The Benefits of Online Addiction Treatment

The Benefits of Online Addiction Treatment

Addiction is an illness that affects millions of people across Canada. (1) While traditional inpatient addiction treatment programs are an effective way to treat drug addiction and concurrent disorders, not everyone who is experiencing addiction can or needs to commit to a live-in treatment program.

Virtual outpatient addiction treatment provides online programming that is more flexible, accessible, and affordable than live-in rehab centres. These online programs teach patients how to manage addiction in the comfort and privacy of their own home through flexible part-time, full-time, and evening program options.

Ready to start your journey to long-term sobriety today? Read on to learn more about the benefits and effectiveness of online addiction treatment.

Addiction Treatment Options

which addiction treatment is right for you?When it comes to treating substance use addictions, two popular and effective options are inpatient addiction treatment and online (virtual) addiction treatment. Inpatient addiction treatment provides 24/7 care in a supervised, controlled facility, whereas online addiction treatment delivers therapy and treatment through an online platform that patients can access from home. While they take place in different settings, both inpatient and online treatment can deliver effective and personalized care to those experiencing substance use disorder, behavioural addictions, and concurrent mental health disorders. (2)

No two addiction circumstances or journeys are identical, which is why it’s important to explore the available treatment options to determine which can work best for you. Candidates for online addiction treatment may include those who: (3)

  • Have less severe addiction symptoms
  • Live in remote communities or areas with limited or no inpatient programs
  • Have responsibilities or obligations at home (such as work, school, and young children) that prevent them from enrolling in inpatient addiction treatment
  • Have a strong support system at home

Virtual addiction treatment can be an effective pathway for managing addiction. However, it’s not suitable for everyone. People with a high risk of relapse, who are not strongly motivated to get sober, (2) who have a life-threatening addiction, or who require medically supervised detox should enrol in an inpatient rehab centre for the best chance of lasting recovery.

Top 6 Benefits of Online Addiction Treatment

There are numerous benefits to online addiction treatment, which can be a great method for learning to manage addiction and achieving long-term results.

1. Flexibility and Convenience

Access to consistent support is crucial for addiction recovery. (4) A significant benefit of online addiction treatment, or virtual outpatient care, is the flexibility it provides to people struggling with addiction who want to learn how to manage cravings but can’t commit to a lengthy inpatient program.

Addiction treatment at home, without missing out on family

In-person treatment programs for addiction can be a month or longer. With online treatment,

patients have more flexibility and don’t have to take time away from work or family. They can choose from part-time programs or full-time, intensive options.

Our six-week Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (VIOP) is also offered in the evening. This timing allows patients to keep their typical routine of work, school, childcare, or other responsibilities during the day while getting the help they need at night

The convenience of online addiction treatment is that you can access care without missing out on what’s going on in your life. All you need is an internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

2. Accessibility

Location can be a major barrier for people with substance use disorder seeking addiction treatment. Not only can travel to an inpatient rehab centre be costly, but it may not be feasible for people with mobility issues or family obligations at home. Online addiction treatment removes that barrier by allowing patients to access high-quality therapy and treatment anywhere and at their convenience.

Remote and underserved areas often lack access to in-person treatment centres and follow-up care, which can lead to worse outcomes for people working towards long-lasting recovery. (5) Online addiction treatment eliminates the need for long commutes to get help and follow-up treatment, allowing people to access care regardless of location.

3. Privacy and Anonymity

Addiction is an illness, not a choice—unfortunately, stigma that still surrounds addiction can cause many people to feel ashamed or afraid to seek out help at rehab centres in their community where other people are present. (6) Online addiction treatment programs can provide a higher level of privacy than inpatient treatment, granting individuals a level of social connection they might prefer over a live-in centre.

With online addiction treatment, people with substance use disorder can get the judgment-free help they need through a secure online portal without ever needing to leave their home. They can continue to go to work, school, or carry out their day-to-day responsibilities. They can also stay connected to their support networks, without having to field questions from employers, family members, or neighbours about where they have been. This anonymity and discretion provided by online care can make those seeking help feel safer and more comfortable in their recovery program.

