francine Shapiro to resolve the development of trauma-related disorders caused by exposure to distressing events. The theory suggests that when distressing experiences occur they may overwhelm usual cognitive and neurological coping mechanisms. The memory and associated stimuli of the event are inadequately processed, and are dysfunctionally stored in an isolated memory network. The goal o
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) - EMDR is a form of psychotherapy that was developed by Francine Shapiro to resolve the development of trauma-related disorders caused by exposure to distressing events. The theory suggests that when distressing experiences occur they may overwhelm usual cognitive and neurological coping mechanisms. The memory and associated stimuli of the event are inadequately processed, and are dysfunctionally stored in an isolated memory network. The goal of EMDR therapy is to process these distressing memories, using dual attention stimuli (by way of bilateral stimulation e.g. eye movements, tones, or tapping), while triggering a physiological state that facilitates information processing, therefore reducing the distress and allowing clients to develop more adaptive coping mechanisms. Duration of EMDR: 3 x 75min sessions over 2 or 3 consecutive weeks Method of administration: one-on-one sessions with a clinician
Sponsors
Dr. Chris Lee
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
1. Participants must meet DSM-IV or ICD-10 diagnostic criteria for substance dependence 2. Willing to be contacted for follow-up
Exclusion criteria
1. History of traumatic brain injury 2. Presence of organic brain disorders 3. On-going use of any substances
Outcome results
None listed