Addiction, as defined by the American Medical Association, is a substance use disorder that interferes with those parts of the brain that are responsible for learning, motivation, judgment, and memory. If left untreated, it can lead to other serious physical and mental issues, disability and even death.
Online Addiction Treatment: Visions For The Future
From banking, paying bills, and using social media to working from home, the entirety of our lives today revolve around the internet, and is expected to rely even more on digital help in the years to come.
That is why it is important not only to adopt the virtual space for business and education but to keep up with the research in the healthcare field as well.
In the long checkered history of the addiction treatment field, in-person treatment has been the role model of treatment where clients receive help in an office setting before heading back home.
However, in the last decade, the mode of addiction treatment has changed in leaps and bounds. Major steps towards overcoming the stigma around substance abuse to evidence based strategies and online counselor programs are at the forefront of addiction studies.
Are Online Addiction Treatment Programs Effective?
While online addiction treatment has its pros and cons, the best approach depends on the needs of the individual and the circumstances.
A study published in Psychiatric Services in October 2021 found telehealth addiction treatment to be as effective as face-to-face treatment, though not more effective. The review, however, noted that online addiction treatment improves access for users to encourage better engagement with treatments.
Having said that, it is very important that patients at first assess their unique needs and consider all options while choosing an online program that meets their requirements.
At the end of the day, what is critical is to provide care and support to the patient to overcome their bad habits and lead a fulfilling and healthy life.
Pros And Cons Of Online Addiction Treatment Programs
Advantages:
To begin with, you don’t have to take permission from your employer, take time out from work or put your life on hold in any way by risking loss of job etc.
That said, online treatment requires a high level of commitment, but in turn, it will reduce the barriers to accessing help. Again, not only is this method cost-effective, it is time-saving as well.
You have more autonomy over the treatment as it can be done at your own pace and you can address those underlying problems that prevented you from seeking traditional face-to-face intervention.
Additionally, as this mode of treatment is standardized, you can expect the quality of care to be much better online.
The bonus, apart from all started above, is the flexibility of scheduling an appointment, plus you don’t have to give up drugs or alcohol as a precondition to accessing treatment.
Downsides:
When people subscribe to an app they expect the same level of privacy protection that is given in a clinician’s office, but sadly this often is not the case.
Privacy concerns in online therapy apps have been raised before, but instead of carrying additional privacy protection, addiction apps are requesting more sensitive information, like location or Bluetooth connections from their users and sharing them with third parties.
Another main drawback of online addiction treatment is the absence of personal interaction resulting in patients finding it difficult to connect with others in a virtual setting. This, in turn, makes receiving the necessary emotional support very difficult.
Even the counselor or therapist, in such a situation, may find it challenging to observe and address nonverbal clues which are an essential part of the recovery process.
Technical difficulties can also interfere with online treatment, like when there are connectivity issues that can disrupt appointments. This can lead to frustration and anxiety which can further hinder the treatment plan.
How Much Do You Need To Pay For Rehab?
The cost of online addiction counseling depends entirely upon the healthcare provider and the services required. One also needs to consider apart from the cost of online therapy the cost of medications, prescriptions, and other expenses.
You can also find low-cost or free online mental health services in a few places. Sliding scale therapists are available who adjust their hourly fee to make treatment more accessible.
If you don’t have insurance or you are unable to pay from your pocket,low-fee or free community mental health clinics can provide the help you need. Services are usually provided free or at an extremely discounted rate.
Is Insurance An Option?
Again, insurance coverage depends on a variety of factors such as the state you reside in, the kind of healthcare service provided, and the type of insurance policy.
The type of insurance to cover addiction could include Medicaid/Medicare, Private Insurance, Military insurance, and State financial health insurance.
For coverage of online therapy, it is better to check with your insurance company to find out the related telemedicine services they provide.
Most rehabs have financing options,offer financial aid or have financing options for those without insurance.
Treatment Options
There are a number of different online addiction treatment programs for people who are struggling with substance abuse or alcohol use disorder (AUD). Healing is possible and the platforms on this list may just be your recourse to get well.
Online Rehab:
By accessing an online rehab program,a patient can benefit from remote video treatment sessions while traveling or sitting comfortably at home.
These video sessions are crafted by an expert in the addiction treatment field and are typically catered for those living in a remote location or where there is a dearth of in-house or face-to-face treatment professionals.
Online Therapy:
Many online therapy platforms like Talkspace, Online-Therapy.com, and Monument have special features to support people with addiction.
These tend to be weekly, monthly, or annual subscriptions where you can connect online to a mental health professional via video, text or phone.
FindTreatment.gov
This is another confidential and anonymous resource for helping those looking for treatment for their mental health issues and substance use disorders in the country.
Individual, Group & Family Therapy:
This treatment focuses on patients partaking in an online therapy session guided by a licensed professional in a one-on-one format with a group in a safe and peer-supported atmosphere. The participants could be from within the family or those significant in the patient’s life.
Employee Assistance Programs:
These programs are intended to treat any issue relating to mental or emotional health that is affecting your work performance. Services can be accessed over the internet onsite at your place of work or through external referrals for help from the local community.
