EFT and Overcoming Addictions: Does It Work?

In the world of addiction recovery, a multitude of methods and therapies vie for attention, each promising a path to freedom and healing. One such method that has garnered significant interest is Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), often referred to as tapping. But does EFT really work for overcoming addictions? Let’s delve into what EFT is, how it’s supposed to help with addiction, and what the evidence says. If you're new to my blog and you want to find out what EFT is, here's another blog article that explains the power of EFT tapping.

How EFT is Supposed to Help with Addiction

Addiction often has deep emotional roots, encompassing feelings of stress, anxiety, trauma, and unresolved emotional pain. EFT aims to address these emotional underpinnings by:

1. Reducing Cravings: EFT can help diminish the cravings associated with addiction by tapping on the meridian points while focusing on the craving. This can potentially reduce the urge to engage in addictive behaviors.

2. Managing Stress and Anxiety: Many people turn to addictive substances or behaviors as a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety. EFT helps by providing an alternative method to manage these emotions.

3. Addressing Trauma and Emotional Pain: Unresolved trauma and emotional pain are common in individuals with addictions. EFT allows individuals to process and release these emotions, reducing the need for self-medication through addictive behaviors.

4. Enhancing Self-Acceptance and Self-Worth: By incorporating affirmations of self-acceptance into the tapping process, EFT helps improve self-worth and reduce the negative self-talk that often accompanies addiction.

What Does the Evidence Say?

The effectiveness of EFT for addiction is still a subject of ongoing research. While there is anecdotal evidence and some preliminary studies suggesting its benefits, more rigorous scientific research is needed to establish its efficacy definitively.

Clinical Research

Clinical research on EFT for addiction is promising but still emerging. Several studies have explored its efficacy in addressing various forms of addiction, including food cravings, substance use disorders, and smoking cessation.

For instance, a study by Stapleton et al. (2011) involving overweight and obese adults found that EFT significantly reduced food cravings and improved psychological symptoms, with benefits maintained at a six-month follow-up.

Similarly, Church and Brooks (2010) conducted a pilot study on individuals with substance use disorders, reporting significant reductions in cravings and psychological distress immediately following a single EFT session, with effects persisting at a one-month follow-up.

Baker and Siegel (2010) investigated EFT for smoking cessation, noting substantial reductions in cigarette cravings and smoking behavior, with 24% of participants maintaining abstinence at a six-month follow-up.

Meta-analyses and systematic reviews, such as those by Clond (2016) and Nelms and Castel (2016), support the broader application of EFT for psychological conditions often comorbid with addiction, indicating its potential indirect benefits for addiction therapy.

Meta-Analyses and Reviews

Meta-analyses and systematic reviews of EFT research suggest that while there is some evidence supporting its efficacy for anxiety, depression, and PTSD, the research specifically on addiction is less conclusive. Reviews often call for more high-quality, large-scale randomised controlled trials to better understand the potential benefits of EFT for addiction.

Conclusion: Does EFT Work for Overcoming Addictions?

While there is promising anecdotal and preliminary scientific evidence suggesting that EFT can be beneficial in addressing the emotional components of addiction, it is not yet universally accepted as a standalone treatment. However, EFT can be a valuable complementary tool within a broader addiction recovery program that includes traditional therapies, counseling, and support groups.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it may be worth exploring EFT as part of a holistic approach to recovery.