Treatment is always the main question when dealing with a loved one’s substance abuse, whether with opiates, alcohol, or prescription medication. Though one will find many residential detox, rehabs, and other services, a recent study has shown a growing request for Online Addiction Counselling. This service has its benefits but also its limitations.
The service is mainly for a specific clientele. Determining if you or a loved one is suited for this service would be at the counsellor’s discretion. However, there is a demand for this service. According to a recent article in Forbes, health concerns in our current society have required healthcare professionals to shift their preferred methods, such as in-person consultation, to this new Online platform or virtual consultation. So how does this work for families, friends, or co-workers?
The main requirement for virtual addiction counselling is the level of abuse. Some counsellors are more specific in their acceptance of the ongoing abuse. As well, the light abuse or weekend users will benefit from this type of counselling. In all cases, the virtual or Online Addiction Counsellor will assess for admission. The information gathered will also help to program the sessions properly if accepted. Some services are free or covered by provincial healthcare, and others will be privately financed or covered by insurance.
INFORMATION ON DRUG REHAB
Candidates for Residential Treatment Programs
When a person has been struggling for many years with addiction to opioids or some other specific drugs, the correct action would be to seek help with a professional detox and residential rehab. Unfortunately, these often require a constant watch as the person withdraws from the substance. In some instances, it can also require medical interventions. It is the same with a high volume of alcohol use. In addition, the side effects of stopping can be quite difficult and even physically harmful.
It is also a service for those that seek to stop prescription medication overuse. Because of the nature of some pharmaceutical drugs, it is best to seek the advice of a qualified physician. Having a certified nurse at one’s side to help with the first few days makes the transition a lot smoother. Those that are Polysubstance dependent are also usually not the client for Online Addiction Counselling. The proper setting is best for these cases. They would require the settings in residential treatment facilities.
Online Addiction or Coaching Services
There are several types of Online addiction services. As mentioned above, Virtual addiction counselling and another form such as Online Addiction Recovery Coaching as presented by ARC Services. In addiction counselling, the person will be met at least once a week, in some cases more, to discuss the wide variety of issues surrounding the person’s addiction. It is a one-on-one counselling session in the addiction counsellor’s office but done via different platforms for secure virtual meetings. In most of these meetings, the time is limited to one-hour sessions. However, it can vary with different counselling services.
Online Addiction Recovery Coaching is a different approach to address substance abuse. Here the coach – a certified addiction treatment specialist, does not only discuss the issues. Instead, the service is set up on blocks of 1-hour sessions. The client must read specific documents on addiction, drugs, their effects, relationships, social interactions, and many other life-triggering subjects. The main focus is on understanding, application, and self-awareness. It is similar to CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), bringing the person up to recognition and realization to change their behaviour. The basic concept is that if you understand something, you can do something about it. Simple but effective.
The level of a person’s substance abuse that qualifies for virtual addiction services depends on the substance abused, the quantity, frequency, and determination of the applicant. For example, a person who only uses cocaine on Friday and Saturday night might be qualified. Another example would be a person who only uses a small recreational amount. Each case is required to do an assessment, and the final determination of acceptance to the program is the counsellor. What weighs most is the genuine and honest desire to stop the ongoing cycle of continued drug or alcohol use, the determination to stop before it becomes a full-blown addiction.
The cost for such services is more affordable than residential treatment. But again, this type of service is not for everyone. The plus side is you can still work, take care of the family home, see friends, and continue your life uninterrupted. The bonus is that you can also immediately use the tools and information achieved by the service.
Online Coaching benefits people from all walks of life, from high profile persons, teachers, legal professionals, healthcare professionals, parents, and anyone who cannot be away for weeks and months at a time. It is important to know that if you think you may benefit from this type of service, be assured that all counselling sessions are entirely confidential and secure.
ADDITIONAL SUBSTANCE USE RESOURCES
Ask a professional
Online therapy or counselling is a process of working with an addiction counselor online via video conferencing or telehealth. During the COVID-19 pandemic, online counselling became popular because many addicts or those in recovery were unable to access help in person.
Yes, there are benefits to online therapy that outweigh most drawbacks. The therapy or counselling is tailored to meet individual needs. In addition, there is no travel time and greater flexibility to fit sessions into your schedule. Online therapy can be done on a tablet, phone, or computer with a good internet connection.
The questions from DrugRehab.ca’s “Ask a Professional” are answered by Nickolaus Hayes. If you need further clarification on any of the questions above or have any other questions you can contact him directly at [email protected].
