Recovery support services are designed to help individuals with substance use disorders enter into and navigate systems of care, stay engaged in the recovery process, and live full lives in their communities. Technology offers one more avenue by which behavioral health professionals can support patients’ recovery, thereby increasing recovery participation and decreasing the likelihood of relapse. This presentation focuses on how the reach of recovery support services can be extended through the use of technologies (e.g., the web, social media, smartphone apps, and cell phone), which is especially important for individuals residing in rural/frontier areas with limited access to services. Thus, expanding access to recovery support services through the use of technologies can help individuals achieve positive health outcomes.
6. Serves as the na%onal subject expert
and key
to PROMOTE the awareness and
implementa%on of telehealth technologies
in order to expand access and enhance
treatment and recovery services, especially
in rural and fron%er areas
7. Substance use is a public health crisis
in the rural United States and has been
iden%fied as one of the top 10
priori%es
Rural Healthy People 2020
8. Higher rates of substance use in
rural communi%es compared to urban
areas have been well-documented.
(Mar<no et al., 2008; Small et al.,2010; Shannon et al., 2010; Gamm et al., 2003; Jackson et al., 2006;
Lamberts et al., 2008; Blazer et al., 1987; Jackson, 2012)
9. Individuals in rural communi%es have
unique barriers to treatment and
recovery services
(Fortney & Booth, 2001; Fortney, 2011; Browne, et al., 2015)
58. “As a community of clinicians, stakeholders,
and researchers, we need to understand that
those in need of care are more technologically
savvy than ever before. Many already seek
informa%on about their condi%ons and
treatments online or in an app store. It is
essen%al that we adapt our treatment models
so that these individuals can benefit from
opportuni%es afforded by emerging
technology. Not doing so because of our own
preferences and predilec%ons would be a great
disservice”.
BEN-ZEEV, 2014