Electronic Health Reporter

While FitBit Watches and smartphone apps have certainly made an impact on personal health and wellbeing, healthcare technology is also revolutionizing the entire medical industry.  This is especially true in the field of recovery from addiction disorders. 

Technology today is enabling medical professionals and rehabilitation facilities to effectively provide healthcare to individuals who desperately need assistance with substance abuse.  Furthermore, technology helps people with addiction disorders by placing powerful data in the hands of healthcare providers and individuals struggling with addiction. 

 As of 2021, there are over 20 million Americans suffering from some type of addiction disorder.  Regrettably, this number is on the rise. Political upheavals, economic instability and pandemic-related tribulations are affecting millions of Americans, and this contributes to the number of deaths from drug overdose to skyrocket in to an all-time high in 2022. 

Thankfully, medical technology is bridging the gap for people in need by efficiently and effectively rendering aid to people seeking recovery.

How Technology Plays A Role In Addiction Recovery

While the aforementioned statistics are staggering, there is hope, and technology is at the forefront of millions receiving treatment they deserve. Here are a few examples of how technology is helping people with addiction disorders.

1) Telehealth Services

While the pandemic has left adverse effects on the American population, it has also forced the medical industry to make improvements. Telehealth is a network of health-centric services and information that is utilized and accessed over the internet.  People with addiction disorders or in recovery can make appointments online to see their doctors, refill prescriptions or even receive rehabilitative care through telehealth services. This reduces a lot of stress for many people struggling with addictions.  In the past, the only option for in-patient rehabilitation was to physically attend a recovery facility.  Telehealth allows patients in rehab to safely move through the recovery process in the comfort of their own homes. 

Bear in mind, licensing for medical professionals varies from state to state. For instance, the regulations for utilizing telehealth services for a Mississippi drug rehabilitation program might differ from rehab programs in New York or California.  If you or a loved one is seeking help with addiction, telehealth services offer a wealth of benefits in recovery. Just be aware of how medical professionals in your state are licensed and how telehealth rehabilitation services operate in your area. 

 2) Online Support Groups

 According to behavioral health experts, having a support group is one of the most powerful ways to overcome addiction disorders.  In the past, getting into group therapy wasn’t an option for many people in need.  Whether challenged with lack of transportation or sequestered to the home for health reasons – some people struggling with addiction simply couldn’t attend group meetings.  Thanks to current technology, the days of being isolated are now over. 

Today, anyone suffering from addiction disorders with internet service can access a support meeting online.  For example, the most recognized organization for addiction, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), now provides online meetings and chat rooms 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.   Furthermore, rehabilitation facilities, therapists and psychologists are hosting group therapy sessions that can be easily accessed online through applications such as Zoom, Skype or Google Meet

3)  Other Apps and Resources

Speaking of Alcoholics Anonymous, this 80+ year old organization has harnessed the power of technology to reach out to people in need.  AA has created an app of the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book, which is a highly effective step-by-step guide and resource for people with addiction issues all over the world.

Other apps, such as Sober Grid, send inspirational notifications to people challenged with addictions or in recovery.  This and other apps provide group chats with others in similar situations, provide news feeds with encouraging, motivational messages and offer contact information for people in crisis. 

Another example of technology playing a role in addiction recovery is seen in the web-based program called Workit Health Recovery.  This app provides support to people in the form of ways to track cravings, connect with therapists, read motivational feeds, and participate in healing meditations and more. For a price, Workit technology can even integrate with a patient’s physician, which seamlessly allows people in active recovery to obtain prescription medications and attend cognitive behavioral therapy sessions via video chat through the app.

Technology Gives Hope to People Suffering From Addiction Disorders

These are just a few examples of how technology helps people suffering from addiction disorders.  As medical technology continues to improve, it’s certain we will see more advances on a personal scale and in the overall medical industry.  In conclusion, if you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, technology can deliver the powerful tools and resources that can make a big difference in your recovery.