Technology can be used to provide health care services from a distance through telehealth, or telemedicine. Various health conditions can be treated with telehealth, including addiction and recovery, through video conferencing, remote monitoring, and mobile apps. A growing body of evidence suggests that telehealth is an effective treatment option for substance use disorders. It provides people with access to therapists and other professionals who can help them with their recovery. It may be worth discussing telehealth with your doctor or therapist if you are struggling with addiction.
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth allows patients to access health care services remotely. As a result of video conferencing, store-and-forward imaging, streaming media, and remote monitoring, telehealth aims to make healthcare more convenient and accessible. You could, for instance, see a therapist in a larger city with telehealth if you live in a rural area. You might use telehealth if you have a chronic condition to track your progress and manage your care with minimal disruption.
Although telehealth offers many potential benefits, keep in mind that it is still developing, and some of its capabilities may be limited. For now, telehealth is best used as an adjunct to traditional health care, whether it is related to medical or mental health care, rather than as a replacement for it. So, for instance, you may benefit more from visiting an Alcoholics Anonymous group in person rather than just digitally as you’ll be able to benefit more from in-person sharing.
What Types of Telehealth Services are Available for Substance Abuse Treatment?
It can be extremely challenging to deal with addiction, especially if you live in a remote area where you don’t have easy access to psychiatrists or psychotherapists. You may feel stuck and feel that there is no way out. But help is available. Telehealth is one option for treatment. Telehealth is a type of care that’s delivered via technology. Consequently, you do not have to leave your home to get the help you need. Individual therapy sessions, group therapy sessions, and medication management are some of the most common types of telehealth services available for substance abuse treatment.
Individual Therapy Sessions
A common type of telehealth service for substance abuse treatment is individual therapy. You and your therapist will collaborate to develop a treatment plan that is tailored specifically to your needs during these sessions. They provide you with the opportunity to meet one-on-one with your therapist and discuss the issues you’re facing. During your therapy sessions, you will have the opportunity to talk openly and candidly about the challenges you’re facing and your progress in recovery. Support and guidance will be provided by your therapist as you move toward your goals. These sessions are essential to your treatment, and they can assist you in staying on track.
Group Therapy Sessions
The group therapy sessions offered by telehealth can be beneficial for people struggling with addiction. In these sessions, you have the opportunity to meet with others who are experiencing similar challenges. Ideally, group therapy should be done in person, but this is not always possible. It may not, for example, be possible to meet if the office is too far away, if you don’t have transportation, or if you are bed-ridden. In that case, a virtual therapy session is better than not getting any support at all.
Medication Management
As part of your treatment plan, you may be able to receive psychiatric medication management services through telehealth, including monitoring your progress, adjusting your dosage, and answering questions about your medication. In telehealth, digital information, and technology, such as phones, emails, and video conferencing, are used to support long-distance clinical health care. You should receive the best care based on a customized approach that meets your specific needs through medication management.
It may be possible for your psychiatrist to offer this service, saving you the need to drive an hour to visit their office for a fifteen-minute chat. Talk to them about it. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you are struggling with addiction. For substance abuse treatment, telehealth services offer an effective and convenient option. To find out if telehealth is available in your area, give our counselors a call at 855-334-6120.
Why Are Prescription Drugs So Addicting?
