How to Use Technology to Treat Addiction

Addictions are always difficult to overcome, as it takes serious effort to completely change our habits and navigate our mind to something else. Substance use disorders and behavioral addictions are the two most common forms of addiction and it’s important to keep these both under control to enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Different types of addictions require different solutions, such as using nicopods as an alternative to a smoking addiction.

The demand for technological treatment is expected to rise as a result of the implementation of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and its extension under the Affordable Care Act. Patients and carers can overcome addictions and improve the efficiency of treatments by incorporating technology into a treatment plan. Numerous programs are available and they all function differently.

This guide will take a look at some of the more popular types of technology that are used to improve health and treat addiction. Continue reading for more information.

The Benefits of Harnessing Technology for Addiction

Technology is a very useful tool for people looking for resources and assistance during their recovery process. Many apps, online forums and virtual support groups have emerged as a result of the digital world with the express purpose of helping people who are struggling with addiction. Some of the key benefits include:

• Online Support: Virtual support groups have become indispensable resources for those looking to recover from an addiction. These online communities, whether via forums, social media groups or specialised platforms, promote understanding and a sense of community. They allow users to interact with people going through similar struggles, exchange experiences and ask for advice from them. 
• Therapeutic Resources: People now have more convenient options for professional support due to the increased accessibility of teletherapy and virtual counselling services. Geographical distances may be overcome by technology, guaranteeing that people can obtain therapy and counselling that meets their needs no matter where they are. 
• Progress Tracking: Recovery reporting tools are versatile enough to take into account the various stages of the recovery process and the unique challenges people face. Tracking these can help with your general progression.

With extra resources like coping strategies, education material and mindfulness exercises, digital tools give a streamlined solution to traditional therapy for all types of addiction recovery.

Technology Treatments for Addiction

Therapeutic Education System (TES)

For patients who are battling substance addiction, this interactive education program is self-directed and web-based. A program developed by Lisa A. Marsch, Ph.D., Director of the Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center’s Centre for Technology and Behavioural Health, is being examined as an adjunct to community-based outpatient therapy.

Real life scenarios that are computer-simulated and displayed in video format are used in the program. For example, a video can be displayed of a woman refusing the partake in drinking alcohol provided by a group of friends and says no to promote the importance of avoiding alcohol abuse. The application then makes the viewer analyse what’s happening in the video so that they get a better understanding.

This type of technology allows a more cost-effective solution to treating addiction and has the potential to reach a wider audience about the core message. Some key features of TES includes:

• 65 interactive, multimedia modules.
• Evidence-based programme including skills training, interactive exercises and homework
• Audio components
• Electronic reports
• Contingency Management Component tracking
• Regularly updated content
• Incentive features including a virtual “fishbowl” using intermittent schedule of reinforcement based on abstinence and module completion

Computer Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Those who are struggling with an addiction can undergo cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and be introduced to fundamental ideas like comprehending and altering substance use patterns, managing cravings, declining offers of drugs and alcohol and enhancing problem-solving and decision-making abilities. 

Therapists can now use technology to help them achieve these objectives. Kathleen Carroll and associates at Yale tested one such system. It makes use of a six-game module built on a CBT paradigm that has been shown to work. Patients in the computer-based training group were more likely to stay abstinent for a considerable amount of time (three weeks or longer) than those in the group that did not receive computer support (17 percent vs. 36 percent).

Computer-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has several features, including:

• Goal-oriented: Patients set goals to motivate themselves and make changes in their lives.
• Collaborative: Patients and therapists work together to choose techniques and troubleshoot problems.
• Psychoeducational: Patients learn to identify emotions, evaluate thoughts, and challenge maladaptive beliefs.
• Homework-based: Patients practice new ways of thinking and acting in real life.
• Modular: Patients work through modules at their own pace.
• Online or mobile: Patients can access programs on computers, tablets, or smartphones.
• Therapist support: Some programs offer written feedback and guidance from a qualified practitioner.
• Gamification: Some programs use gamification tactics to make treatment more engaging.

Addiction–Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (A-CHESS)

Despite the high rate of relapse of their addiction within the first year of recovery, patients who leave in-patient rehabilitation facilities typically do not receive thorough aftercare. The University of Wisconsin’s David Gustafson and associates created the Addiction-Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (A-CHESS), a smartphone app that provides patients with round-the-clock, continuous support. Guided meditation is one of the app’s static features, as it’s a proven way of calming people’s mind and allowing them to remain in a positive mental state.

Additionally, it has GPS-activated dynamic features that alert the user if they are near a bar, liquor store or other “high risk” location that increases the chances of them falling back into their addiction.

A-CHESS provides monitoring, information, communication, and support services to patients, including ways for patients and counselors to stay in contact. The intervention lasts 8 months and the follow-up period lasts 4 months.

Conclusion

Technology has emerged as a powerful ally in the fight against addiction. By leveraging online support groups, teletherapy and innovative apps, individuals can access the support they need to overcome addiction and lead healthier lives. The benefits of technological therapies, such as TES, CBT and A-CHESS all play an important role in the recovery process of a lot of addictions like alcohol and drugs. These will be further developed and improved in the future to increase the chances of overcoming an addiction.

As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative solutions to emerge as it will lead to newer techniques being established. It’s time to embrace the potential of technology and empower those struggling with addiction.