Innovative Technologies in Drug Rehab: Virtual Therapy and Digital Support

From attending concerts in virtual reality to creating better prosthetic limbs, technology has changed how people live and is making life easier in many ways. It’s no wonder, then, that it’s also making treatment for drug addiction much more accessible. While it’s important to note that these advancements aren’t designed to replace a licensed counselor or residential rehab program, they can offer valuable information, vital support, and guidance for those suffering from drug abuse. Get the Best information about Technologies in Drug Rehab.

Innovative Technologies in Drug Rehab: Virtual Therapy and Digital Support

Many drug addiction recovery programs utilize cognitive behavioral therapy. This approach helps patients learn to recognize and change negative behavior patterns and develop coping skills that will help them avoid using drugs or alcohol again. One new form of this approach uses technology to reinforce and augment a patient’s learning, with therapists guiding them through a series of games that can be played on a computer or smartphone. These games are based on previously proven CBT techniques and have been shown to increase the likelihood that a patient will abstain from substances such as cocaine or heroin for three weeks or more.

For those in the later stages of addiction recovery, technology can provide real-time monitoring that can alert a person to potential triggers. For example, a biomonitoring patch can be worn to monitor stress levels. When the story is high enough, the person can be warned that they are close to an environment where they may be tempted to use drugs or alcohol again. It can even alert their support network to be ready to intervene.

Another new piece of technology is a mobile app that combines geographical tracking with social networking to promote accountability and to help a person in recovery find the right support system at the right time. The app, a variation of the famous “Dogtag” service, allows users to check in with a central server by sending an alpha-numeric text message indicating their location; the system then re-directs the information to pre-designated friends, family, or peer sponsors.

In addition to providing immediate, on-demand support, these technological advancements can also help keep track of a person’s progress, helping them stay motivated. For example, some apps will record the number of days a person has been sober or how many meetings they have attended in a given day. This can be a significant motivating factor for people struggling with substance addiction and provide a sense of accomplishment to those in recovery.

As these technologies continue to advance, they can be combined with other techniques and tools to provide a more holistic and comprehensive approach to addiction recovery. The goal is to make it as easy as possible for those suffering from addiction to find the right help and stick with their recovery plan until they’re spotless.

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