Internet Changing Addiction Treatment, Expert Says

 The Parternership at drugfree.org (16/10/2012) By Celia Vimont

Web-based programs are proving to be an innovative and powerful adjunct to addiction treatment, according to an expert on internet treatment strategies. However, they are not meant to replace face-to-face addiction treatment, notes Paul Radkowski, CEO/Clinical Director at Life Recovery Program in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

Internet addiction programs range from web-based education interventions, to self-guided web-based therapeutic programs, to human-supported web-based therapies, Radkowski explained at the recent annual meeting of the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC).

“Addiction is a 24/7 issue, and requires 24/7 solutions. Internet programs can help address that need. They are not meant to replace face-to-face modalities, which provide support and accountability, but can supplement them,” Radkowski said.

While research on online programs for addiction treatment is still in a relatively early stage, some studies have suggested it is a promising area, he states. One study of computer-delivered interventions for alcohol and tobacco use concluded that computer-delivered treatments that can be accessed via the Internet may represent a cost-effective means of treating uncomplicated substance use and related problems. Another study of a brief personalized Internet-based program for problem drinkers found it reduced alcohol consumption for about six months.

Online programs can be especially helpful for people waiting for treatment slots in publicly funded programs, he noted. “With increasing budget cuts in Canada as well as the U.S., the supply for traditional forms of treatment is decreasing, while the demand is increasing,” he said. “Online programs are a way to get people started while they wait for traditional treatment.” Internet programs can be very helpful to people living in rural areas, who do not have easy access to in-person treatment.

They also can be appealing to some people who don’t seek face-to-face treatment because of the stigma of having a substance use disorder.

A growing number of treatment programs are using online components as part of aftercare, either through support groups or online contact with counselors, Radkowski noted.

One obvious appeal of online programs is their lower cost compared with face-to-face programs, he said. “Of course, for someone not medically stable, or with complicated issues, more intensive in-person treatment is needed.”

An additional benefit of Internet programs is that a person can review information repeatedly online, whenever they feel they need it, Radkowski pointed out. “When someone is struggling in the dark hours of the night, and doesn’t know what to do, they can go online, and it helps them self-regulate.”

The online program at Radkowski’s agency, the Life Recovery Program, includes a series of modules released every two weeks, along with behavioral contracts and peer support forums. “We took what worked with us on the front line, and put it online,” he said.

New Year's Resolution? Same One, Different Year?

Happy New Year!

For many people, it's a time for New Year's resolutions, making changes and choices that will improve your life no matter what it is; lose weight, quit smoking, drink less, improve your relationships, health and the list goes on and on.

Unfortunately out of the 88% of people who make resolutions, only about 20% follow through with them. Most people abandon any kind of New Year's resolution within the first 3 weeks of the New Year.

So why is it that so few people follow through? Because, often times the kind of support and encouragement they need just isn't there. This doesn't have to be you! Maybe you're stressed out and trying to work through difficult stuff by using alcohol, sex, food, gambling, shopping etc. to cope, or perhaps just needing to find better ways of dealing with life and stress.

The choice is yours. There is hope and help available, all you need to do is choose change. There's no better time than right now. If you want to learn how to take charge of your stress and take charge of your physical, mental, emotional and relationship health, then the internationally awarded wellness online recovery program, www.liferecoveryprogram.com is available right now.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

The Life Recovery Program is not an ebook. It's a 21st century online video-based recovery solution that is easy to use.

With the click of a mouse you can:
-View short videos that will help you reach your goals.
-Chat 24/7 with folks just like you in the peer support forum
-You will receive downloads such as audios that teach you how to relax
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-Weekly personalized emails to help you fulfill your New Year's Resolution.

We will show you how to break free of old habits. You'll not only feel better but will change negative behaviors and beliefs that cause you to feel beat up in the first place. In fact it has already been saving and changing lives.

To help you kick start your New Year's goal right now, and in keeping with our commitment to improve lives, the Life Recovery Program is providing a "Pay What You Can" (minimum $17) for the 3-month Foundation ProgramTM (usually $279) www.liferecoveryprogram.comhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

It's been said, "If you could do it on your own .... you would've done ithttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif by now." Why not let this be the year you break free and begin 2012 by taking advantage of this option and take charge of your life.

To find out more, click here www.liferecoveryprogram.com
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Myself and the Life Recovery Program team wish you and the one's you care about, the most prosperous and healthiest New Year ever!

Best of health and warmest regards, Paul Radkowski


Psychotherapist, CEO/Clinical Director, Life Recovery Program