Virtual Therapy for Substance Use Disorders: Recovery is Possible

Understanding substance use disorder

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are not a choice, but recovery is possible, and various research-supported treatment options (including telehealth therapy for substance use disorders) are available through virtual platforms like ReachLink. Often, underlying concerns and comorbid conditions, like anxiety disorders, environment, family history, and trauma, play a role in developing or affecting a person living with a SUD. ReachLink’s licensed therapists can help people manage any comorbid mental health conditions with personalized treatment plans delivered through secure video sessions.

SUDs can affect all areas of a person’s life, including social relationships, family and love life, work, education, physical health, and mental health.

Virtual treatment for substance use addiction

Substance use disorder can escalate into dependence and addiction. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they both pertain to aspects of substance reliance. ReachLink’s telehealth therapy can address all aspects of substance use and related behavioral disorders, helping individuals overcome addiction and avoid relapse from the comfort and privacy of their own homes.

You’re also not alone. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, more than 40 million Americans lived with an SUD in 2020, including 14.5 million who lived with alcohol use disorders. While studies indicate that over 50% of those living with substance use disorder maintain full-time jobs, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that unintentional drug overdoses are steadily rising in the workplace.

The hopeful news is that recovery is possible, and there is help through telehealth platforms like ReachLink for those living with substance-related and other addictive disorders. Our mental health professionals work to provide support in all areas of a person’s life to assist in managing substance use disorder, with the added convenience of remote access.

Potential symptoms

Everyone experiences symptoms of addiction differently. Understanding the possible symptoms of a substance use disorder may help you identify if you need care from a licensed therapist through ReachLink.

Here are some potential symptoms and signs of SUDs:

• Difficulty cutting down on or quitting the use of a substance despite wanting to do so
• Substance use disorders can manifest in changes in performance at work or school
• Withdrawal symptoms upon attempting to discontinue the use of a substance
• Personality changes, such as secretiveness, irritability, or agitation
• Changes in sleep patterns (IE, difficulty sleeping, or oversleeping)
• Mood swings
• Outwardly visible symptoms of substance use disorders, such as trembling or shaking, bloodshot eyes, and difficulty with personal hygiene
• Slurred speech
• Unexplained financial problems or needs due to spending money on substances
• Legal problems related to the use of substances
• Social changes due to the use of substances (IE, social isolation, or changing friend groups and hangout spots based on to substances)
• Difficulty or problems in interpersonal relationships related to the use of substances
• Cravings for the substance

The truth is that it’s never too soon to ask for help or start the recovery process from addiction. If you notice these symptoms in yourself, it may be time to reach out to ReachLink’s telehealth services for professional support.

What are some addiction treatment options through telehealth?

ReachLink offers several different virtual treatment approaches for addiction and SUDs, and combined approaches are used frequently by our licensed therapists. While some people may need to go to in-person detox first to prepare themselves for treatment, ReachLink can provide ongoing support through our telehealth platform after detox or alongside outpatient treatment. Our therapists provide addiction counseling and additional resources to ensure a comprehensive recovery process that fits into your daily life.

Evidence-based telehealth therapies for substance use disorder

ReachLink therapists utilize several evidence-based approaches to effectively treat substance use disorder through our secure telehealth platform:

• Motivational interviewing (MI) — Also known as Motivational Enhancement Therapy, MI is a counseling approach that seeks to alleviate any doubts an addicted person may have about pursuing therapy. It’s listed as an evidence-based therapy by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and can be effectively delivered through video sessions.
• The Matrix Model — The Matrix Model combines the principles behind various therapeutic techniques, such as CBT, MI, and CM, implementing them in a mixture of individual and group therapy sessions through ReachLink’s platform. It’s especially useful for the treatment of alcohol abuse and other substance use disorders.
• Step Facilitation Therapy — STP is a type of behavioral therapy intended to promote engagement with 12-step programs. ReachLink therapists can provide these interventions for substance use disorders while helping clients connect with virtual or local support groups.
• Contingency Management — Contingency management is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy used by ReachLink therapists. It involves using tangible rewards to incentivize treatment engagement. These rewards may involve gift vouchers or small cash prizes in exchange for meeting small and achievable treatment milestones (ex: attending virtual sessions consistently). It’s been successfully used to treat opioid use disorder.
• Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) — Another form of behavioral therapy utilized by our therapists, REBT aims to replace irrational or limiting beliefs with more positive thought patterns. It’s an effective treatment for a large variety of co-occurring disorders, such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, as well as various phobias and sleep issues.

Through ReachLink’s telehealth therapy for addiction, you’ll learn about and create a plan for relapse prevention, work on problem-solving skills and interpersonal relationships, address any legal or social issues that may be prevalent, and address comorbid or co-occurring concerns and conditions. Family therapy sessions through our secure video platform and emotional support for families are also available. There is no shame in seeking care for problem behaviors associated with SUDs and addiction, and ReachLink is committed to destigmatizing these issues so that more people can get the life-saving support they need, wherever they are.

Addressing co-occurring concerns in telehealth treatment for SUDs

Addressing co-occurring or comorbid concerns is often a vital part of ReachLink’s comprehensive treatment for SUDs.

Common comorbidities seen in those living with SUDs may include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It’s said that roughly half of those living with a SUD meet post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD criteria. PTSD can be treated through ReachLink’s telehealth platform with a combination of psychotherapy and counseling.
• Eating disorders. People with eating disorders are five times more likely to live with a SUD when compared to the rest of the general population.
• Anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are a significant risk factor for the development of a SUD, especially alcohol abuse. ReachLink’s therapists can address anxiety disorders through therapy and counseling.
• Almost a third of those living with major depressive disorder or MDD meet the criteria for a SUD. Substance use can also pair with other types of depression, like persistent depressive disorder.
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). People with ADHD are more likely to live with a SUD when compared to those without ADHD.

Other conditions can play a role in the development of SUDs for some people. In cases like these, addressing other concerns through ReachLink’s holistic approach is often highly beneficial and is an important part of