• About
    • Insurance
    • Credentialing Partners
    • Admissions
    • Dual Diagnosis
    • Alumni Success Stories
    • Careers
  • Treatments
    • Inpatient / Detox
    • Partial Hospitalization Program
    • Intensive Outpatient Program
    • Transitional Housing
    • Family Program
    • Continuum Of Care
  • Resources
    • News & Events
    • Blog
    • Addictions
  • Gallery
  • Contact
  • Donate

Treat the whole person - body, mind, and spirit > CALL TODAY 314.631.4299

Harris HouseHarris House
  • About
    • Insurance
    • Credentialing Partners
    • Admissions
    • Dual Diagnosis
    • Alumni Success Stories
    • Careers
  • Treatments
    • Inpatient / Detox
    • Partial Hospitalization Program
    • Intensive Outpatient Program
    • Transitional Housing
    • Family Program
    • Continuum Of Care
  • Resources
    • News & Events
    • Blog
    • Addictions
  • Gallery
  • Contact
  • Donate

How Telemedicine is Reducing Substance Abuse Treatment Stigma

February 25, 2021 Posted by grant Abuse, Abuse, Blog
Medical doctor in a telemedicine session.

Telemedicine started during pandemic shutdowns has taken on a life of its own now that things are opening back up in some places.

Many people who have substance use disorders experience social stigma caused by negative perceptions and misconceptions about substance abuse and rehabilitation. The social stigma may cause them to avoid treatment because they don’t want to be seen in a rehab center or to look their primary care physician in the eyes and tell them that they need help with their substance use.

There is also significant stigma around treatment for substance abuse because of the high degree of interpersonal conflicts that can occur between attendees. This can lead to negative perceptions about the programs themselves and about the people that attend them. Attendees may be reluctant because they might see someone they know and have to explain why they are getting treatment.

Telemedicine Can Have Benefits for Substance Abuse Treatment

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unexpected development in medical technology that can greatly reduce the stigma associated with substance abuse treatment, according to at least one study. Telemedicine rose to the forefront as a viable way to provide many medical services and treatments, including substance abuse treatment, months ago when it was first perceived to be unsafe to meet in person as coronavirus infections were becoming more widespread.

What started out as a way to provide substance abuse treatment virtually when there was no other option is now positioned to become a viable permanent option that has many benefits for clients:

  • No transportation worries if the clinic is not on a bus route
  • Various practitioners available on a single telemedicine call rather than traveling to different locations
  • Reduced or nonexistent child-care costs
  • Access to top-notch practitioners who might not practice in your geographical area
  • No interpersonal drama between attendees

Another important aspect of telemedicine is the removal of the face-to-face embarrassment that comes with attending treatment for substance abuse. Clients don’t have to worry about who they might run into, and the tension of telling a counselor or group leader about your condition face-to-face is also reduced.

Medical doctor using a laptop for a telemedicine visit.

Telemedicine can be more convenient for some clients and can reduce the need to miss work, pay for transportation, or find child care.

Telemedicine is Here to Stay

A layer of reservation that often occurs in face-to-face meetings can be stripped away with telemedicine, making people more comfortable with sharing their very real struggles and being more honest with their provider than they might be in person. There’s a sense of anonymity that can be very freeing when talking to a telemedicine provider.

The bottom line regarding telehealth substance abuse treatment is that it can in some circumstances be more effective than in-person treatment. While no one type of treatment will be right for everyone, exploring telemedicine for substance abuse treatment may be worthwhile if traditional formats haven’t worked for you because of stigma surrounding treatment.

Harris House provides inpatient and outpatient treatment for substance use disorder, including telemedicine options when appropriate.  Call us to learn about admissions and what we can do to help you change your life for the better.

Share
0

About grant

This author hasn't written their bio yet.
grant has contributed 289 entries to our website, so far.View entries by grant

    You also might be interested in

    Hope for Recovery is Alive!

    Apr 2, 2016

    There is always hope, and always an opportunity for you[...]

    Growing Gratitude in the Garden of Your Mind

    Apr 19, 2016

    You don’t have to pretend that negative things don’t exist.[...]

    How Trauma Affects the Brain

    Apr 11, 2016

    Psychological trauma occurs when it is not possible to process[...]

    Recent Posts

    • A Guide to Inpatient Alcohol Rehab Centers
    • What to Look for When Searching for the Right Rehab Facilities in St. Louis
    • The Benefits of a Holistic Inpatient Rehab for Alcohol Addiction – The Solution You’ve Been Searching For
    • What to Expect from Your 28-Day Residential Treatment Program
    • The Difference Between Intensive Inpatient Therapy (24-Hour Drug Rehab Centers) and Other Facilities

    Insurance Providers

    Substance use insurance coverage and benefits can be multifaceted and will vary with the different insurance companies and plans. The Harris House Insurance Department has experience working with insurance providers to get our clients the maximum benefits possible. Let our staff do the work for you. LEARN MORE

    Insurance Providers Insurance Providers Insurance Providers

    Credentialing Partners

    Harris House is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF International). Harris House is also certified by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, approved by the Better Business Bureau as an A+ accredited charity and a proud member of United Way of Greater St. Louis. LEARN MORE

    DMH Carf BBB United Way

    Contact Us

    Let your recovery begin

    We're here to help.

    Please reach out with any questions

    CONTACT US

    314-631-4299

    • About
      • Insurance
      • Credentialing Partners
      • Admissions
      • Dual Diagnosis
      • Alumni Success Stories
      • Careers
    • Treatments
      • Inpatient / Detox
      • Partial Hospitalization Program
      • Intensive Outpatient Program
      • Transitional Housing
      • Family Program
      • Continuum Of Care
    • Resources
      • News & Events
      • Blog
      • Addictions
    • Gallery
    • Contact
    • Donate

    Treat the whole person - body, mind, and spirit > CALL TODAY 314.631.4299

    Harris HouseHarris House
    • About
      • Insurance
      • Credentialing Partners
      • Admissions
      • Dual Diagnosis
      • Alumni Success Stories
      • Careers
    • Treatments
      • Inpatient / Detox
      • Partial Hospitalization Program
      • Intensive Outpatient Program
      • Transitional Housing
      • Family Program
      • Continuum Of Care
    • Resources
      • News & Events
      • Blog
      • Addictions
    • Gallery
    • Contact
    • Donate
    About Us
    Treatments
    Resources
    Gallery
    Contact Us
    Donate

    For individuals struggling with addiction to alcohol and drugs, Harris House helps people achieve sobriety and become healthy and productive individuals. Since our founding in 1961, Harris House has grown to become a top-rated non-profit treatment center.

    CALL US TODAY

    314-631-4299

    2706 S. River Rd
    St. Charles, MO 63303

    8315 South Broadway
    St. Louis, MO 63111

    © 2023 HARRIS HOUSE FOUNDATION.

    Prev Next