EP 363 : Virtual Therapy for Drug addiction and alcoholism: Does it ACTUALLY WORK?

Virtual Substance Abuse Treatment: Pros, Cons, and Personal Insights

In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, hosts Tom Conrad, Benjamin B., and Dr. T engage in an in-depth discussion about the evolution of virtual substance abuse treatment, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They cover the shift towards telehealth and virtual outpatient services, the implications of these changes, and share personal insights on the effectiveness of virtual therapy for substance abuse recovery. The conversation highlights the pros and cons of virtual treatment, touching on insurance company roles, the flexibility it offers, and concerns regarding the quality of treatment. They also address the challenge of managing treatment without physical presence, the importance of initial in-person treatment for a solid foundation in recovery, and how virtual services can play a role in aftercare. Additionally, the team talks about their podcast's organizational improvements, the importance of feedback and engagement from their audience, and encourages listeners to join their Facebook support group.

00:00 Navigating the Shift to Virtual Substance Abuse Treatment
00:40 The Impact of COVID-19 on Substance Abuse and Virtual Care
01:31 Introducing the Hosts and Their Mission
02:04 Building a Stronger Recovery Community Online
03:24 Organizational Changes and the Role of Dr. T
08:26 Understanding the Audience: The Importance of Listener Feedback
10:14 Pros and Cons of Virtual Therapy in Substance Abuse Treatment
22:12 The Risks of Mixing Benzos with Alcohol
22:47 Navigating Virtual Therapy in Substance Abuse Treatment
23:07 The Importance of Proper Licensing in Virtual Therapy
24:40 Virtual Therapy: A Viable Option for Non-Addiction Issues
25:36 The Debate Over Virtual Therapy for Substance Abuse
28:29 The Role of In-Person Treatment in Recovery
34:04 The Challenge of Accountability in Virtual Therapy
36:43 The Value of Comprehensive In-Person Treatment
39:24 Concluding Thoughts on Virtual Therapy and Recovery