4. Affordability

Cost can be a major barrier to seeking addiction treatment. Private inpatient addiction treatment is typically significantly more expensive than private outpatient programs, given that they include lodging, meals, and larger overhead costs.

Online addiction treatment is a more affordable option for addiction care that eliminates some of the costs associated with live-in rehab programs. Not only is the base treatment cost for programs like CATC’s Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (VIOP) lower than inpatient centres, but enrolling in a virtual program can also help participants avoid costs such as childcare or unpaid leave from work (lost wages).

5. Effectiveness

While virtual outpatient treatment isn’t for everyone, it can be a very effective option for learning how to manage addiction as well as setting and achieving recovery goals. According to client satisfaction surveys—individuals who participated in the Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (VIOP) through CATC reported a 94% satisfaction rate with the program. More than 85% of participants achieved at least one recovery goal.

Online virtual treatment is effectiveLike with inpatient addiction treatment, our online virtual program provides individual and group counselling that is personalized to the individual. These therapies, led by registered therapists who are experienced in helping patients with a range of addictions—from alcohol, cocaine, and heroin to sex and love (SLA), gambling, and pornography—help you understand and target the root cause of your addiction.

Our treatment programs address co-occurring mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, as well as skill building, partner support, and Aftercare that sets you up for a successful recovery journey.

6. Ongoing Support

Aftercare is a critical component of any addiction recovery journey. Without follow-up care, the chance of achieving long-term sobriety decreases. (5)

Online addiction treatment programs makes it easy for people living with substance use disorder to access ongoing support for their illness to avoid relapse. Virtual outpatient program clients can receive customized addiction Aftercare via smartphone, laptop, or tablet from the comfort of their couch.

Programs like CATC’s VIOP offer Aftercare and follow-up services that allow individuals to stay connected to their recovery community. Through access to regular support groups and counselling, people can maintain their progress and address challenges as they arise.

How Does Online Addiction Treatment Work?

Starting an online addiction treatment program, such as the Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program, is relatively straightforward. The process begins with an intake assessment to evaluate your specific needs, goals, and addiction history. After an addiction specialist has reviewed your portfolio, they’ll recommend the ideal treatment plan—personalized to the specific supports you need to manage your addiction.

Through our virtual programs, people experiencing addiction can access services such as one-on-one therapy sessions, group counselling, and family support.

Our online programs take an evidence-based approach to addiction treatment to support each person’s recovery journey.

Reach out to Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres for Online Addiction Treatment

Virtual outpatient treatment is an effective way to treat addiction and realize your sobriety goals. It is private, flexible, convenient, accessible, and more affordable than traditional in-person rehab.

Ready to learn how to manage addiction and get your life back? If you or a loved one need help overcoming addiction, reach out to CATC to learn more about whether a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program is the right fit.

Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres (CATC) is Canada’s largest national provider of health supports for substance use and addictions. Our qualified staff provide judgment-free, evidence-based addiction treatment for people struggling with substance use disorder, behavioural addiction, and co-occurring mental health disorders, virtually and in person. Don’t wait to regain control over your life—contact CATC today to begin your path to recovery.

Information on this page is for informational purposes only, and does not replace personalized medical advice. You should never make any decisions about your health without consulting a healthcare professional, especially when related to substance use or mental health. To speak to a qualified member of our team for personalized advice, you can contact us here.

Sources

(1) CMHA Ontario: Substance Use and Addiction

(2) Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres

(3) Trends in telemedicine use in addiction treatment: Addiction Science & Clinical Practice (2015)

(4) Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction: In Patient Treatment for Substance Use in Canada

(5) Rural-urban disparities in post-discharge outcomes following alcohol-related hospitalizations in Ontario, Canada: A retrospective cohort study (2022)

(6) Government of Canada: Stigma Around Drug Use