For understandable reasons, opioid and stimulant misuse increased during the pandemic. But so did video game disorders, drinking at home, and many other self-destructive behaviors. It would be remiss to assume that, just because we are no longer in lockdown, the damage has been undone.
Whilst the internet has been a source of a lot of that addiction, it’s also a powerful tool for treatment. This article will explore the different ways you can treat addiction with online methods and whether they’re effective. But first, how do we spot addiction?
Identifying addiction
The prerequisite to getting treatment lies in identifying the extent of the problem. Many people go untreated, or seek out the wrong form of treatment, because addiction was never correctly diagnosed.
Below are some of the key behaviors that help identify addiction:
- Preoccupation: Constant thoughts about previous addictive activity or anticipation of the next session. This may be measured in a drop in work or school performance.
- Dependence and withdrawal: Feelings of irritability, anxiety, or sadness when the addictive behavior is inaccessible
- Tolerance: An exacerbating problem where the addictive behavior is perpetually increasing in order to achieve the same level of satisfaction.
- Loss of control: Inability to reduce or stop certain self-destructive behaviors.
- Neglecting other aspects of life: Disregarding personal, social, or professional responsibilities
- Deception: Lying about addictive behaviors or daily activities.
The symptoms of addiction can very much depend on the type of addiction, so it’s best to look specifically at other signs too. The first step is identifying an issue and accepting it for what it is.
6 ways to treat addiction online
Online addiction therapy
Online therapy is a highly effective way to treat addiction problems. There’s truth to the phrase “leave it to the professionals”, and as long as the patient is showing a willingness to get help, online rehab can have hugely positive results.
This is mostly because qualified therapists, when using cognitive behavioral therapy methods, can alter patients’ thought patterns and behaviors for the better by making them aware of their triggers and thought loops.
Online addiction therapy, just as with traditional face-to-face therapy, is a methodical approach to solving the issues of addiction. The therapist may ask the patient to do some journaling, which is a practice anyone can do with or without therapy – but it’s more structured and effective in the context of undergoing a course in CBT.
There are many online options to choose from, most of which are cheaper than their traditional counterparts. A full list of sites offering addiction counseling really highlights their growing accessibility.
Support groups
Online support groups can help foster a sense of community and connection with individuals. Much of addiction is driven by a lack of connection, and so online support groups are an incredible way to meet like-minded people from around the world.
Even if a lack of connection isn’t behind the addiction, support groups are proven to play a significant role in preventing a relapse. They ensure there’s a shared commitment and accountability, and sustained encouragement from other members can empower individuals to get better.
Addiction group therapy online of course has the in-person, local alternative. However, it’s much easier to find support groups online that are focused on your specific addiction issues, particularly if it’s more specific.
Mindfulness and meditation
Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools when treating addiction. A lot of addiction comes down to an unawareness, such as the routine of having a drink at home or playing casino games long into the night. Things often get out of hand before we realize they have.
The goal of mindfulness is to help pay more attention. To everything. It’s not about having no thoughts, but being aware of the thoughts that arise. This can garner a self-awareness that helps identify the start of negative behaviors, as well as empower emotional regulation and cognitive control to refrain from them once they start. Meditation can help undo some of the harmful effects of addiction.
For meditation guidance, Headspace is the leading application. However, Youtube is full of free guided meditation along with podcasts, forums, and personalized coaching.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine, which is sometimes through the same companies delivering online therapy, is a way to provide medically-assisted treatment to those struggling with addiction. It works just like it does in your local doctor’s office, where the patient has an appointment with an online doctor, who is qualified in diagnosing and prescribing medication.
How medication can treat addiction is a big topic. Some methods use methadone and similar drugs to reduce withdrawal symptoms, whilst other methods may target underlying mental health issues that are driving the addiction, like PTSD. Ultimately, this is a complex area that only medical doctors should be providing recommendations.
A good thing about telehealth companies over traditional healthcare is that they can combine telemedicine with online therapy sessions in an accessible way.
Online Self-Help
Self-help isn’t totally wasted in treating addiction, though it should never be seen as a replacement for seeking qualified help. But, if you want to make a start towards recovery, then there are many online resources available. Some resources include online courses on addiction recovery, self-help e-books, Youtube self-help gurus like Russell Brand, who have overcome addiction themselves, and online recovery communities.
Free online counseling and support
Finally, it is possible to speak to someone for free about your addiction issues. There are a handful of online counseling and support sites that offer free messaging with a trained volunteer, who can listen and provide some advice. However, it’s important to understand that free online addiction counseling isn’t focused, comprehensive treatment, nor is it a qualified therapist that you’re speaking to. So, whilst it can help in having someone to talk to, it’s important to not rely on it as your entire path to recovery.
Can addiction be solved with online treatment? Is it effective?
Online therapy is proven to be as effective as face-to-face therapy in various studies when it comes to treating addiction. In fact, it’s just as effective in delivering treatment to other mental health issues too, like anxiety and depression. The only real caveat of online treatment in this sense, is that psychiatric evaluations and treatment are better in person.
Many telehealth companies can facilitate diagnosis, medication management, and treatment online in a far more accessible way than in person. These are perfectly safe ways to seek help, even telemedicine-based treatment, but in-person consultation should be preferred if more severe underlying mental illness is suspected, like schizophrenia or psychosis.
If you’re suffering from a crisis or emergency, seek help immediately with a helpline or call emergency services.
Summary
The consequence of growing addiction is dysfunction in both society and the individual, but it doesn’t need to be. There are many self-remedies to tackle the issue of addiction, such as meditation, journaling, and self-help.
However, the most profound and long-lasting treatment, as is often the case with behavioral issues, is professional treatment with a qualified therapist. And, there is much more choice with online rehab and support groups than with in-person therapists. For less cost and greater convenience, you’re receiving the same standard of service when it comes to CBT.
