Since Covid erupted onto the healthcare scene, Telehealth has become a more available option for appointments. At the peak of the outbreak it was a necessity and continues to hold importance to individuals who have a difficult time getting out to see a doctor. Many also love the convenience. Since it was successful, this newer technology can be applied to a wide variety of healthcare and mental healthcare needs. Substance abuse counseling is a sector that can use its service. It can keep individuals who are susceptible to addiction find support and guidance.
The article, “Can Telehealth Help With Addiction Treatment?” by John Loeppky takes a look how this novel and important technology can utilized for those suffering from substance abuse. He concludes that the values are immense but only if this service can be applied to the population who needs it, whether in rural areas or access. He calls for a greater push for this service to help individuals facing substance abuse and addiction. He states,
“Experts say that the changes around telehealth medical appointments could help many with substance misuse disorder, but that many people may not get access to these programs. Dr. Katherine Hirchak (PhD, MHPA) of Washington State University, whose research and work is centered on American Indigenous communities, says that healthcare policymakers and providers need to make sure that they’re not prescribing urban solutions to issues facing rural communities, especially when it comes to internet availability.”
“Can Telehealth Help With Addiction Treatment? John Loeppky. January 29th, 2023. Healthline.
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Commentary
The technology revolution has changed the way we live our lives, the way we work, and the way we access healthcare. It has made it easier for us to access health care services from the comfort of our own homes, and it has made it possible for us to access specialized care that may not have been available in our locality. One of the most significant changes it has brought about is in the way we access substance abuse treatment. In this blog, we will discuss telehealth and how it is revolutionizing substance abuse treatment.
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth is a form of remote healthcare delivery that uses technology to provide medical care, mental health services, and other health-related services. It is a great way to provide healthcare services to people in remote locations or those who are not able to access traditional healthcare services. It is also an effective way to provide care to those who have mobility issues or other special needs.
Telehealth services can include video conferencing, phone calls, emails, and text messages. It is a way for healthcare providers to stay connected with their patients and to provide timely and efficient care.
Telehealth and Substance Abuse Treatment
Telehealth has become an increasingly popular option for substance abuse treatment. It has allowed treatment providers to reach a broader range of patients who may not have been able to access traditional services. It has allowed providers to offer more personalized care and to tailor treatment plans to the individual needs of each patient.
Telehealth is also a great way for substance abuse treatment providers to monitor the progress of their patients. They can use video conferencing to observe patients’ behavior and to provide feedback and guidance. They can also use text messaging and email to stay connected with their patients and to provide reminders and encouragement.
Benefits of Telehealth for Substance Abuse Treatment
One of the greatest benefits of telehealth for substance abuse treatment is its convenience. It eliminates the need for patients to travel to a treatment center and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. This makes it easier for patients to access treatment and to stay connected with their providers.
Telehealth also allows for more personalized care. Providers can use video conferencing to observe their patients and to tailor treatment plans to their individual needs. They can also use video conferencing to provide feedback and guidance to their patients.
Telehealth also makes it easier for substance abuse treatment providers to collaborate with other healthcare providers. Providers can use video conferencing to consult with other providers and to discuss treatment plans. This allows them to provide the best possible care to their patients.
Finally, telehealth allows for more cost-effective care. It eliminates the need for patients to travel to a treatment center and can be accessed from a variety of devices, including smartphones and tablets. This can help reduce the cost of care and make it more accessible to those who may not be able to afford traditional treatment services.
Challenges of Telehealth for Substance Abuse Treatment
While telehealth has many advantages in the treatment of substance abuse, there are also some challenges that need to be addressed. For example, telehealth services may not be available in all areas, and there may be limitations on what services can be provided. Additionally, telehealth services may be difficult to access for those in rural areas who do not have access to reliable internet or mobile phone services.
