Although there is more funding for substance abuse treatment, there are not enough counselors to handle the volume of people who need support. There are only so many hours in the day and scheduling in-person appointments can be difficult for everyone involved. Thankfully, current technology has made it easier for counselors to meet with clients and make treatments effective, especially when it comes to addiction treatment. Here are some of the options out there that are really helping people.
Therapeutic Education System (TES)
The Therapeutic Education System is a web-based interactive program that educates patients who are dealing with substance abuse and helps them in the process of overcoming drug addiction. It provides real “what if” scenarios to the patients in video format that present real responses to ineffective communication. For example, a person might say no to their friends who are offering them drugs, but if their body language is weak, then the friends may persist until the person gives in to peer pressure. It can be a good way to teach people how to actively avoid being wrapped up in a drug-focused situation.
Computer-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is already making some strides in helping people deal with their mental health issues, including addiction. It helps them to change their thought patterns so that they can avoid patterns of substance abuse in the future. Computers are now being used to accomplish these goals: a significant percentage of addicts have remained abstinent from cocaine use as a result of this computer-based training. The use of this training program also frees counselors to focus on the parts of their treatment programs that require a human touch.
Addiction–Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (A-CHESS)
When patients leave treatment facilities, rarely is there any effective aftercare. This makes it more likely for them to relapse, undoing all of the work that they’d done while in treatment. However, the development of A-CHESS seeks to provide ongoing support to patients. They can call the number 24/7 and receive guided meditation or notifications if they happen to be close to a bar or liquor store (any place that is designated as high-risk). The app will ask if they want to be there or if they need to leave.
Use of A-CHESS improved clinical outcomes and increased the longer it was used by patients. This is a dramatic improvement in the number of patients who don’t relapse after leaving treatment.
Technology is constantly evolving and is helping people with substance abuse problems as well as the counselors who want them to get better. Patients can be reached in new ways outside the counselors’ reach so that patients can still feel connected in some way. However, it’s important to remember that technology still has its limitations, and patients still need to be educated on how to use this technology effectively.
If you or someone you know has a problem with addiction, then speak to a mental health professional immediately. Unlike technology, this is not something you want to fall behind on. The problem will only be more complicated to treat in the future.
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