How ACES and EDMR Can Help Trauma and Addiction Recovery
Since trauma and addiction are such common issues, it only makes sense that multiple therapies and treatment options exist for both. But not everyone responds to them in the same way. Some people prefer—and sometimes need—a more unique, innovative approach to recovery.
That’s where ACES and EDMR come in.
ACES refers to Adverse Childhood Experiences. The treatment associated with it typically consists of a questionnaire that can help you identify different childhood abuse and neglect areas in your life.
EDMR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. While this treatment isn’t as common as CBT and other talk therapies, it’s quickly becoming more popular thanks to its uniqueness and effectiveness.
So how can both help with trauma and addiction recovery?
What Can ACES Do?
The ACES questionnaire is actually a self-report measure. At first, that might seem strange, but the basis of almost any therapy is getting to the root cause of an issue. People who have experienced trauma in their lives might often turn to drugs or alcohol to cope rather than facing the underlying cause of the trauma itself.
ACES can help by asking a series of questions that help you tap into your memory. For example, it might consist of questions like:
Did someone in your household ever push you or grab you?
Did you ever feel unsafe at home?
Was there someone in your house who always seemed depressed?
When you go through trauma, especially as a child, your mind might try to repress some of the things you see or experience. It’s a defense mechanism that you can carry well into adulthood. But, unfortunately, even if you block out the memories of things that happened, they’re still there.
Unresolved trauma can lead to issues like anxiety and depression and can even contribute to addiction. However, when you understand the things you’ve been through, you can fully start to process and work through them.
How EMDR Can Make a Difference
Unlike different types of talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t make you rehash the things you’ve been through by offering your narrative. Instead, it focuses on reprocessing your negative experiences and trauma through eye movements.
You’ll start out by focusing on a specific traumatic experience or event while moving your eyes back and forth under the direction of a therapist. Then, you’ll focus on the things around you rather than the traumatic memory. Over time, this treatment helps to desensitize you from the trauma. It allows you to turn scary, negative thoughts into positive ones.
When you’re able to do that, you’re less likely to search for other coping methods, including turning to drugs or alcohol. Instead, you’ll be able to take those negative thoughts captive more frequently. This will empower you to feel more in control of your own emotions and behaviors than the effects of trauma trying to control you.
Are ACES and EDMR Right for You?
Maybe you've never heard of ACES or EDMR before, but they’re gaining popularity for plenty of good reasons, and almost anyone can be a candidate.
If you’re struggling with any kind of addiction or feeling anxious or depressed, you don’t know why you could be dealing with unresolved trauma. If that’s the case, feel free to contact me. Together, we’ll discover the root cause of your behaviors and start to work through the effects of that trauma.
If you have more questions about either of these processes, I’m happy to help you learn more. Even if you’ve tried other types of treatment before, these options could be the unique solutions you’re looking for to make a difference.
Click here for more information on trauma therapy.