Telehealth Approach to Addiction Treatment Holds Promise of Slowing Opioid Epidemic

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Amid the worst drug epidemic in history, President Trump has declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency.  As the nation looks to stem this crisis, mental health and substance abuse professionals are fighting the battle and seeking better ways to deliver care and improved patient outcomes. One company is showing the way forward with a program of telecounseling, analytics and family engagement.

People suffering from substance abuse often enter inpatient facilities for detoxification and withdrawal. But the real battle begins when the person leaves a controlled environment and returns home. Faced with issues that may have exacerbated the addiction, those struggling with addiction often succumb, resulting in a 40% to 60% relapse rate.

Traditional outpatient care requires visiting a counselor or going to local AA meetings. Many substance abuse patients require more intensive care. Like telemedicine for doctors, telecounseling with licensed therapists allows discharged patients to engage in low intensity, high engagement treatment while at work, home or in school. Using videoconferencing and scheduled texting sessions, patients can have four or more sessions per week, conveniently and confidentially. Services are accessible anytime, anywhere, via smartphone, tablet, or computer, removing the barriers of time, distance and stigma.

Brad Rex is President and CEO of eHome Aftercare, a company providing this telehealth approach to addiction treatment aftercare. "Using technology, we have created an innovative solution for addiction recovery. eHome's integrated approach includes proprietary systems and dedicated counselors that improve patient outcomes and address the need for evidence-based treatment and analytics. We come alongside treatment centers and provide a comprehensive package of outpatient counseling and family coaching using the convenience of video and text sessions."

The eHome program also includes extensive family coaching by videoconferencing and an online education program.  "In many instances, family dynamics play a significant role in the addiction cycle. A systemic approach including family therapy has proven to play an integral role in the recovery process," said Erik Sundquist, clinical director of eHome.

"We have 'cracked the code' on families," stated Rex. "Rather than forcing family members to gather in one place each week, families meet by video, with no disruption to their routine and in complete privacy. Families are prepared when their loved one returns, and can provide support and structure to help prevent relapse."

Another unique aspect of the eHome program is evidence-based outcomes. The company's proprietary Deep Mind Insight™ measures patient progress and success.  Comprised of My Mood Monitor (M3) and DANA, an automated neurobehavioral assessment, this state-of-the-art testing provides a quantitative evaluation of progress at the beginning, middle and end of the program.

"Individuals, government officials and insurance companies are demanding measurable results, and our program offers this," says Rex.  "The war on opioids is on, and we must attack with personalized, comprehensive, technology-enabled care. We partner with rehab facilities to help break the addiction cycle, provide long term sobriety, and restore lives."  Visit www.ehomeaftercare.com.

SOURCE eHome Aftercare

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http://www.ehomeaftercare.com