Addictive Dependency: What Can Help to Break the Vicious Cycle?

What Is Addictive Dependency?

Addictive dependency happens when a person feels like they must use something—like alcohol, drugs, gambling, or even social media—again and again. They may try to stop, but feel like they just can’t. It becomes a cycle, a loop that keeps repeating.

Imagine someone having a rough day and reaching for a drink or scrolling endlessly on their phone. They feel better for a moment. But later, the guilt or emptiness returns. So, they do it again. And again.

Many times, addiction isn’t about the habit itself—it’s about avoiding painful emotions like anxiety, stress, or sadness from the past.

Real-Life Example: Meet Jake

Jake is 29. He works a full-time job, but every evening he feels empty and low. To feel better, he started drinking. At first, it was just one glass. But over time, one became many. He tried to stop but couldn’t. That’s when he realized there might be a deeper reason behind his drinking.

The Vicious Cycle of Addiction

The addiction cycle usually looks like this:

1. You feel bad – sad, anxious, lonely.

2. You want relief – so you drink, smoke, scroll, or eat.

3. You feel better – for a short while.

4. Then worse again – guilt, shame, and health or relationship problems.

5. Repeat – and the cycle goes on.

Breaking this loop is tough—but not impossible.

Common Treatments for Addiction

Most treatment plans include:

• Talking therapy or counseling

• Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous

• Medication to help with cravings or mental health

• Healthy habits – such as exercise and hobbies

These tools are helpful, but they often work better when the real cause of the addiction is also treated. This is where EMDR therapy can make a big difference.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It may sound like a robot made it up, but it’s actually a well-known therapy that helps people heal from trauma.

Here’s how it works:

• You remember a painful memory with the help of a trained therapist.

• While thinking about it, you follow side-to-side movements (like moving your eyes or feeling taps).

• This helps your brain “reprocess” the memory in a healthier way—kind of like sorting out a messy closet in your mind.

EMDR was first created to help people with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), but now it’s used to treat many things, including addiction, depression, and even phobias.

How EMDR Helps with Addiction

1. It Heals the Root Wound

Jake found out that his drinking started because of childhood rejection he never fully faced. EMDR helped him process that old pain. After a few sessions, he didn’t feel the same strong urge to drink when he felt down.

2. It Reduces Triggers

Sometimes, a smell, a place, or a person can trigger the urge to use. EMDR helps your brain become less sensitive to those emotional triggers. The memory is still there, but it stops hurting so much.

Think of it like turning down the volume on a loud, annoying song in your head.

3. It Builds Positive Thoughts

EMDR also helps you replace negative beliefs with better ones. For example, changing “I’m not strong enough” to “I can handle this.” These new thoughts make it easier to stay on the recovery path.

4. It Prevents Relapse

Since EMDR works on the deep cause, not just the surface behavior, the chances of relapse go down. When the emotional wound is healed, you don’t feel the same need to run from it anymore.

Real-Life Example: Meet Sara

Sara is 35 and had a shopping addiction. She didn’t buy things because she needed them—she bought them when she felt lonely or worthless. EMDR helped her go back to an old heartbreak she never processed. After facing that pain, she stopped using shopping as a band-aid. She still shops (who doesn’t?), but now it’s because she wants to, not because she needs to feel better.

Is EMDR for Everyone?

EMDR can be very helpful, especially if:

• You have trauma or painful memories

• You’ve tried to quit a habit but always go back

• You feel stuck because of anxiety, fear, or emotional pain

• You’re open to trying something new and healing from within

And no—EMDR doesn’t erase your memory. It just makes it less painful and easier to live with.

Quick Humor Break

Okay, let’s be real—EMDR sessions can be emotional. One moment you’re crying, and the next you’re waving your eyes back and forth like you’re in a staring contest with your therapist. But hey, if it helps heal your heart, it’s totally worth the awkwardness.

Final Thoughts

Addiction isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of unhealed hurt. It’s the brain’s way of saying, “I need help.” And help is out there.

EMDR therapy gives people a chance to heal those old wounds that keep feeding the addiction cycle. It may not be magic, but for many people, it feels pretty close.

So whether you’re dealing with alcohol, food, gambling, or even your phone—remember: you’re not broken. You’re human. And you can get better.

Ready to take the first step toward healing? Visit Juna Brookes Therapy and discover how EMDR can help you reclaim your life.