The number of people using addictive drugs has increased consistently over time and so has the need to come up with innovative solutions to counter the insufficiency, unreachability, and stagnant approach of addiction treatments.
More than 270 million people in the working-age population consumed psychoactive drugs in 2020, a 22% increase from the last decade, and more than 35 million qualify as having addiction-related disorders. Not to mention over 3 million deaths across the globe each year can be attributed to alcohol addiction alone.
But the air of change is not too far. From telehealth interventions to the usage of sophisticated technologies like infusing virtual reality in treatment regimens, scholars and pioneering institutions are coming up with groundbreaking ideas to tackle the biggest health crisis of human history.
The article discusses a few notable innovations in all spheres of substance addiction treatment.
Tackling Inaccessibility and Affordability Issues
Yearly overdose deaths in the US have reached an all-time high of over 0.1 million. Of all those affected with drug disorders, as little as 13% receive any treatment. Also, with more than 30 million Americans not having health insurance, financial constraints also stand in the way.
But these problems are being addressed gradually. Private web apps are developed to provide end-to-end support throughout the addiction-fighting journey of patients. From online appointments and telepsychiatry to electronic prescriptions, and video therapies, everything is made available on streamlined networks.
Additionally, governments are also coming up with community-level funding programs, insurance aids, subduing legal barriers, and improving infrastructure and research.
Reinvigorating Mental and Emotional Health along with Standard Treatment
More than 13% of adolescents in the US were suffering from mental illnesses along with SUD in 2020.
Florida Recovery Centers are adopting collaborative care techniques by including physical, psychological, and psychosocial health restoration in treatments to help their overall well-being.
Furthermore, online anxiety diagnosis and sensory stimulation therapies are also being tested and implemented industry-wide.
Neurological feedback therapies are also used for co-occurring behavioral disorders like ADHD to train a patient’s brain to respond in a desired way when faced with unfavorable situations like stress.
Handling Stigma and Loneliness
Online support groups and community forums that help in stigma relief, healing, and rebuilding life are irreplaceable solutions for recovering addicts.
Some startups are also providing individualized support for diverse groups like LGBTQ, pregnant women and aged citizens to help them provide a sense of community.
Managing Cravings, Overdose, And Relapse
Remote Monitoring Apps and Smart Wearable Devices are being used to keep track of patient’s activities, location, and health and to watch over their vital signs for ensuring swift response in emergency and overdose situations.
Restorative gaming and VR are utilized to train addicts on refusal skills and life skills for rehabilitation. Reformists are also fortifying contingency management by providing financial rewards for adopting healthier life changes. This can help manipulate people’s reward mechanisms and encourage them to help themselves.
Plus, the use of AI technology is improving existing pharmacological and physiological treatment methods by detecting behavioral changes using automated assistants and much more.
Transitioning Back To Normal
Support to get back into society and restore mental and emotional well-being are critical aspects of overall recovery.
From confidential web-delivered assistance to providing social support like arranging for employment, accommodation, child care, money management, needle exchange services, legal help, and everything that can aid a person in their fight against addiction is as crucial as providing medical care.
Providing Continued Support
Studies estimated that around 40-60% of recovering addicts relapse within a year of treatment. New age rehab centers are integrating recovery and aftercare with medical treatments which can prove to be a huge step towards achieving long-life abstinence.
Web-based models are developed to provide interactive courses for relapse prevention, 24/7 support programs, arranging for recreational engagement, notification, and newsletter support. After-treatment survey programs are also maneuvered to measure progress for ensuring sobriety and retention in recovered addicts.
Conclusion
Digitalization is revolutionizing addiction treatments not only for patients and clinicians but the entire healthcare system through strategic handling and distribution of resources.
Reforms in healthcare with the help of integrated treatment models and in criminal justice with renewed drug policies and drug trafficking control are proving substantial in uprooting substance addiction for good.
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