Recent research by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) shows promising results for internet based
resources for the treatment of addiction and mental health.
http://alcalc.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2010/02/10/alcalc.agq009.full
Here are some of the highlights of the study.
-“One of the primary challenges in health behaviour change is to promote accessibility of efficacious tools and services that promote reductions in risk behaviours… the Internet is one promising option … recent review identified 75 research trials to-date of computer-based interventions for different health behaviours and concluded that such interventions had significant evidence for their efficacy.”
-“There are many advantages to the Internet as a modality to promote access to efficacious health behaviour change interventions.”
-“Other more intensive Internet-based interventions or interventions via other modalities may enhance this positive outcome..”
Internet based programs are helping to fill in addiction and mental health service gaps and appears to be the wave of the future.
Many people do not seek treatment due to issues of stigma, shame, lack of resource/access etc. and only 1/3 of those who need mental health services in Canada actually receive them (CAMH).
Addiction and mental health issues are a 24/7 issue requiring an immediately available 24/7 solution.
Although not a replacement to traditional treatment or counselling approaches, web-based programs are proving to be an innovative and powerful approach to effectively reach those with mental health and addiction issues.
Best of health and warmest regards, Paul Radkowski
Psychotherapist, CEO/Clinical Director, Life Recovery Program
Recent articles about how the online Life Recovery Program is making a difference.
http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/319961--innovative-online-recovery-program-helps-people-keep-new-year-s-resolutions
http://www.therecord.com/living/article/308616--community-services-seen-as-essential-component-in-mental-health-care
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