From Screen to Serene: Navigating Addiction with Technology

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a global issue that affects millions of people and families each year. It is a chronic, recurring brain disorder that drives users to seek out and use drugs compulsively and despite harmful consequences. Although traditional methods of treatment have proven to be effective, there has been a major shift in recent years toward the use of technology in this area. This approach, known as technology-assisted treatment, is gaining traction because it provides innovative perspectives on the challenging and complex nature of drug addiction.

Substance use disorder (SUD)  therapy has evolved tremendously over the years. Historically, addiction was viewed as a moral fault that was widely criticized rather than a medical ailment. There were limited options for therapy, and many people received little to no help with their addiction. However, as our understanding of addiction has grown, so has the use of technology to treat drug addiction. This new generation of therapy provides innovative solutions and novel techniques to help individuals overcome their addictions.

Drawbacks of Technology 

Internet access has a wide range of complicated effects on drug use. Young people are most affected since they are more susceptible to peer pressure, cyberbullying, and depression. In many respects, the internet promotes drug use and exacerbates addiction problems. Furthermore, drug dealers may now quickly reach out to potential consumers, making drugs more accessible to those who want to buy. Previously, some illicit substances could only be obtained by residing in or going to a specific place; now, you can send a short message and have a drug dealer bring them directly to your door.

Mental Well-being

A 2018 article claims that social media can have detrimental effects on mental health in a number of ways, including:

• Mood disorders such as anxiety and depression are on the rise.
• Teenagers and young adults who use social media are more likely to feel “less than” their classmates. This is because they may feel excluded and lonely when they see their pals together online.
• Victims of cyberbullying might injure themselves and develop a more negative self-image. 

Social media’s detrimental influence on mental health can also lead to feelings of loneliness, insecurity, or melancholy. The anxiety caused by social media might lead to a person using drugs or alcohol to cope. As a result, a substantial number of people suffer from both mental health and drug use illnesses.

Social Influence

The popularity of social media has a significant influence on drug usage, particularly among youth. 95% of kids aged 13 to 17 have a smartphone and use sites such as YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and Facebook. Teens who use social media are exposed to celebrity and peer alcohol behavior, as well as alcohol ads. Social media posts about alcohol glamorize it while ignoring its possible harmful implications. Young kids and anybody else who uses social media can read posts regarding marijuana and other narcotics.

Online Transactions

The internet also makes access to drugs easier. It is now simpler than ever to get any form of substance, even illegal narcotics. Pharmacy websites on the dark web are part of the illegal market and offer medications without a prescription. The absence of control in the illegal internet drug trade makes it extremely risky. Drugs purchased online may include hazardous contaminants that endanger the user’s safety. Because not all online drug sales take place on the dark web, the internet also links dealers and buyers. Web users, particularly young individuals, utilize social media to locate local vendors who do business online. This accessibility has contributed to the overuse of drugs such as marijuana.

Improving Treatment

A prominent player in the field of technology use is Dr. Adam Leventhal, a psychologist and professor at the University of Southern California. Dr. Leventhal investigated the relationship between initial e-cigarette use and subsequent cigarette smoking among adolescents and young adults and discovered that between past 30-day e-cigarette use and subsequent past 30-day cigarette smoking, there was strong and consistent evidence of an association between initial e-cigarette use and subsequent cigarette smoking initiation.

However, these findings have enabled clinical researchers like Leventhal to improve their therapy approaches. Therapists then use mobile technology to offer programs for smoking cessation and substance misuse, illustrating how technology may increase treatment outcomes. This study has shed light on the benefits of employing technology in addiction treatment and encouraged others to try innovative ways.

Benefits of Telemedicine

One major advantage of adopting technology for addiction recovery is the convenience it provides to those seeking treatment. With the growth of telemedicine, patients may now get care from the comfort of their own homes, including video conversations with therapists and healthcare experts. This lowers barriers to care and boosts accessibility, which can be especially useful for people who live in rural regions or have restricted mobility.

The use of technology in the treatment of drug addiction allows for a more tailored and targeted approach. Artificial intelligence and machine learning can be used to personalize treatment regimens to each individual’s particular needs. These technologies can evaluate massive volumes of data, including personal and medical history, to develop the most appropriate treatment plan for the patient. This tailored strategy raises the likelihood of effective recovery while decreasing the danger of recurrence.

Tech-Assisted Treatment

Technology continues to have a significant influence on the treatment of drug addiction. With the advent of telemedicine, smartphone applications, virtual reality, and wearable technologies, people battling with addiction now have access to cutting-edge tools and resources to help them recover. 

Mobile applications

Smartphone applications have been shown to be useful aids for controlling addiction. These mobile applications can serve as daily reminders for medications and therapy sessions, measure progress, give mindfulness exercises, and detect possible triggers. These technologies also provide a feeling of responsibility and support by allowing users to interact with others who are also in recovery through virtual support groups. This sense of community and connection may dramatically boost an individual’s motivation while also reducing feelings of isolation, which are major triggers for relapse. Individuals who carry these tools in their pockets now have a strong ally to assist them remain on track with their rehabilitation.

Virtual reality exposure therapy

Virtual reality (VR) therapy is a new technique that uses VR technology to recreate real-life settings and scenarios that may induce cravings or drug usage. Therapists can reduce the likelihood of recurrence by exposing individuals to these triggers in a controlled context. VR treatment also allows people to practice exposure therapy without leaving their homes, making it ideal for people who suffer from social anxiety or a phobia of public areas.

Wearable tech

Wearable gadgets, such as fitness trackers and biometric sensors, are being used in addiction therapy since they allow for continuous monitoring of an individual’s progress. Wearable gadgets and sensors enable therapists to collect real-time data on an individual’s physiological reactions, such as heart rate and blood pressure, to various stimuli. This information may then be utilized to detect possible triggers, evaluate the success of treatment, and make any required changes. The continual monitoring component of technology-assisted treatment offers therapists vital information, allowing for more targeted and successful treatment strategies.

Recovery revolution

Recovery tech is changing the way we approach drug addiction therapy and has huge promise to help people overcome their addictions. Individuals may obtain customized, accessible, and effective aid on their recovery journeys by using these breakthrough smartphone apps and VR headsets.  While there are certain restrictions to consider, the future of technology-based drug addiction treatments looks to be bright. As we continue to harness the power of technology in healthcare, we have the opportunity to enhance the lives of those suffering from addiction and pave the way for a brighter, healthier future.

We can help

SoberMind Recovery tackles all types of addiction and offers several therapeutic options, including individual, group, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Other specialty programs we offer include LGBTQ sober living and dual diagnosis therapy. Residents of Los Angeles may learn more about various treatment programs by calling SoberMind’s toll-free number.