Role of Telehealth in Addiction Counseling

With the upcoming generation, the world is facing a significant increase in drug abuse. Moreover, it is negatively impacting the youth at large. With this ticking time bomb in our hands, the country needs to take appropriate measures. Having said that, the American Government has put forth multiple measures to combat this lethal issue. Furthermore, with the introduction of telemental health online we can fast track better health care. And, gradual reduction of drug abuse. 

Increase in Patient Frequency:

Health Recovery Solutions recently conducted a research study on the effectiveness of mental therapy online. The studies have shown that telemedicine in the field of addiction counseling is a boon to society. This feature in telehealth will not only increase the patient frequency but also alleviate patient access to multiple treatment options. Doctors usually witness substance abuse in remote areas. Additionally, due to lack of facilities patients do not get premium care. With telemental health online, people from every corner can get treated. Telemedicine has reached rural states such as Oklahoma and West Virginia and reduced cases of drug abuse, considering they are the highest users of opioids. In other words, with an increase in patient frequency, telemental services can provide help to people who need it the most. 

Track Progress:

Source: Pixabay

The feature of mental therapy online can help patients manifold. Firstly, they can track their progress sitting in their homes. Moreover, doctors can keep a track of their medicines and daily routines. Secondly, through telemedicine patients can be constantly reminded of what their goal is. Additionally, what they should look forward to. Constant interaction with doctors will lead them on their path to sobriety. Many researchers have recognized a lack of support and patience as the cause of drug relapse. Although, in this case, telehealth’s technological advance can help tackle both problems. Patients receive support through chats and video conferencing services. 

New Research: 

With the availability of advanced research, doctors have tapped into substance abuse treatment and behavioral therapy. Although, psychologists have researched it before telemedicine provides a new angle of vision. Moreover, patients themselves trust telehealth with addiction counseling. Not only that, but telehealth has provided a new ray of hope in America. With its constant progress, we believe telemedicine will soon reach new heights. And, impact the country for the greater good. It provides promising health solutions and newer research for greater impact. Furthermore, it has already started showing signs of development. 

Increase in Telemedicine Visits: 

Huskamp et al. (2018) did a research on the number of telemedicine visits for substance abuse. They said that the data showed that the visits had immensely increased from 97 to 1989. Even though there is a lot of work that needs to be done, there is a steady growth. People are reaching out to online telemental therapies. Furthermore, they are visiting doctors online from the comforts of their homes. This increase in awareness has further on increased in the past two years. Studies have proven to be vital to support this research. 

Digital Tools for Recovery:

Source: Pixabay

Smartphones and apps are monitoring patients’ outcomes. This modern day technology makes it easier for both patients and doctors. Doctors can monitor substance abuse victims and can prescribe effective treatment plans. The biggest advantage of addiction counselling is individual attention. Doctors pay superior attention to every patient and formulate patient catered treatments. Research has also shown improvement in patients since the introduction of telehealth in this area of medicine. 

A Minor Patient-Provider Gap:

There exist two sides to a coin. Like there are innumerable advantages to telehealth addiction counseling, there can be some cons. Although there is significant progress the growth rate is slow. There is still a lack of awareness among people. But, more and more healthcare providers are making sure larger groups of people know about addiction counseling online. Also, there is a considerable amount of gap between patients who are interested in online therapy versus those who are not. With the changing day and age, telemedicine can only look forward to increasing patient awareness and better quality services. 

In conclusion, times have changed. And so have our health options. We are in a drug abuse crisis and telemedicine is our answer. Moving forward, we can only hope and wait to see how telehealth takes the world by storm. In addition to that, it is only fair that we give it some time and make sure all drug abuse victims are well taken care of. In the end, we all have to come together and believe in this technological world and its nuances for the greater good. 

For more articles on health, click here.