These days, it seems like just about everyone has a cell phone in their hand. This assumption isn’t far from reality, as recent numbers released by the Pew Research Center show that nearly 85% of Americans [1] own a smartphone in 2021.
This digital point of connection had been moving towards becoming an integral part of daily life for some time, but it became a virtual lifeline for many people in 2020. As work transitioned to remote platforms, schools moved online, and physical access to friends, family, and colleagues became practically non-existent in some cases, access to technology became increasingly important.
While this unprecedented time highlighted the value of technology on a new level, it was particularly insightful for those in addiction recovery. A need to look closely at the possibility of avoiding relapse with the help of technology has never been more important.
Avoiding Relapse with Technology Through Readily Available Resources
Recovering from substance abuse is no easy feat. Many who suffer from this condition work for years to overcome behaviors and patterns that keep them from thriving in life and breaking out of addictive restraints.
While outpatient programs are often a popular choice for establishing recovery accountability, the pandemic eliminated that option for many people. It simultaneously provided the perfect opportunity to consider how avoiding relapse with technology may be an equally effective solution.
If so many people already have a smartphone, how can that technology be harnessed to help avoid pitfalls that many people face in recovery? The answer might just lie in the apps and wearable devices that are so readily available at the touch of a button.
How Apps and Wearable Devices Could Help to Avoid Relapse
Avoiding relapse with technology can be rather empowering for those in recovery. Monitoring personal progress provides a sense of control over implemented recovery steps and overall wellness goals.
It’s also a consistent solution when outpatient treatment options aren’t available. This keeps those who are in recovery on track with their goals, whether attending programs and meetings in person or not.
There is a long list of apps available on smartphones that users and professionals can customize according to recovery needs.
Apps can be used to focus on:
- Specialized emotional support
- Educational information
- Healthy habits
- Goal tracking
- Mental health evaluations
When those who are in recovery aren’t dependent on physical destinations to keep in line with their goals, progress has the potential to become a personalized experience. Turning to technology to avoid relapse can even reduce the overall cost of care involved in meeting essential recovery milestones.
The Benefits of Technology When Working on Avoiding Relapse
Instead of waiting to attend a support group when struggles arise, technology provides an option for real-time recovery solutions. There are a variety of wearable devices on the market today that put technology to use. These apps and devices are great for monitoring heart rate or other responses to stress that could lead to potential relapse.
This offers a potential benefit in the fight to avoid relapse. A recent study showed that [2] approximately one-third of patients who completed inpatient treatment relapsed within three months. If avoiding relapse with technology can improve these statistics, it’s well worth integrating into the recovery process.
Avoiding relapse with technology can offer an increased sense of privacy, along with 24/7 assistance when it’s necessary to speak to a sponsor over the phone.
We want to emphasize and clarify; experts do not recommend relying on an app or device solely to treat addiction. However, implementing these options to help alongside a comprehensive treatment plan and relapse prevention strategies is a good way to keep on track in recovery.
Contact Spring Gardens Recovery Today
Recovering from addiction isn’t something you have to face alone. Contact Spring Gardens Recovery today to learn more about our Florida-based solutions for facing drug and alcohol addiction head-on. Find the support you need to live your best life!
Sources:
[1] https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/mobile/ [2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30447514/
