Work

EMDR Therapy Reduces Intense Treatment-Resistant Cravings in a Case of Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid Addiction

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: This article presents the first experiences of using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to aid in the treatment of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) dependency. A case presented itself as a result of intense, treatment-resistant cravings despite pharmacological treatment. The patient received 7 weekly sessions using a subset of the palette of EMDR interventions in addiction (PEIA; Markus & Hornsveld, 2017 ) targeting both negative and positive valenced addiction-related memory representations from the past, present, and future. Patient-reported GHB craving showed a gradual and prolonged reduction. Urine samples showed that the patient remained abstinent during and at least 6 months after EMDR therapy. Further research regarding the effectiveness of EMDR therapy in this particularly challenging group of substance users is warranted.

Source: Journal of EMDR Practice and Research

DOI: 10.1891/1933-3196.11.1.30

Authors: Rouhollah Qurishi, Wiebren Markus, Maaike M.J. Habra, Bibi Bressers, Cornelis A.J. De Jong

Institutions: Radboud University Nijmegen, IrisZorg, Nijmegen Institute for Scientist Practitioners in Addiction

Language: English

Topic: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

OpenAlex ID: W2588061696