Addictions can present themselves in many different ways. There are more obvious addictions such as drugs, cigarettes and alcohol and then less obvious addictions such as work, anger, stress and self deprecation.
Addictive behaviour can develop for many reasons, and it is often influenced by a mix of emotional, psychological, social, and biological factors. For some people, addictions can shaped by environment, such as growing up around substance use, experiencing peer pressure, or living with easy access to drugs, alcohol, or compulsive behaviours. For others, addictions can begin as a way to cope with stress, trauma, anxiety, loneliness, or depression, offering temporary relief from painful feelings. There are many different emotional processing techniques and the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) has been shown to be highly beneficial in assisting with this.
EFT often referred to as “tapping” is an emerging therapeutic approach that combines elements of cognitive therapy, exposure, and somatic stimulation (tapping on acupressure points). A person typically focuses on a troubling thought, craving, or feeling while tapping on specific meridian points on the face and upper body. The process is designed to reduce emotional intensity and help the nervous system settle. The beauty of this technique is that once it is taught to the recipient it can be performed in their own time.
One of EFT’s biggest strengths is its simplicity. It does not require special equipment, can be learned relatively quickly, and can be used in many different settings. That makes it appealing for people in recovery who need practical coping tools they can access in real time.
EFT may also support emotional regulation. Many people struggling with addiction find that difficult feelings can quickly lead to impulsive choices. By helping lower the emotional charge around a craving or stressor, tapping may make it easier to stay grounded and make a more intentional decision. Over time, this can support relapse prevention and build confidence in one’s ability to cope.
For individuals whose addiction is linked to trauma, EFT may be particularly helpful as part of a broader healing process. Rather than pushing painful feelings away, it encourages people to acknowledge them while calming the body. This can help reduce avoidance and make difficult emotions feel less threatening.
There are now over 100 studies on EFT which continue to prove its efficacy. Research has shown EFT to:
Improve
Decrease
Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Improves Multiple Physiological Markers of Health
Cravings are a central mechanism in substance use and behavioural addictions, often driving relapse. In addition to cravings, EFT appears to influence the stress response, which plays a major role in addiction cycles. Stress is one of the most common relapse triggers, and techniques that reduce physiological arousal may help individuals better manage urges.
In addition, there is now a large body of research which indicates EFT can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) . These conditions are frequently linked to substance use, with many individuals using drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism. By reducing emotional distress, EFT may indirectly decrease reliance on addictive behaviours.
There is also emerging evidence that EFT can influence emotional regulation, which is often impaired in individuals with addiction. By combining cognitive reframing (e.g., acknowledging cravings or emotional discomfort) with physical tapping, EFT may help “decouple” emotional triggers from behavioural responses. This process shares similarities with exposure-based therapies, where repeated, controlled exposure to triggers reduces their intensity over time.
EFT offers a promising and practical way to support addiction recovery. It gives people a practical way to pause, breathe, and respond more calmly when cravings, stress, or difficult emotions start to rise. For many people in recovery, that small shift can be powerful, because it creates a moment of space between feeling overwhelmed and acting on impulse. Over time, that space can help build greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and confidence in managing triggers. When used alongside therapy, support groups, and healthy recovery habits, EFT can be a very helpful part of the healing process.
Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Improves Multiple Physiological Markers of Health
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