The use of technology in recovery has helped individuals overcome previous barriers to addiction treatment. Drug and alcohol detox centers in Ohio, like Midwest Detox, utilize technology to give clients access to instant communication, support groups, therapy, medication, and educational resources. Many of these programs are available online or via applications on remote devices.
For instance, telehealth services are available for clients who are unable to access addiction recovery services in-person. As technology use grows, substance abuse treatment programs will discover new ways of serving clients and improving recovery rates, whether in-person or online. Therapists will also integrate more advanced technology into evidence-based and holistic treatment methods.
How is Technology Use Improving Addiction Treatment Services?
Today, more people are accessing the internet and online services more through remote devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets, and less through their laptops. What does this mean for drug addiction treatment centers? Facilities must adapt their services through the creation of apps.
Recovery apps must be user-friendly, functional on all digital platforms, and geared toward enriching people’s lives in recovery. Developers must understand the needs of clients and the treatment centers that provide services. Apps must be flexible enough to help people who have a wide variety of addictions and mental health issues. While the technology has been around for more than a decade, treatment centers are only beginning to understand how to optimize it for their clients.
Telehealth Services
Telehealth involves the use of technology to provide treatment and other forms of care remotely. Services for clients in recovery may include:
- Individual and family therapy
- Online support groups
- Online pharmacies
- Document retrieval
- Educational resources
Telehealth allows providers to offer the same care level to clients without requiring them to travel to an addiction rehab center. According to numerous recent studies, telehealth services reduce depression, decrease treatment costs, improve quality of life, increase customer satisfaction, and give clients more access to a broader range of treatment services. It is especially effective in partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient programs.
M-Health or Text Messaging Support
While telehealth services focus on live interaction between therapists and clients, M-health (mobile health) or instant messaging services are designed for real-time interaction. Treatment centers can create instant message such as:
- Medication order updates
- Motivational messages
- Recovery tips
- Therapist correspondence
- Appointment reminders
- Instant customer support
An example of the benefit of text messaging is the use of client keywords. A client can text a specific keyword to their therapist or addiction treatment center and receive an instant message in return. Each treatment center has developed its own messaging system based on the needs of the clients. This form of technology can help clients stay on track with their recovery goals.
Social Media
Although social media has taken its share of criticism over the years, it can be an effective tool for connecting people in recovery and promoting addiction treatment in the community. Treatment centers can use popular platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or even LinkedIn, to create a dedicated page, support group pages, or messaging systems.
Social media pages effectively get the word out about treatment centers in local areas, giving people more options when they need addiction treatment. They are a powerful tool for promoting available treatment and new services. Treatment centers also use social media to direct viewers back to their website to go into more detail about what they have to offer.
Learn More About Recovery Technology at Midwest Detox Center
Whether you are looking for online services or looking for a cool app to help you stay motivated, you can find what you need at Midwest Detox Center. We offer telehealth services as a part of our addiction treatment program in Ohio. Contact Midwest Detox Center at 833.647.0392, or contact us online to get started with your treatment program today. We are here to help you get on the road to recovery.
