A Review of How Technology is Assisting Addicts
Addiction is something that anybody, regardless of their status in life, is suffering from. While drugs and alcohol are the most common, people suffer from other forms as well. In the past, these problems were considered to be just bad choices. Doctors along with other professionals in the healthcare sector are now realizing that addiction is about that, and more. With this shifting outlook comes hope. At present people are trying to overcome their addiction through technology.
Below are only a few methods that technology is helping addicts to get better.
Technology Offers Support Whenever Needed
At one time, when addicts felt the desire to abuse, they often would try to get in touch with their support group. Groups similar to Alcoholics Anonymous have engaged support systems to rally round people every time they feel like they need a drink. AA has additionally created some reward system that enable addicts to keep track of their progress. A person receives tokens for every year he/she has stayed away from alcohol. For people who are in this program, they are even able to obtain AA coins online. This seemed a good idea that helped plenty of individuals.
However, what if you are unable to reach your sponsor? Now, that is no longer a problem and it is all thanks to modern technology. Apps are making way for addicts to reach their sponsors no matter how far apart they are. Smart devices enable addicts to now contact their support crowd at any time of the day. Apps similar to AA Big Book can be downloaded for free and help bring users together.
Neurofeedback Treatment
Neurofeedback may be controversial, but it is being practiced as treatment for addiction. Doctors together with scientists are employing this technology to study the brainwaves of addicts and make use of them to cause positive habits. This helps to alter the addiction pattern and substitute drugs as well as other vices with positive rewards. Everything is done through using computers with electrodes linked to them which are then placed laid on the patient’s head. This non-aggressive method has helped a lot of addicts to recover successfully.
Algorithms May Be the Key
For many years computer algorithms have been employed to solve difficult problems. On the other hand, they are now being utilized for another noble purpose: treating addiction. A number of new companies, some of them initiated by ex-addicts, are coming out with apps which are designed to allow addicts to choose their treatment method. Apps similar to Addicaid, etc. are changing the game for sure.
Depending on the individual’s answers to the questions, such apps help create a personalized treatment program with the use of algorithms. This offers addicts innovative tools as well as resources to assist in the process of recovery.