Another challenge is that telehealth services may not be as effective as traditional face-to-face treatment services. This is because it may be difficult for the provider to observe changes in behavior and to provide feedback and guidance. Additionally, there may be limitations on how much information can be shared and discussed over video conferencing.
Finally, there may be a lack of privacy and security with telehealth services. This is because the services may be provided over public networks, which can be vulnerable to security breaches. Additionally, there may be a lack of regulation in some areas, which can lead to a lack of oversight and accountability.
Telehealth and Mental Health Services
Telehealth is also being used for mental health services, such as counseling and therapy. It is a great way for providers to stay connected with their patients and to provide timely and efficient care. Additionally, it can be used to provide services to those in remote locations or those who are not able to access traditional services.
However, there are some challenges with telehealth for mental health services. For example, it may be difficult to establish trust and rapport with a patient over video conferencing. Additionally, there may be technical issues and delays, which can make it difficult for the provider to provide effective care.
Telehealth and Evidence-Based Practices
Evidence-based practices are an important part of substance abuse treatment. They are strategies and interventions that have been proven to be effective in the treatment of substance abuse. Telehealth can be used to provide evidence-based services, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing.
Telehealth can also be used to provide other evidence-based services, such as medication-assisted treatment and relapse prevention. It can be used to provide education and support for patients, as well as to monitor their progress and provide feedback and guidance.
Telehealth and Accessibility
One of the greatest benefits of telehealth is its accessibility. It eliminates the need for patients to travel to a treatment center and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. This makes it easier for patients to access treatment and to stay connected with their providers.
Additionally, telehealth can be used to provide services to those in remote locations or those who are not able to access traditional services. It can also be used to provide services to those who have mobility issues or other special needs.
Finally, telehealth can be used to provide services to those who cannot afford traditional treatment services. It can be a more cost-effective option and can make treatment more accessible to those who may not be able to afford traditional services.
Telehealth and Cost Effectiveness
Telehealth can also be a more cost-effective option for substance abuse treatment. It eliminates the need for patients to travel to a treatment center and can be accessed from a variety of devices, including smartphones and tablets. This can help reduce the cost of care and make it more accessible to those who may not be able to afford traditional treatment services.
Additionally, telehealth can be used to provide more cost-effective services to those who cannot afford traditional services. For example, telehealth can be used to provide counseling services to those who cannot afford weekly visits to a therapist. It can also be used to provide medication-assisted treatment to those who cannot afford inpatient or residential treatment programs.
Conclusion
Telehealth is revolutionizing the way we access substance abuse treatment. It is a great way for providers to stay connected with their patients and to provide timely and efficient care. It also allows for more personalized care and can be used to provide evidence-based services. Additionally, it can be used to provide services to those in remote locations or those who are not able to access traditional services. Finally, it can be a more cost-effective option and can make treatment more accessible to those who may not be able to afford traditional services.
The technology revolution has changed the way we access healthcare, and telehealth is revolutionizing substance abuse treatment. It is an effective and cost-effective way to provide care to those who may not have been able to access traditional services and can help improve the quality of care provided to those in need.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, telehealth may be an option worth exploring. It is a great way to access the care you need and to stay connected with your provider. It is also a great way to access evidence-based services and to get the help you need to recover from substance abuse.
Telehealth is revolutionizing substance abuse treatment and is a breakthrough in counseling. It is an effective and cost-effective way to provide care to those in need and is a great way to access the help you need.
Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Practitioner Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in substance abuse counseling.
Additional Resources
“Telehealth: Technology meets health care”. Mayo Clinic. June 18th, 2022. Mayo Clinic. Access here
“Telehealth: What Is It, How to Prepare, Is It Covered?”. National Institute on Aging. Access here
“Telehealth: The advantages and disadvantages”. Stephanie Watson. October 12th, 2020. Harvard Health Publishing. Access here
“Tele-treatment for substance use disorders”. December 7th, 2022. TELEHEALTH.HHS.GOV. Access here