Benefits of Online Addiction Counseling

Wellness
Written by A_Smith
January 24, 2022

It’s startling to realize that with the inclusion of tobacco and alcohol, over 60% of Americans over the age of 12 currently abuse a substance. With those kinds of numbers, it’s not surprising that millions of people are dealing with addiction. Whether it is alcohol or opioids, struggling with an addiction can seem impossible.

One of the benefits of the pandemic was it forced counselors and doctors to change their approach to healing. While available for the last decade, online counseling has gained popularity since the beginning of 2020. More people are now taking advantage of seeing an addiction counselor online on their own terms.

Current studies show that addicts are twice as likely to seek out treatment if there is an option to conduct their sessions online. Substance abuse recovery requires the help of professionals that are trained to help you through the process of ditching your addiction. Let’s take a closer look at some of the great benefits of online addiction counseling.

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24-Hour Access

Addiction doesn’t work on a nine-to-five schedule. For those that struggle with substance abuse, the dark hours of the night could be the hardest. Online counseling services often offer their patients access to help 24 hours a day.

This means that if you are having a hard time with temptation, withdrawals, or anxiety, you can reach someone to get the help and support you need. Addiction can often cause sleep disorders like insomnia which means that you could be up in the wee hours of the morning when you most need the help. Online counseling can give you support when you need it.

Anonymity

Many addiction specialists recommend group counseling to their patients as a way to show them that they are not alone in their journey. While this may be helpful in the long run, many people cringe at the idea of putting themselves in a room with others when they are in such a delicate place in their recovery.

With online counseling, you have the option to participate in a group counseling session from the comfort of your home. You don’t have to give your name or even turn on your device camera, giving you the benefit of anonymity. Individual online counseling also prevents you from having to visit an office and dealing with staff and other patients.

Many addicts deal with shame and have a hard time being in a group situation. Individual or group online counseling gives them a comfortable situation where they can get the help that they need.

Customized Counseling

When you attend online addiction counseling, you benefit from more than just assistance in curbing your addictions. Your counselor will customize your treatment to include other issues that have impacted you, including your job status, family relationships, and any legal problems. Substance addiction often affects many areas of a person’s life, and online counseling can help you address the specific issues that will help in your recovery journey.

Your addiction may have caused strained family relationships which you can discuss with your counselor. You can also create a plan to get back to work or other goals for the future.

Accessibility

For patients with other ailments or disabilities that make getting out to counseling difficult, online sessions are a lifesaver. It doesn’t matter your physical abilities; if you need help with your addiction struggles, you can do it online from your home, or anywhere you happen to be.

Flexibility

Online counseling offers addiction patients the flexibility of setting their appointments on their own schedule. You won’t have to schedule your therapy around your work hours or take time off to attend your sessions. You can get the therapy that you need whenever you need it. Counseling sessions can be done in the early mornings, late evenings, or weekends to suit your schedule.

Many people who need addiction counseling put off making an appointment because they can’t find a therapist that will work within their availability. With online counseling, you are in charge of when you want to schedule your appointments. As long as you have an internet connection, you can get your counseling and guidance whenever you need it.

Affordability

Some addicts avoid getting the counseling they need because of the expense. In many places, counseling can be expensive, making it hard for people to fit it into the budget. Online counseling is often a much cheaper option than seeing a private in-person therapist.

If you are struggling with substance abuse and need some guidance, you may want to consider online counseling. You can schedule an appointment that works with your availability and conduct your session right in your own home. You can maintain your privacy and dignity when you choose online addiction counseling to aid you in your recovery.

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