According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, almost 90% of individuals with a substance use disorder (SUD) did not receive treatment services, with this number remaining relatively unchanged for several years. Stigma and bias regarding entering care and access to services (geographic or time constraints) have contributed to these low numbers. Furthermore, the recent public health concerns given COVID-19 made access to services even more difficult, resulting in SUD treatment and recovery support providers seeking viable alternatives to in-person service delivery. Advances in technology and increased availability to the internet have initially addressed this access issue for treatment and recovery support providers through the use of videoconferencing platforms to deliver services synchronously. However, in many cases patients and peers are still unable to access treatment and support services on a regular basis and are augmenting their need for additional services by using apps, social media, automated behavioral intervention technologies (educational websites,) online support groups, etc. Behavioral health professionals benefit from understanding these tools, how/why patients are using them, and the best practices for adding them to their toolbox. While not replacing the need for treatment and recovery services, technology-based interventions can serve as a ‘practice or support extender’.
This webinar will review the use of technology-based interventions related to treating individuals with substance use disorders and providing recovery support services focused on asynchronous tools, such as social media, blogs, podcasts, online support groups, videos, and text messaging. Finally, recommendations for clinicians and peer recovery coaches for developing their own tools will be highlighted.
Nancy Roget, MS, Executive Director, CASAT; Co-Director, Mountain Plains ATTC
