Most will agree that the combination of advancements in medicine and modern-day technology is changing how healthcare is administered in America and, arguably, around the world. And substance abuse treatment is no exception in this regard as many rehab facilities are starting to use telemedicine to help individuals overcome addiction. For those who are not familiar with telemedicine, also referred to in some circles as telehealth, it entails distributing healthcare services and health-related information by way of electronic and telecommunication technologies. While this concept is nothing new when it comes to traditional healthcare, it is becoming more commonplace in addiction recovery. And many physicians, therapists, and addiction experts believe that this has a lot to do with COVID-19, the global pandemic that is affecting the lives of many people. Further, many people struggle with anxiety so severe that they won’t even leave the house to get the help that they need to overcome addiction. To help put this into perspective, a study published by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) noted that anxiety significantly affects the lives of more than 40 million people in America every year.
How Rehab Facilities in America Are Using Telemedicine to Help Individuals Overcome Addiction
When it comes to addiction recovery treatment, there is no such thing as a one size fits all approach. That said, many rehab facilities in America will offer one or more of the following forms of telemedicine depending on the needs of the patients in their care:
Web-based treatment support – This approach to telemedicine is often used by those seeking help overcoming an alcohol use disorder. In short, individuals are provided access to addiction recovery services via the internet that can help them achieve and maintain sobriety. Some of the more popular web-based treatment support services offered by rehab facilities in America include
- The Drinker’s Check-Up (DCU)
- The Therapeutic Education System (TES)
Web-based treatment support may also include treatments aimed at helping those who are struggling with a co-occurring or stand-alone mental health disorder. After all, many rehab facilities offer computer-based treatment for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT4CBT). This particular aspect of telemedicine helps individuals move past the psychological barriers that often stand in the way of them achieving and maintaining sobriety.
Virtual reality – Despite sounding like something from a sci-fi movie, virtual reality has helped countless individuals escape the tight grip of addiction. In short, virtual reality, in the context of addiction recovery, allows individuals to engage with a computer-generated experience that replicates a real-life environment. This unique approach to telemedicine for addiction helps individuals develop the skills necessary to keep them from giving in to temptation and cravings.
Mobile apps – Of the many mobile apps that individuals download on their smartphones, none are more precious than those that can save their life. That said, one of the most popular mobile apps used by rehab facilities to help individuals struggling with an alcohol use disorder is A-CHESS. Developed by Dr. Dave Gustafson, co-founder of the Institute of Healthcare Improvement located in Boston, MA, A-CHESS is a revolutionary mobile app that provides individuals with customized addiction recovery resources as well as access to physicians, therapists, and support groups, all of which significantly improves their chances of achieving long-term sobriety.
Bottom Line
In summary, for those who are ready to put substance abuse behind them, there is no shortage of rehab facilities that can help. And many of them offer telemedicine addiction recovery services. To learn more about how telemedicine can help you get your life back on track, consider speaking with one of our knowledgeable associates today. Call 772-266-5320 today!