This information about Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for medication withdrawal has been reprinted with permission from MIA Blogger Baylissa Frederick. The original can be found here at her Recovery Road website.
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)
EFT is a psychological acupressure technique pioneered by Gary Craig. It evolved from Thought Field Therapy, created by US clinical psychologist, Roger Callahan. EFT is easy to learn and is reported to be effective in the treatment of pain management, respiratory problems, healing past traumas, neurological conditions, stress, phobias, eliminating cravings (weight loss/addictions) and many other disorders and emotional issues.
It is a very effective yet gentle method of directly balancing the body’s energy system. Using EFT involves ‘tuning into’ the issue you’d like to deal with and then tapping with your fingers on specific acupressure points with your fingers. For example if you’re concerned about a symptom, you would be asked to think about them, and notice how you feel. Having ’tuned in’ to it, you are shown which acupressure points to tap, and what words to say as you do so. You tap (firmly but not too hard) with your dominant hand using the fingertips of the index and middle fingers.
Paula Kovacs specialises in benzodiazepine withdrawal and mental health recovery and has had personal experience with benzo dependency. She offers an easy listening audio CD (endorsed by Prof. Ashton) with very useful information for anyone preparing to taper or in the process of withdrawing. For more information please visit Paula’s website.
Here is a video of Paula Kovacs demonstrating how EFT can be used to cope with withdrawal symptoms.