Has your opioid use taken over your life? Have you lost jobs, relationships, or housing over opioids? Have you made the decision that you want to change, but don’t know where to start?
Chances are, you probably answered “yes” to a few of those questions, which brought you to this page.
You are not alone, and many Appalachian residents have felt the same. A survey conducted in March of 2020 showed that over 19,000 Tennessee residents were enrolled in a substance use disorder treatment program. The survey only included 311 treatment providers in the state. How many more could have been connected to care if telehealth was offered at all of the facilities?
At ReVIDA® Recovery, we understand that getting transportation to a treatment facility can be challenging. We offer telehealth services to all of our patients who are established in our program, easing their access to quality care.
What We Treat: Opioid Use Disorder Care Programming
Opioid use disorders affect millions of people per year, including family members and loved ones of those managing the condition. Because of this, ReVIDA® Recovery set out to provide treatment programming specifically for opioid use disorders (OUD). This includes medication-assisted treatment with Suboxone, outpatient therapy via in-person and telehealth visits, and care coordination including connecting with local resources. We understand that not everyone has reliable transportation methods for getting to our facilities, which is why we offer virtual options through our telehealth program.
How We Treat: Telehealth Options for OUD Recovery
Opioid use disorders require a multi-faceted approach when it comes to treatment. When you first begin the program at ReVIDA® Recovery, in-person visits will be required. This is so we can effectively evaluate your physical, mental, and emotional state to come up with the best course of action for you. You will meet with one of our Suboxone doctors, care coordinators, and therapists during this time to get set up in our program and establish your goals for treatment.
Once you are established in our program, telehealth options are available for certain visits. These can include group therapy, individual therapy, and meetings with your care team. We understand that taking the time to come to the facility weekly can be difficult and requires coordinating with friends and loved ones for assistance. Telehealth gives you the option of receiving the care you need in the comforts of your home.
Addiction Recovery and Telehealth: What Does Treatment Entail?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many medical practices switched to telehealth treatment options. This connected people to the care they needed during lockdown. Addiction recovery medicine was no different, and many found success in offering telehealth options.
Today, telehealth for opioid use disorder treatment is a convenient option to get connected to care. Visits include individual therapy, where you will learn the root causes of your OUD and develop healthy coping skills. Group therapy is also conducted via telehealth and will allow you to hear stories and wisdom from your fellow peers. Care coordination can also be conducted through telehealth, giving you resources to connect with for food assistance, housing, and more.
Benefits of Telehealth for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
Telehealth breaks the barrier of having to travel to a facility to receive treatment for opioid use disorder. This benefits the patient by allowing them to receive care without having to arrange a ride, and it doesn’t cut into family time. Having your care team at your fingertips keeps you connected to care when you need it, all in the comfort of your own home.
Besides providing convenience to the patient, telehealth also helps providers keep overhead costs lower. This makes telehealth visits more cost-friendly, allowing patients to access care at a cheaper cost. It also saves money on fuel and possibly childcare, reducing the patient’s overall cost of care.
How to Get Started With Telehealth for OUD
Because opioid use disorders are complex and no two stories are the same, in-person visits will be required when first beginning treatment. This allows your care team to get the most accurate medical history and learn what your goals are.
Suboxone is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of OUD. Your doctor will need an accurate history for prescribing purposes, which will need to be conducted at the facility. Once you are set up on a Suboxone regime, care can be transferred to telehealth options.
Here at ReVIDA® Recovery, we ensure you are established with your care team and benefiting from treatment before switching to telehealth care options. Our team will work with you to provide a smooth transition to telehealth medicine, with weekly check-ins and monitoring to keep updating your goals.
What to Expect From Telehealth Treatments
Telehealth visits can consist of different treatments. Once you are established in your Suboxone treatment, your doctor can check in using telehealth to ensure the treatment is helping your recovery. Dose adjustments and monitoring via telehealth make it easier for you to communicate with your doctor and keep your medications working properly.
Individual therapy visits will involve different therapies. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that works to change negative thought patterns into positive ones. This involves recognizing what triggers these thoughts and how to change the perception behind them. CBT is one of the most common and effective models in treating opioid use disorders. Trauma therapy may also be involved in your telehealth visits. This works to address past traumas and heal from within, which helps prevent a return to use.
Group therapy visits will involve connecting with your peers without having the hassle of meeting in person. These meetings can involve 12-step programming, therapies, and sharing experiences. Connecting with others provides support and camaraderie which aids in lasting recovery.
Telehealth visits from care coordinators will involve checking in and helping with resources. At ReVIDA® Recovery, our substance use care coordinators can help with various needs including:
- Job skills and securing employment
- Continuing education programs
- Food assistance
- Housing assistance
- Transportation needs
During telehealth check-ins, if you need any assistance in these areas, your care coordinator can arrange for resources.
Telehealth Programming in Virginia and Tennessee
Connecting to care can feel impossible, especially for those who are limited on resources to get to a facility. Telehealth care for opioid use disorder is available, lifting these burdens and getting you the treatment you deserve. Through therapies, medication-assisted treatment, and connecting with peers, you will have all the tools to build your life successfully in recovery. You don’t have to keep living with opioid use disorder, help is available right now, right at your fingertips.
If you or someone you love is managing an opioid use disorder, telehealth options are here at ReVIDA® Recovery. We welcome all looking to begin the recovery journey and get back to living opioid-free. Our team can help you navigate what treatment path will be best for you as well as calculating costs and insurance. Contact us today at 423-631-0432 to learn more about our program offerings.
Reclaim your life.
