Changing Addiction Treatment with Technology
Findings of the National Center for Drugs Abuse Statistics reveal that 19.4% of Americans have used illicit substances at least once in their lifetime. Only 10% of these addicts receive treatment, whereas others succumb to death. A record number of Americans– more than 100,000 – died from drug overdoses in 2021.
Thankfully, technology is making its way into the world of addiction treatment. Now, drug addicts need not rely only on rehabilitation centers or therapists to overcome addiction. They can reduce their cravings and keep their addiction in control through technology. Surprised, aren’t you?
If someone had told us a decade ago that technology can help people recover from substance abuse, we would also have disregarded it. But Brandon Bergman’s research revealed that 11% of adults have recovered from substance use with the help of addiction-related technology.
After looking into Bergman’s research, it’s safe to say that technology is a game-changer for people struggling to overcome addiction. That said, we’ll discuss a few technological innovations that have made their way into addiction recovery treatment.
#1 Teletherapy Allows Therapists to Connect With Their Clients Remotely
Despite the awareness, therapy is still seen as taboo. For this reason, many people hesitate to visit therapists in clinics. However, the introduction of teletherapy has changed the scene forever. Addicts no longer have to step out of their homes for addiction treatment, as they can connect with their therapist via video conferencing technology.
As patients connect with the therapist from their comfort zone, it’s easier for them to open up about their struggles. That way, even the therapist is able to understand the exact thing that is troubling them.
Teletherapy has also been a boon for addicts living in far-off places which lack resources or transportation to reach treatment centers.
To offer teletherapy, all one needs to do is earn a degree in psychology, counseling, or social work. If you have already completed your Bachelor’s in another discipline, an online MSW degree program is all you need to start practicing as a substance abuse practitioner.
The online Master of Social Work degree program will equip you with the skills needed for clinical mental health treatments and a range of leadership positions and generalist roles.
Keuka College notes that an online MSW degree program is best suited for professionals interested in offering therapeutic mental health services in individual or group environments. With this degree, you can start providing teletherapy to addicts in far-off places who don’t have access to addiction treatment.
#2 Addiction Recovery Apps Help Victims Manage Cravings and Triggers
With mobile phones taking center stage in our lives, it’s no surprise that they are being leveraged as a tool to assist addicts. Today, there are hundreds of addiction recovery apps that are designed by clinical researchers. These apps offer programs based on scientific research to curb addiction.
Most importantly, these apps debunk one of the oldest myths: detaching a person from their everyday lives is the only way to deal with addiction.
Granted, mobile apps are not a panacea capable of reforming the rehab sector. This mini-movement of developers, researchers, and doctors seeks to give addiction treatment a modern makeover. How? By designing flexible programs that fit the intricacies of their clients’ lives– a welcome smoke signal amid a catastrophe.
I Am Sober deserves mention, as it allows addicts to track their sobriety in terms of money and time. It also has a social feature through which addicts can connect with others in the same boat. Quit Genius is another app to help manage addiction to other substances like alcohol and tobacco.
#3 Wearable Technology Can Help Addicts Fight Addiction
Wearable technology has taken the world by storm because of its wide range of uses. From monitoring fitness and sleep patterns to allowing users to communicate without touching their smartphones, wearables are transforming the future.
But did you know that this emerging innovation has been helping people manage their substance addiction? Take DyAnsys, for example. It has created a small device called Drug Relief that is to be worn behind the ear. This device helps people reduce their opioid addiction symptoms and cravings by sending electric pulses to stimulation areas in the ear.
Pavlok wearables also help people break their bad habits but in a different manner. This behavior modification tool delivers an electric shock, which misleads the brain into not liking the habit.
The Bottom Line
Overcoming substance addiction is no longer a challenge today, thanks to tech solutions. However, this in no way means that therapists and rehabilitation centers are of no use. Technology is meant to be used alongside a comprehensive treatment plan and evidence-based therapies under the guidance of an expert.
As technology continues to evolve, the addiction treatment world will witness more innovations, so be prepared for that. And lastly, remember that living a happy and healthy life isn’t impossible, no matter how bad your addiction is. All you need is a professional and the right tools.
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