Resource Guide for Mental Health and Addiction Technology
Gone are the days where in order to beat your addiction the only option is to uproot your life and complete a few months at a rehab center, only to leave sooner than planned, with little to no connection to your recovery community. While this approach is still useful and works for many people, most people leave traditional rehab with a lot of dread and apprehension about safely integrating back into society and using their aftercare program to stay sober.
Today, addiction specialists and healthcare providers are now working to harness the power of technology to reach their patients who are grappling with substance use disorders. There are now a number of addiction-related apps that have been specifically designed using the latest health and evidence-based principles of behavior modification models as well as utilizing the power of social support.
There have been apps developed for all different aspects of the treatment and recovery process, whether in lieu of traditional treatment, or as a first step towards initiating change. They may be used in combination with outpatient treatment or medication management, or as a crucial part of one’s aftercare plan. While apps like these can’t replace the face-to-face nuances of a therapeutic relationship, the relational learning from 12-step meetings, or allowing yourself the time away you need at a treatment program to heal and establish new patterns, they can be an excellent tool to supplement your addiction treatment and journey to recovery.
The dashboard on many of these apps includes helpful features such as sobriety trackers, motivational testimonials, and quick access to educational resources on substance abuse and where to find meetings or nearby individuals for sober support. For those who utilize the support of 12 step groups, there is a free online version of the Big Book, and a SMART therapy app to complement those groups in working through a cost-benefit analysis (often used in motivational interviewing). One particular behavioral tech company we like is called Workit Health. Workit Health delivers virtual Opioid Use Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment that offers Medication Assisted Treatment (i.e. Buprinorphine) in conjunction with outpatient counseling therapy and medical care for Hepatitis C.
Some of the most effective tech-based companies are low-cost, convenient, private and are designed to help those struggling with mental health and addiction issues. A large segment of the behavioral tech industry focuses on wellness rather than treatment interventions, using various proven mindfulness based techniques (e.g. Headspace) and guided visualizations. Other impressive features of apps like these, specifically WEconnect, include 1-on-1 peer support meetings, group peer support meetings, and habit forming strategies based on behavioral therapy techniques like positive reinforcement or what is referred to as “Contingency Management.” The strategies help people to stay on track with recovery and wellness oriented goals, including implementing “clarity routines” such as spending time engaging in creativity, keeping up with medical appointments, exercising, journaling, listening to music, spending time in nature, or using grounding techniques to experience in-the-moment relief and support.
Other Benefits of Technology
While those specializing on behavioral health and wellness issues are certainly well-adept at the psychotherapy techniques used in substance use treatment, technology can also assist them to improve the assessment, prevention, treatment and recovery process by offering entirely new ways of delivering care and support. Almost everyone has access to a mobile device and internet services, and consequently, this makes treatment more readily accessible and affordable for individuals who may otherwise not be able to afford to seek help.
Truly, technology is proving to be a paradigm shift in the delivery of treatment and wellness services and resources. Rather than sitting on waiting lists or being unable to afford traditional treatment, behavioral technology provides an opportunity for people to engage in help now. If you or someone you know needs to start the process of finding help, we encourage you to try one of these recommended apps or reach out to Peace Club at Facebook, Instagram, Peace.Club for assistance in how to approach this often overwhelming and confusing journey. Peace Club delivers evidence-based and effective treatment both in person and virtually, through HIPAA compliant software like Zoom and Google Meets, all while using the industry’s available resources to meet the needs of our clients.
