Technology is at the heart of many industries these days, and when it comes to healthcare that is certainly the case, with breakthrough treatments largely down to it. And it’s becoming more and more needed, particularly when it comes to the likes of addiction treatment.
Due to the nature of addiction treatment, in which it’s very much to do with therapy rather than pills and cognitive behavioural treatment, guiding people into recovery is very much dictated by the patient themselves and how committed they are to getting better. And once a patient leaves a treatment centre, that can be difficult.
Therefore as much support is needed as possible, and technology can provide that.
It’s a large commitment going to get addiction treatment, and the cost of rehab during a cost of living crisis can be unaffordable for some. Which means access isn’t at its optimum, which is where technology can come into play.
While home detoxes and going through the rehab process without professional help is far from as successful as taking the trained professional route, it can be the only option and with more people suffering from the likes of alcohol and drug addiction, developing treatment programmes that can be followed digitally seems a logical next step.
This is starting to take shape, and it is already proving to be successful in many shapes, while the industry as a whole could be lucrative for those that do develop online treatment programmes.
Studies have shown that those using apps in their recovery to aid with progress are significantly less likely to relapse than those that don’t as it’s ultimately an extra layer of support that can help people through difficult moments.
We are already seeing the value of technology in diagnosis. The vast amounts of resources available to people to research and self diagnose is high, while the ability to find treatment centres and have an online consultation is easier than ever before too.
Of course, there’s always room for more though, and online diaries and plans could be instrumental in calming the problems that exist at present.
There’s no doubt that the market is going to change in the coming years, and while rehab centres and residential clinics will always be the most effective way to get sober (until effective medication is available, anyway), expanding the market online and having designated apps is certainly going to be a step forward and encourage more and more people to get the help they need.
I love tech and gaming, and am always looking for the ‘next big thing’…
