[TerriLynn]

What would happen if you did EMDR after drinking alcohol?

[Out There]

I don't think that would be advisable. I never drink before EMDR.

[TerriLynn]

No, I am sure it wouldn't, but I was just wondering how that would affect the process.

[TerriLynn]

So, related but not what I originally posted the question for.... But, I have noticed one major change with me and alcohol with the EMDR therapy.

I used to live on the edge. That's how it feels. I am/was hyper vigilant. Always aware of every person in the room's mood, who is angry, who is happy, who cares, who doesn't, who is in a bad mood, etc. I feel it ooze off of people, then I walk around on egg shells. All day, Every day, waiting for the other shoe to drop, it is an exhausting way to live.

At the end of the day, I would get home, and sometimes, a lot of times, I had to drink a glass of wine or two, or three, just to wind down. My husband used this analogy, that I am climbing steps all day, by the end of the day I am on the 100th step, and the wine helps bring me back down to the first of second step. I guess that is anxiety? I don't know.

Now, after 4 sessions of EMDR, I have no real desire to come home and have so much wine. I have bought a couple bottles since I started, and had one glass and tossed the rest. There is still a bottle on my counter from Wednesday night. It doesn't seem to have the same affect on me, I don't need to come from the 100th step to the first, cause I am already on the 3rd step.

It really feels wonderful.

[Out There]

Good for you ! I'm not as hypervigilent as I was either after EMDR , but probably drinking would make you less " present " for the session too.