EMDR therapy tested for addiction and trauma – could it reduce relapse?

NCT ID NCT05488691

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Hospital Clinic of Barcelona Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can help people with substance use disorders who have also experienced trauma. 64 participants completed the treatment. The goal was to see if EMDR reduces relapse and changes brain activity and stress hormone levels.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to treat substance use disorders by addressing underlying trauma, potentially lowering relapse rates.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed study with only 64 participants. It may not show a clear benefit, and results may not apply to everyone with substance use disorders.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

substance-related disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hospital Clínic de Barcelona

Barcelona, Barcelona, 08036, Spain

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