EMDR Treatment of Comorbid PTSD and Alcohol Dependence: A Case Example

Abstract

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy that has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A relatively small but growing body of literature indicates that EMDR may be an effective adjunctive treatment for substance abuse. This article reviews the various protocols that have been developed for that purpose, including protocols by Vogelmann-Sine et al., Omaha, Popky, and Hase. A case study that incorporates the use of some of these interventions is presented to illustrate successful EMDR treatment of a woman who had long-standing comorbid alcohol abuse and PTSD. Two-year follow-up after EMDR showed that the woman was successfully maintaining sobriety and that the PTSD continued in full remission. After a discussion of the important aspects of this case, the authors explore future directions for research.