Description: According to the 2018 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 and the importance of social distancing have 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/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, digital health technologies can serve as a ‘practice or support extender’. This webinar will review the use of digital health technologies related to treating individuals with SUDs 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, peer recovery coaches, and justice staff for developing their own technology resources will be highlighted.

Presenter: Nancy A. Roget, MS, MFT, LADC