A Look at How Technology Is Helping Addicts

Featured article by Calvin Paige, Independent Technology Author

Addiction is something that people from all walks of life face. Mothers, sons, and grandmothers alike can all fall victim to this growing problem. Drugs and alcohol are just a few of the addictions that people suffer from. Many years ago, these problems were thought to be simply bad choices. Now, doctors and other healthcare professionals are realizing that addiction is more complicated than that. With a changing attitude comes hope. In today’s world, people are using technology to combat addiction. Below are just a few ways that technology is helping addicts recover.

Technology Offers on Demand Support

In the past, when an addict felt the urge to abuse, they would often try to contact their support circle. Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous have used support systems to help people when they feel the need to drink. AA has even created a reward system that helps addicts track their progress. Tokens are given for each year the person has remained alcohol-free. For those in the program, they can even find AA coins online. This was a good idea that helped many. But what if your sponsor was not in your reach? Now with modern technology, all of that has changed. Apps are helping bringing addicts and their sponsors together like never before. By using smart devices, addicts now have access to their support system 24-hours a day. Apps like AA Big Book are free to download in the iTunes store and help users connect with one another.

Neurofeedback Therapy

Although neurofeedback is controversial, it is being used to treat addiction. Doctors and scientists are using this technology to monitor the brainwaves of addicts and use them to create positive habits. This helps to change the pattern of the addiction and replace drugs and other vices with healthy rewards. This is all done by using computers that are linked to electrodes and then placed on the patient’s head. This non-invasive procedure has helped many addicts successfully recover. For more information on Neurofeedback therapy and how it is helping addicts recover, please check out this website.

Algorithms Might Be the Answer

Computer algorithms have been used for years to solve complex problems. But now, they are being harnessed for another good cause; fighting addiction. A few start-up companies, some being run by former addicts, have come up with apps that are designed to help addicts choose a treatment option. Apps like Addicaid and others are really changing the game. Based on the person’s responses to the questions, these apps help in creating a personalized recovery program using algorithms. This gives addicts new tools and resources to aid in the recovery process. If you would like to learn more about how algorithms are changing addiction recovery, please check out this link.

Technology truly is amazing and using it to combat addiction is a promising notion. As we learn more about addiction and how to treat it using modern day methods, there is hope that one day technology will be the answer. In the past, those who were addicts were often treated like criminals and kept in the dark. But today, addiction is not something that anyone should be ashamed of, and getting help is easier than ever.