Are you hesitating to enter an inpatient detox program? Do you prefer to use telemedicine to cope with recovery from addiction? The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an expansion of the demand for telemedicine and telehealth. Now, many innovative treatment centers offer telehealth events or e-counseling courses. People can get the care and treatment they need from home. Online medical services have been effective in reaching out to a wider population with mental health needs.

With this trend of online medical support, it is important to keep in mind that in-person support systems are essential for those seeking long-term recovery from addiction. Although there are challenges during the pandemic, many residential treatment centers have been able to make adjustments to provide a safe environment for those in recovery. Recovery from addiction best succeeds in a well-managed and attentive environment, which makes residential programs irreplaceable even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Benefits of Online Sobriety Support Groups

Online support groups have the advantage of easy access and allow you a higher level of comfort in participation since you are not in a physical setting. This mode of interaction might work better for people with social anxiety disorders. There are 24/7 support hotlines on a full range of emotional needs for people in recovery.

The good thing about online support is that you have many choices. These include AA 12-step groups, self-management apps, lifestyle programs, mindfulness groups, and faith-based abstinence support groups, all accessed from wherever you are via the internet. Depending on your interests and needs, you can connect with other individuals around the world who are like-minded and going through similar situations as you. There are many new, innovative, and creative programs springing into existence. Some specialize in subgroups of the recovering community, such as women or adolescents. The downside of having so much choice is that it becomes easy to withdraw, and people might not be motivated to stay with a certain support group when there are many others to try.

In-Person Support Groups Are Essential 

Despite the rise of online support groups, you might still want to join an in-person group that is near you. Humans are social beings, and being physically present is an important part of the healing process. In addition, many treatment centers that offer in-person support groups also provide other important programs, such as medical treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and relationship skills. These services can provide you with multiple levels of care and a holistic package that can effectively increase your physical and mental well-being.

Many health professionals think that because substance use is such a complicated illness, in-person treatment plans work better than online programs. In-person facilities can closely monitor your progress to make sure that medication, therapy, and emotional support all work together for your recovery. At different phases of this journey, there are experienced staff and therapists to walk alongside you. They allow for patients to be immersed in a safe and controlled environment that encourages communication, which is essential for post-treatment long-term recovery. Patients can then focus on their own needs. In contrast, a virtual environment may be less effective given distractions at home and the fact that you must motivate yourself to continue online treatment without someone physically there to check up on you.

The Benefits of a Hybrid Support System

Like all areas of medical practice, the traditional ways often contend with innovative new ways of treatment. At the end of the day, finding the right mode of therapy and intervention is your personal decision. These two modes of support and treatment can co-exist. Integrating online therapy might be able to help more people cope with the pandemic since social isolation measures can trigger relapse on a national level, a lesson medical professionals in the field of addiction recovery learned during the past year.

A hybrid model is possible. For those who struggle with achieving sobriety on their own, the role of a residential treatment center is irreplaceable. It can also be a life or relationship skills training center for the recovering individual to rebuild his or her social life. After a lengthy stay at a residential detox treatment center, you might want to continue joining an online therapy group to prevent relapse. You may consider online therapy more time-efficient and accessible. You might long for person-to-person interaction with trusted counselors who follow a traditional approach. The best thing to do is to reach out and seek professional help and find a balance that works best for you.

Are you or a loved one trying to decide whether to use online or in-person recovery programs? These two models each have their pros and cons, but a residential model can often be the best option. If you’re looking for addiction recovery programs or mental health treatment, Laguna Shores Recovery is a great choice. You will experience the benefits of innovative, holistic residential and outpatient treatment. We strive to provide catered programs to ensure the best treatment for you. We offer treatment plans such as detox, medication, 12-step groups, and relationship skills coaching that can greatly enhance your experience on the road to long-term sustainable recovery. Schedule an appointment with a licensed mental healthcare professional or therapist at Laguna Shores Recovery. We believe in holistic recovery, and we also have an outpatient program to support those who prefer more flexibility. Call us at 954-688-5806 and we will answer any questions you might have.