3 Tech Innovations That Are Helping Improve Addiction Treatment and Recovery
Addiction to alcohol, nicotine, and other illegal drugs is a serious problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Roughly 21 million people in the United States are affected by addiction. Americans between 18 and 25 years of age are most likely to use addictive drugs.
Deaths from drug overdoses are rising in the U.S. Recent research reveals that over 111,000 people died due to a drug overdose in the country. Drug overdose death rates are high because barely 10% of people with addiction receive treatment.
The stigma surrounding substance use and limited access to treatment deter patients from seeking help. Commuting to and from rehabilitation centers, support groups, and therapy sessions is time-consuming and the travel expenses are also high. This aspect of treatment dissuades individuals who lack unreliable transportation or live in rural areas from seeking treatment.
Therapists, however, are expanding access to treatment. They are leveraging innovative technologies to ensure people grappling with substance use disorders receive the support and care they need to overcome addiction. In this article, we’ll discuss some noteworthy tech innovations revolutionizing addiction treatment.
#1 Telehealth
Telehealth has seen explosive growth during the pandemic. Even today, when in-person therapy options are available, telehealth isn’t going anywhere. Accumedic Computer Systems, notes that this innovative technology allows healthcare professionals to expand their reach while maintaining continuity of service. The rise of telehealth has democratized access to addiction treatment, breaking down barriers of geography and stigma.
Online services help therapists reach remote regions through video conferencing. Patients in rural areas who had to drive long distances can receive addiction services from the comfort of their own homes. People living with addiction often hesitate to open up in clinical settings. But, they are more comfortable opening up when they take teletherapy sessions from their comfort zones.
Telehealth helps therapists stay connected with patients outside the treatment setting, where they make decisions to stay sober. In 2022, 88.1% of mental health facilities offered telehealth services. This is an uptick from 2019 when only 39.4% of facilities used technology to provide mental health services.
As a substance use counselor, integrating telehealth into your day-to-day practice has become more necessary than ever. Most substance use software offers a secure system for counselors to conduct telehealth sessions right from the patient’s chart. These can be integrated with the workflow, allowing counselors to schedule, meet, treat, chart, and bill from one place.
Instead of separate telehealth software, opt for substance use software that offers everything from telehealth to billing in one place. This will help you streamline your workflow, so you can provide the best care to your patients.
#2 Virtual Reality
Over the past decade, virtual reality technology (VR) has improved by leaps and bounds. It has transitioned into a global phenomenon from a niche corner of the tech world.
This technology is also revolutionizing care for substance use disorder. Therapists are now using VR to help people recover from addiction. In the VR system, patients are immersed in a wide variety of settings and scenarios to practice recovery methods, such as resisting temptations. This allows clients to practice their responses to triggers in a safe and protected setting.
Virtual reality techniques are also used during the detoxifying process to distract individuals from the discomfort of detox and withdrawal. VR can help people with addiction fight cravings that occur after detoxification. It exposes them to situations, smells, sounds, and visual stimuli that trigger their desire to use drugs and helps them practice techniques to overcome them.
Experts find VR effective in fighting off addiction because it also helps in treating the root cause of addiction. Childhood trauma, self-doubt, or a family history of addiction could be a roadblock to recovery. Therapists, with the help of VR, can pinpoint psychological factors that contribute to addiction.
#3 Wearables
Another game-changing innovation in addiction treatment is wearable technology. Smartwatches are a classic example of this technology.
Wearable devices also monitor heart rate, stress levels, and sleep patterns, which provides insight into triggers and patterns associated with substance use. Treatment teams can analyze the impact of lifestyle factors on recovery and adjust the treatment plan for a more personalized approach.
Wearable devices are often used along with remote monitoring systems for therapists to assess progress and identify potential risks of relapses so they can offer timely interventions.
Putting it all together, addiction continues to pose a significant public health challenge. But, technological innovations are reshaping the landscape of treatment and recovery.
Telehealth, VR, and wearables are just a few examples of the transformative tools available to therapists today. Leveraging these tools can help therapists personalize treatment and improve outcomes. Not only that, but these tools can help them empower individuals on the path to long-term recovery.