Addiction can often feel like a very lonely disease. It may impact the way you see the world around you. Often, a person with addiction isn’t comfortable reaching out for help. Sometimes, it can feel like getting that help is just impossible. You have too many responsibilities. How can you take time away for care? Telehealth services can play a significant role in addiction treatment for many people. These services allow people to get the care they need even when they cannot come into a treatment office for it.
Not everyone can use telehealth services as a starting point for addiction treatment. For those with moderate to severe addiction, medical detox could be a critical first step. Inpatient care may also be necessary. For many others, though, telehealth can work as a supportive tool to continue on the path to addiction recovery.
What Are Telehealth Services?
Telehealth is the use of distance care. You may be able to connect with your therapist through a video chat on your smartphone or with your laptop video cam. You may also be able to use just a voice call to talk to your therapist. Instead of actually going into the doctor’s office, you can tap into therapy at any time. That can be a powerful resource for many who need the support.
How Can Telehealth Help Those With Addiction?
There is significant value in meeting with your therapist in person. That type of one-on-one relationship and interaction can be critical. Yet, there are also times when it’s just too hard to get in to get that care. Consider a few of the benefits of using telehealth services for addiction treatment.
You can get one-on-one therapy without needing transportation to a treatment center.
For many people who have an addiction, driving is not always possible. Getting to and from a treatment appointment can be very challenging and limiting. With telehealth, it is possible to call from any location. As long as you have a way to connect to your counselor, transportation to a treatment center is no longer a concern.
Get help when you need it the most.
For those who are in addiction recovery, telehealth can be a powerful link to help when you are facing relapse risk. It is not necessarily your first line of help, but it can be a convenient way to reach out to your therapist when you are facing risks or negative thoughts. For those who are working to avoid relapse, this can be a critical strategy for improving your ability to get the care you need fast.
Get routine help without having to take time off work.
Another strategy that can help many with addiction is being able to get back to life. If you have a job, but you need addiction treatment and counseling, telehealth means you don’t have to miss a day. You can call into treatment during your lunch break or scheduled time off. That way, you do not have to worry about missing time off work and can still get the addiction treatment you need. This helps to save you time for care.
What You Should Know About Telehealth Services
There are a lot of benefits to having access to telehealth services. It may provide you with a way to get the same type of care you could receive in outpatient treatment. For example, you will get to meet with your therapist for one-on-one or individual therapy. This allows you to have the same type of carefully designed, individualized care plan to address your specific drug and alcohol addiction needs.
What is important to know is that your rights remain in place. This type of care is still compliant with all HIPAA rules. That means your privacy is protected. No one has to know what type of care you are getting unless you tell them. Confidentiality is a very important part of ongoing treatment for many. You should not feel as though it is limited to telehealth services.
You can also get additional types of service through telehealth care. For example, family sessions can be managed in this manner, too. While in some instances, it may be best to work within a treatment center with in-person care, for most families, telehealth can be an excellent way to get support when you cannot bring everyone together in person at the same time. This way, your family can be there for you even if they are miles away.
Also, note that there are instances in which you can use this type of therapy for group sessions. For example, you, along with others who are within your treatment group, can log into group therapy sessions. Instead of sitting together in the same room, you are online. You can still interact with each other much like you would in person.
Can Telehealth Replace In-Person Care?
While there are many opportunities and benefits telehealth services offer, there are times when it may not be the right path for you. Your therapist and doctor can help determine what is best for your particular needs. Yet, for many, there are a few limitations to consider.
For example, those who need residential treatment may not benefit from telehealth services at first. Being in a drug-free environment where you can focus solely on your physical and mental needs is not something you can easily do through telehealth. However, many who complete residential treatment can continue to receive the care they need through outpatient care and telehealth services. In that way, this can be a viable type of care to fit your needs.
Find Out If Telehealth Services Can Be a Part of Your Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Every person’s needs are unique. For individuals who need support and guidance as they step back into life in addiction recovery, telehealth services can be a core component of your treatment and your success. Finding the right location to get that care is critical.
You can learn more about the care options available to you when you contact The Council on Recovery in Houston, TX. Find out how telehealth can work as a component of the care available to give you the support you need to overcome the challenges you are facing. Call 713-942-4100 today.