Can Online or Telephone Counseling For Drug And Alcohol Addiction Be Effective?

The answer to the question in the title is: "Yes, but with the need to understand the limits of online and telephone help." Alcoholism and other drug addictions are devastating disorders which negatively impact affected individuals and all who care about them, physically, emotionally and mentally, and spiritually. Successful treatment of persons with full blown alcohol or other drug addiction may require a comprehensive treatment program, with services provided by professionals face-to-face. This treatment would be beyond that offered by online or telephone addiction services because it requires service providers that include physicians to address medical issues such as withdrawal, and mental health professionals such as psychiatrists or psychologists, to treat co- or pre-existing psychiatric disorders that may be present.
An evaluation will reveal the extent of the treatment required. This evaluation can be performed online by completing a comprehensive intake instrument that includes validated drug and alcohol diagnostic screening tests, supplemented by telephone sessions. The evaluation will utilize the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statitistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-IV-TR.
Persons who are already involved in any stage of traditional treatment (intensive outpatient, continuing care, aftercare, AA, NA, Al-Anon or Nar-anon) can use online services or telephone counseling as a supplement to their treatment and recovery, sometimes called recovery coaching. Persons who have completed traditional treatment and are in solid recovery can also benefit from these services.
Online and telephone addictions related services can be particularly attractive by offering a convenient, confidential opportunity for individuals in the comfort of their own homes or wherever their electronic devices or phones may be, to ask questions or seek counseling and support in regard to their own, or a loved one's, drug or alcohol use. Responses can be rapid, inexpensive, and paid for without use of medical insurance that, at times, can involve a cumbersome procedure and even result in negative consequences.
DUI alcohol evaluations can also be conducted online and are confidential, convenient, done with security and comfort on the individual's own computer, and are completed promptly. Evaluations are developed by email, and supplemented, as needed, by telephone.
Jan Edward Williams, MS, JD, LCADC
www.alcoholdrugsos.com