Although the coronavirus pandemic has totally transformed our healthcare system as we know it, there are still services available to address conditions of all kinds. In particular, those who suffer from addiction can still receive services, although the method in which they access them may have changed. For instance, telehealth is an amazing option for those who are looking to get rid of an addiction or are seeking ways to keep drug/ alcohol cravings at bay. The following is a closer look at the addiction treatment services being offered via telehealth as well as how the experts at the Transformations Treatment Center can help.

What is Telehealth?

For those who are yet unfamiliar, telehealth is the use of telecommunications technologies as a means of delivering health-related services as well as information that promotes patient care, health education, and other administrative activities. In an age in which the ways in which healthcare is being administered, telehealth is poised to be a significant part of the future of the medical realm overall.

Telehealth uses technology such as computers and mobile devices to allow access to healthcare services on a remote level, to make healthcare more accessible to those who live in rural or remote areas, and it is also being used as a way to treat patients remotely during this global pandemic, as a method of reducing the spread of COVID-19.

How Telehealth Can be Used to Treat Addictions

Now that we have a better idea of what telehealth entails, let’s take a look at the ways in which telehealth can be used for addiction treatment as well as how your friends at Transformations Treatment Center can assist you.

  • On-Demand Access to Care: Rather than waiting for appointments and visits on particular days, telehealth can allow you to get on-demand access to medical staff as needed. For instance, if you need to see a doctor or nurse about physical symptoms you are having in relation to withdrawal, you can simply call and schedule a video chat that will allow you to be seen much sooner. From there, you may be given specific instructions to aid with your recovery or they may call in prescriptions to help further assist you. In extreme cases, you may be urged to visit the emergency room. Either way, telehealth makes it possible to be seen and treated by a professional in a much more timely manner.
  • Increased Collaboration: In a perfect world, everyone’s recovery would involve the help of various professionals. However, this is often not the case for those who are visiting the office for addiction treatment. This is due to the fact that in-person appointments require more time and resources. Therefore, patients often deal with only one person, who is the main person in charge of their care. However, when using telehealth for addiction treatment, this allows healthcare professionals to email, video chat, etc. about your case before they get back to you with the overall recommendation, based on the expert opinions of various professionals.
  • Improved Pain Management: In general, opioids and other addictive medications have been one of the top go-to medications for managing pain. However, this often leads to abuse and ultimately addiction. However, the use of telehealth has made it possible to use wearable devices such as patches, indigestibles, and other similar devices that help manage pain. These devices can be monitored, can be used to administer timed doses of pain medication, and more. Either way, rather than being stuck dealing with chronic pain or being prescribed highly addictive pain medications, telehealth makes it possible for those who suffer from chronic pain and addiction to receive effective pain medications.
  • Mapping Out the Recovery Process: Another way telehealth can be used is to map out the recovery process. With the help of remote monitoring, wearable devices, and online consultations, healthcare professionals are able to keep better track of those recovering from addiction and their progress overall. These tools will allow healthcare professionals to get a better glimpse into the daily lives of the patients, understand their triggers and obstacles, and better address them in a timely and efficient manner. Moreover, the more providers learn about their patients, the better they will be able to treat not only their present patients but also patients in the future.

Overall, if you are suffering from addiction, there is no need to visit the office. Especially if you are presently quarantined or live in remote areas, telehealth can be one of the best methods of treating your addiction as soon as possible. If you suffer from addiction and are ready to begin treating your addiction as soon as possible, your friends at the Transformations Treatment Center are here to help. Contact us today so we can discuss the best ways to treat your addiction and help you stay sober over time.