Verify Insurance
Toll Free Call
Addiction treatment has evolved over time, with new types of evidence-based therapies emerging over the years. In more recent history, technology has become a part of addiction treatment and recovery, offering patients more accessibility to treatment, and tools for navigating their recovery journey.
Types of Recovery Technologies
Several technologies are currently available to those in recovery.
Telehealth
Telehealth, meaning virtual therapy appointments, is now offered by many treatment centers like Bridges of Hope. Telehealth obviously doesn’t replace inpatient treatment, which involves medically supervised detox, but it’s used for outpatient treatment programs such as intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). This makes treatment accessible for people who don’t live near a treatment facility or can’t attend in-person treatment for other reasons.
Even group therapy can be virtual, so patients can get all the benefits of outpatient treatment programs without leaving their home.
Monitoring Devices
Wearable devices have been developed that monitor your heart rate, stress levels, and other physiological factors that indicate your overall state. Stress is often a trigger for those with addictions, and the device alerts you of your physiological state so that you can use relapse prevention strategies.
Some of these devices can sync with apps that can track your progress and offer personalized recommendations. For example, if you’re stressed, the app might notify you to talk to someone in your support network, or to go for a walk to blow off steam.
Other wearable devices can allow your treatment providers to track your progress so that they can adjust your treatment plan as necessary.
There are also devices that monitor your respiration to detect potential overdose and alert emergency services for you. This can literally save your life.
Online Support Groups
Many recovery support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and SMART Recovery, now offer online meetings, as well as virtual communities where people can interact with peers at any time. For example, if you’re in crisis late at night, you can go to the community to find support immediately.
These online options make it much easier to get the support that you need without having to travel to meetings or find someone to talk to, no matter what the time of day. You can access them anywhere, anytime using just your smartphone.
Mobile Apps
Many mobile apps are available to help you track your progress, receive relapse prevention help, and find nearby or virtual support. Some can even help you to build your own personalized recovery plan, offer daily reminders of your relapse prevention strategies, and activities that help you stay sober, such as exercise.
Emerging Technologies
New recovery technologies have also emerged that are being tested.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality is being studied for use in practicing relapse prevention strategies. It can put you in virtual situations where you may be tempted to drink or use drugs, such as at a restaurant or park. You can be immersed in a variety of scenarios where you can practice your skills in a safe way, which, over time, can give you confidence in your ability to stay sober.
Virtual reality can also help therapists understand how you react in different situations, which can help them to personalize your treatment.
Neuromodulation
Neuromodulation refers to several techniques to stimulate or inhibit certain areas of the brain in order to reset the neural pathways. During addiction, neural pathways become altered, not producing feelings of pleasure without drugs or alcohol. Neuromodulation seeks to reverse this alteration to combat the cravings that you feel.
There are four primary types of neuromodulation.
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation uses magnetic pulses to inhibit or stimulate various areas of the brain.
- Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation sends a low-intensity electrical current to affect neuronal activity.
- Deep Brain Stimulation is the implantation of electrodes in your brain to stimulate certain areas of the brain.
- Vagal Nerve Stimulation is the use of a device to stimulate the vagus nerve, which affects brain function.
Medical Advances
New medications to treat addiction are being developed and tested, including addiction vaccines and gene therapy. Addiction vaccines reduce the effects of drugs and alcohol, while gene therapy alters your genetic makeup to decrease the need for substances.
Advantages of Technology in Recovery
- Accessibility
Technology such as telehealth is making treatment available to nearly everyone, regardless of their location or circumstances, as long as they have a computer or smartphone. Online support groups and communities also make help available no matter the time of day.
- Engagement
Technologies like sober apps allow people to be more engaged in their recovery at any time. They can see their progress, get helpful reminders, and access resources from anywhere.
- Options
Treatment is not one size fits all. Technology has opened up a new world of treatment options so that people can choose what works best for them. It also helps treatment providers to offer more personalized treatment options.
In Closing
Technology is opening the door for many people to receive help that they might otherwise not be able to access. It’s also providing more evidence-based treatment options that treat both the psychological and physiological causes of addiction. It can’t, however, completely replace in person treatment and support. To learn more about all your treatment options, call Bridges of Hope today and start your journey to a better, healthier life.