The twenty first century has brought about many lifestyle changes, new inventions, and mega advances in technologies. Technology has become a multi-faceted part of everyday life and in every industry. People depend on technology as the driving force that now moves the world. It has even made tremendous strides in the way that alcohol and drug addiction is treated. The tech advances allow the availability of many opportunities that are geared toward the treatment of addiction. Tech, and tech devices, can be a constant companion for substance abusers who are diligent about various treatment options.
Around the world, new technology tools are becoming available, and are being implemented by many addiction recovery programs. There have been changes in the ways that doctors interact with their patients in every aspect of medicine and the recovery effort. New tools are also providing new, improved ways for health professionals to evaluate the mental well-being of patients. There are several ways that technology helps those dealing with addiction to stay sober.
1. Mobile apps are available to act as a companion for those with addictions that
will help them on their road to healing and recovery. The Companion is one of the
recovery apps that has a copy of The Big Book and other helpful and essential
tools. It contains a sobriety calculator buddies with whom to meditate with, and
where to find meetings. The Twelve Step Program is all inclusive on this app,
with the Mindfulness Meditation and Sober Grid.
2. Technological devices can also help find a sober community and support system. It
does virtual Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings. This will
eliminate missing meetings for any reason. It is no longer necessary to leave
home to be involved with the support teams found at the meetings. Listening to
the encouragement of others is always very helpful.
3. The technical apps to assist with addiction recovery encourages the use of
meaningful passwords that will help boost your sobriety. It will be fun to use
them as a reminder of your sobriety. Passwords like, “sobersincedecember”, or
something that refers to your commitment to remain sober is a good way to
go. You will enjoy putting in a password that has special meaning to you.
4. One other way that tech can help with addiction is by making the ordinary smart
phone a breathalyzer tool. You may not need this, but it is a good reminder of
sobriety is you have suffered from alcohol addiction.
Virtual reality is also a way that technology can help with addiction. This works by generating sensations, sounds, and sights through a computer and headset. People suffering from addiction would navigate through a drug cave to identify the things that would trigger their desire or need for drugs. This is not yet available nationwide. With the use of technology, and drug and alcohol medications, addictions can be safely and successfully treated with positive, long term results.
