Achieving sobriety and avoiding a relapse can be a humbling and complex process. Attending AA meetings, checking into rehab, or getting therapy takes time and commitment. Depending on your situation, you may struggle to follow an in-person treatment program.
However, technology has revolutionized the recovery process, connecting survivors to life-saving services with a Wi-Fi connection and a few clicks of a computer mouse. As psychotherapists have developed solid techniques to treat substance abuse, others have found ways to implement them virtually.
There are many examples of how technology has revolutionized recovery. For starters, substance use disorders sufferers can access healthcare anytime from anywhere via telehealth services. Individuals pursuing recovery can also talk to a therapist or support group over the phone, complete digital courses, or use technology to improve their in-person treatment.
Curious as to how the digital age has left its mark on the addiction treatment industry? Read on for more examples of the technological innovations redefining the recovery process.
Virtual outpatient care
Today, more than half of the global population has internet access, swinging open opportunities for telehealth to services. For example, with the help of a wifi connection, individuals in recovery can compare outpatient vs. intensive outpatient treatments at home and make landmark decisions regarding the ideal program for their needs.
If needed, individuals grappling with the emotional symptoms of a substance use disorder can speak to a therapist via a phone call, video meeting, or text chat. A 2014 study showed that internet-based therapy worked just as well as face-to-face therapy, challenging preconceived notions that telehealth therapy services pale in comparison.
People who cannot receive psychotherapy treatment in person can attend a private or group session and derive similar benefits to in-person meetings. With telehealth services in reach, substance use disorder sufferers living in rural areas or those individuals with mobility-related disabilities are no longer barred from life-saving treatment.
Smartphone apps
Many apps exist that can connect you to a therapist and others suffering from an addiction. By downloading an app onto your smartphone, individuals pursuing recovery can chat with people undergoing a similar struggle and receive professional support.
Some apps, like WorkIt Health, offer coping strategies, craving logs, one-on-one interviews, and cognitive behavioral therapy on their platform. Here, you can engage in self-guided treatment and reach out to a professional if necessary.
For those addicts who leave more intensive treatments without an aftercare counseling program in place, smartphone apps like Addiction-Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System can provide around-the-clock support if you exited a residential treatment and need monitoring and assistance.
Online forums and chat rooms
Social media has catalyzed a host of chatting platforms for recovering addicts. You can visit an online forum or chat room to receive casual support from fellow substance use disorder survivors striving towards sobriety. These resources act as a digital recovery group, encouraging you to get professional mental health treatment.
Online forums are an excellent first step if you do not feel confident enough to attend an in-person group therapy session. In addition, these online forums are unparalleled opportunities to build a support network that will uplift you in your recovery journey.
Digital courses
Some websites have created courses that one could follow at a self-guided pace. The interactive modules teach the student how to manage their cravings, incentivize their positive behavior, maintain motivation, and prevent further issues.
While these courses cannot replace in-person therapy, they can yield impressive results and promote long-term abstinence.
Sensory integration therapy
Sensory integration therapy is an in-person treatment that utilizes Snoelezen rooms. These sensory rooms have colorful LEDs, ambient noise, calming imagery, and relaxing music. In the room, the patient can practice identifying their triggers and implementing self-soothing strategies.
With sensory integration therapy, patients can handpick the lights and imagery projected on the walls, as well as the colors and sounds. Ultimately, these sessions encourage patients to express themselves and understand their addiction.
Wrapping up
Technology revolutionizing recovery has made it easier than ever to get the help you need to achieve sobriety. As a result, people have stayed abstinent longer and received continual support at all points in their recovery process.