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L’EMDR (désensibilisation et retraitement par les mouvements oculaires) est une thérapie qui a démontré son efficacité dans le traitement de l’état de stress post-traumatique (ESPT). Une littérature clinique encore relativement réduite, mais croissante, montre que l’EMDR peut aussi être un traitement complémentaire efficace de la toxicomanie. Le présent article passe en revue les divers protocoles qui ont été développés dans ce but, avec les protocoles de Vogelmann-Sine et al., Omaha, Popky et Hase. Une étude de cas intégrant certaines de ces interventions est présentée afin d’illustrer la réussite du traitement par l’EMDR d’une femme souffrant de longue date d’une dépendance à l’alcool et d’un ESPT comorbides. Le suivi, deux ans plus tard, a montré que cette femme restait sobre et que l’ESPT était en rémission complète. Après une discussion des aspects importants de ce cas, les auteurs explorent de futures directions de recherche.

A growing body of literature indicates that eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) can be useful in the treatment of addictions. When combined with traditional addictions treatment approaches, EMDR can enhance client stability, prevent relapse, and promote recovery. Clinical decision making about when and how to use EMDR techniques with clients who present with addictions is complicated. The purpose of this article is to explore the use of EMDR interventions with clients presenting various levels of awareness of their addiction as well as varied levels of motivation to change. The authors explore the Stages of Change and suggest appropriate pre-EMDR EMDR interventions at each stage.

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.