During the worst days of the COVID-19 pandemic, just about all doctors’ appointments were conducted online via telehealth platforms. In most cases, that included services such as addiction counseling, which made sense given that the alternative was to cut people off from the resources they need to begin their journeys toward recovery. The question is, now that the pandemic is over and doctors are seeing patients in their offices again, does it make sense to continue using telehealth solutions to treat addiction?
Telehealth in the Context of Addiction Medicine
The term telehealth refers to any method of delivering health-related care or support through electronic communications. When considered in the context of addiction medicine, that means providing ambetter drug rehab and outpatient services online. Telehealth platforms may also offer resources for patient intake and ongoing monitoring, but the most common uses of telehealth to support addiction treatment are:
Computerized screenings
Phone or video-based therapy
Video conferencing-based recovery supports
Texted appointment reminders
Recovery support chats
Mobile apps for post-treatment support
These services are now considered part of the overall provision of healthcare under the Affordable Care Act, which requires insurance companies to provide coverage for recovery from substance use disorders.
Does Telehealth Addiction Therapy Work?
Now that the pandemic is over, most people have gone back to seeking in-person care through inpatient or outpatient programs. However, some may still prefer to receive services via telehealth. The question is, does it work?
Researchers have found that some aspects of addiction medicine can be practiced effectively online. Individual counseling, for example, can be as effective as in-person treatment. However, it is unclear whether group counseling, intake assessments, and medication management can be delivered as effectively over telehealth platforms.
Taking an Integrated Approach
In some cases, integrating telehealth services into regular addiction treatment is the best option. A good example would include someone with a dual diagnosis who receives therapy from an individual counselor online from their regular provider while completing an inpatient program or living in a sober living home.
Providing some telehealth services for people completing outpatient programs can also be helpful. Giving people access to a 24/7 online peer-support group can fill in a gap between regular programming, text reminders can be used to improve compliance, and mobile apps can make it easier to stay on track after completing the program.
Why Virtual-Only Addiction Treatment May Not Be the Best Option
Unless there are compelling reasons for someone to seek online-only addiction treatment, attending an inpatient or intensive outpatient program is still the best option to get on the road toward recovery. These programs offer a greater level of accountability and make it easier for people to forge connections with staff and other participants, learn life skills, and enjoy a sense of community. However, for people suffering from co-occurring disorders that make attending in-person programs impossible, telehealth services offer a viable alternative.
Find the Right Treatment
For most people, addiction care is best provided in person. Medical detox services may be required if someone is chemically dependent on a substance. Inpatient care provides the highest level of support and a tranquil environment to focus on recovery. Outpatient programs make it possible for people with supportive home environments to continue fulfilling their family or work responsibilities while receiving the help they need.
The best way to figure out how to move forward is to contact an addiction specialist and ask about available options.
