Freedom from cravings with EMDR?
The latest scientific research http://Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 52, 83-91. doi.10.1016/j.jbtep.2016.03.007 suggests that the use of eye movements can be used to reduce the intensity of substance-related imagery and cravings.
In the latest study which was focused on reducing cravings for smokers, findings indicate that eye movements were helpful in reducing cravings. Researchers say smokers who participated in the study using a modified EMDR procedure showed significant reductions in cravings, but those reductions were only effective for up to a week. In all fairness, the participants received one 6 minute session of EMDR treatment. In most cases, EMDR treatments take place over 90 minute sessions.
More research is needed in terms of length of session and the use of the normal EMDR protocol during times that participants are attempting to quit smoking. It might also be useful to research whether doing two 45-minute sessions per week during smoking cessation would have a greater impact.
