When it comes to addiction recovery, a lot can stand in the way. Common barriers include transportation issues and fear of exposure to disease. Even if you live near a treatment facility, getting there could take an hour or more. With telehealth addiction treatment, these obstacles are removed. Clients can participate in virtual sessions from the comfort of their homes, or even their workplaces. This gives them the opportunity to engage in their treatment plans without having to worry about getting sick or losing time from work.
Addiction telehealth also helps clients avoid common problems with adherence to their treatment plan. For example, it can be easy to miss or cancel therapy appointments, which can set back someone in recovery. But telehealth services can help prevent these problems by providing reminders via text or calendar apps. It can also allow family members to attend virtual meetings so they can be involved in the recovery process.
In addition, telehealth addiction treatment is helpful for people who live in rural areas or who are following social distancing guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are many treatment centers across the country, but those facilities may not be within reach of those who live far away from them. Recovery telehealth makes it possible for those with limited access to treatment to find the best options and follow their treatment plans regardless of location.
Although telehealth has many advantages, it’s important to remember that it is not for everyone. Addiction recovery is a long journey, and there are often ups and downs along the way. Those in recovery are encouraged to focus on taking it one day at a time, and that same philosophy can be applied to telehealth addiction treatment.