In 2020, over 90,000 Americans died from drug-related overdoses — the highest year of overdose deaths ever recorded. An estimated one in twelve Americans needs substance abuse treatment. However, factors like cost, lack of childcare, no insurance coverage, or fear of losing a job keep many from seeking addiction treatment. To increase access to recovery resources, treatment centers combine evidence-based research with technology to provide many individual families and individuals recovery options. In addition, with substance abuse help online, more Americans can access programs for sobriety that help address different substance misuse, monitor triggers, and connect peers.
The healthcare industry has traditionally been available via in-person appointments. The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a new era of health care. Social distancing requirements propelled the use of technology within the healthcare field. Contact us today for more information on our online drug and alcohol programs (720) 650-8055.
What Does Online Health Services Look Like?
Online addiction care is a relatively newer service in healthcare. Due to the pandemic and nationwide shutdowns, many substance abuse treatment centers and resources moved toward virtual care. Online health services like these work to help support individuals, families, and communities with mental health and addiction issues.
A concerning and growing number of Americans struggle with mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) issues. Substance abuse help online can provide mental health and addiction counseling to help support, connect, and educate those battling alcohol and drugs.
Methods for online health services vary. All programs utilize audio-visual communication platforms such as Skype, WebEx, Zoom, and other secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing software. Typical online addiction care often resembles an in-person visit. However, it can be done with access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
For private addiction treatment, providers will work with individuals and families to coordinate meeting times, treatment plans and conduct follow-ups during recovery. Other traditional twelve-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) typically still meet every week. However, group sessions can be accessed from smartphones, tablets, or computers with a secure internet connection.
COVID-19 & Demand for Online Healthcare
Mental health disorders and substance abuse rates are increasing every year. Unfortunately, the ongoing stress and uncertainty of COVID-19 led to increasing demand for mental health services through the U.S.
According to an American Psychological Association poll of nearly 1,800 psychologists, 74 percent said they were seeing more patients with anxiety disorders compared with before the pandemic, and 60 percent said they were seeing more patients with depressive disorders. In addition, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), preliminary data on drug overdose deaths revealed a 29% increase in overdose deaths from October 2019 to September 2020 compared to the previous 12-month period.
As of June 2020, the CDC reported that nearly 13% of Americans were starting or increasing substance use as a way of coping with stress or emotions related to COVID-19. Overdose deaths spiked since the onset of the pandemic. An ODMAP shows that during spring 2020, there was an 18% increase nationwide in overdoses compared to the previous year. Substance abuse help online, and dual diagnosis therapy seeks to offset these astronomical figures.
Are Online Services Safe?
Online substance abuse support offers a new way for individuals to connect with counselors, addiction specialists, doctors, group therapy meetings, and much more.
Online healthcare services offer a safe alternative to in-person treatment, especially when attending in-person is not feasible. The regulations of online healthcare services are currently being established by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the United States Department of Health Services.
For the majority of health care services, online services are HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliant. HIPAA protects patient confidentiality and certifies compliance for treatments across the country. In general, online services are deemed safe, effective, and confidential.
Online Mental Health Treatment
With the increased availability of telemedicine for behavioral health concerns, more Americans are able to seek the help they need.
Mental health and addiction services have embraced the addition of online therapy. Trends are showing positive results, too. Clinicians are largely reporting more patients showing up for psychotherapy appointments thanks to the increasing use of telehealth.
Due to the nature of psychotherapy, group therapy, and addiction treatments, the ability to serve individuals electronically is safe and extremely effective.
How Can I Receive Addiction Treatment Through Online Services?
Most treatment facilities offer a convenient way to receive substance abuse help online. Typically, a person will contact the treatment center and speak with healthcare professionals or addiction specialists. Qualified staff will then evaluate, diagnose, and begin planning treatment according to individual needs and requirements.
Most online addiction programs are flexible, but it’s always best to speak with the treatment facility before enrolling. The approach for long-term recovery will vary for each person and depends on a variety of factors. For example, the severity of symptoms may dictate the intensity of the needed treatment. Other factors considered include whether or not hospitalization or detox is necessary.
Learn more about how online substance abuse counseling works here.
Limitations Of Online Alcohol & Drug Rehab
The increase in access to services via online services is a tremendous success. Limitations of online services raise some concerns for the future of online health care. However the general consensus is that the benefits of online services outweigh the potential hurdles. Common limitations to online services include:
- Privacy concerns
- Less accountability
- Less social interaction
- Harder to monitor medication regimen
- Less provider observation
Online alcohol and drug rehab is not suitable for those who may be suicidal. Therefore, it’s critical to speak with treatment specialists before enrolling in a program.
What Are the Benefits of Online Services?
Several benefits have caused online services to grow and flourish during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic. Well received benefits from online services include:
- Less travel
- Affordability
- Schedule flexibility
- Increased accessibility to services
- Similar treatment efficiency to in-person sessions
Online therapy may provide benefits over traditional therapy, as well. Online therapy, for example, can give more options for programs suitable for personal lifestyles. Online substance abuse help has proven to help reduce substance use. A study conducted by Verywell Mind found that “an overwhelming 91% of people currently in online therapy agree that more people should try it, a ringing endorsement that no doubt clears the runway for online therapy’s continued success.”
Learn more about online therapy statistics here.
What Addiction Services Are Offered Online?
Online addiction services are offered throughout several rehabilitation centers across the United States. Online services can provide patients access to therapy treatment methods with ease. They can also connect with rural parts of the country where treatment options are limited or unavailable. Common online services used for addiction treatment include:
- Individual Psychotherapy
- Group and Family Psychotherapy
- Online cognitive-behavioral monitoring tools
- Development of medication management routine
- Access to crisis services
- Relapse prevention
AspenRidge AspenRidge Virtual Care
AspenRidge AspenRidge Virtual Care is a safe, confidential addiction rehab center designed for long-term sobriety. Our highly trained therapists use private, HIPAA-compliant video services to coordinate individual, group, and family therapy sessions. Through AspenRidge Virtual Care drug and alcohol online treatment programs and mental health service options, many are able to begin their journey to sobriety.
How Can AspenRidge Virtual Care Help?
At AspenRidge AspenRidge Virtual Care, we understand the challenges of addiction. Our team is here to help you throughout the recovery process. We work with every patient to develop a custom treatment plan that meets individual needs. We’re providing better access to substance abuse using online teletherapy programs.
If you’re ready to begin your recovery, AspenRidge AspenRidge Virtual Care team is here to help. Learn more about our online treatment programs. Call 855-678-3144. Staff will help to verify insurance options and to clarify treatment procedures for our online substance abuse programs.
