The answer to the question in the title of this write-up is: “Yes, but with the want to recognize the limits of on the web support.”
Definitions
The words “alcohol dependence” or “addiction” are often used without definition. So, let’s 1st define some terms. As employed in this article, alcohol or drug addiction means that a person’s alcohol or other drug use has reached the point that the person can’t use with out loss of control over use of the substance and/or can not use without producing adverse consequences in considerable life areas. The addicted person has developed a psychological and/or physical dependence upon the substance. An addicted person will continue to use the substance in the face of adverse consequences.
The term alcohol or drug dependence is typically used interchangeably with addiction, but here I use the term dependence to mean physical dependence on a substance, meaning that stopping use of the substance will result in withdrawal symptoms. A individual can develop dependence on a substance with out creating addiction the very best example of this physical dependence would be the individual who takes a narcotic analgesic (pain killer such as oxycodone or morphine) as prescribed by a physician lengthy enough to be physically dependent on the drug, a natural, inevitable consequence of chronic use of such a drug. Under these circumstances, abruptly stopping use of the substance will result in the withdrawal syndrome typical for the class of substance involved. Most persons with addiction (for ex., alcoholism) are NOT physically dependent on their drug and will not encounter the full blown physical withdrawal for the substance. They will, however, encounter cravings, sleeplessness, and other symptoms caused by their psychological dependence on the drug.
Diagnosis
Alcohol or other drug issues fall inside two diagnostic categories: abuse or addiction (as I stated, frequently referred to as dependence). Abuse essentially indicates the person has developed a pattern of use of the substance in the face of adverse consequences in considerable life areas (medically, financially, legally, difficulties in relationships). Addiction is summarized in the first paragraph of this article.
Treatment
Alcoholism and other drug addictions are devastating disorders which negatively impact affected individuals and all who care about them, physically, emotionally and mentally, and spiritually. For persons diagnosed with full blown addiction, I favor an abstinence based treatment model, meaning a model whose fundamental ultimate (it might take a although to get there) objective is abstinence from use of alcohol or other drugs. This model ought to incorporate education, cognitive behavioral counseling, and use of Twelve Step (for ex., AA) spiritually based principles. On-line addiction treatment can be beneficial in itself and/or as part of a comprehensive treatment program that consists of standard face-to-face counseling and other treatment interventions.
Treatment of Severe Addiction
Productive treatment of persons with full blown alcohol or other drug addiction may call for a comprehensive treatment program, with services provided by professionals face-to-face. This treatment would be beyond that offered by on the internet addiction treatment. Such a comprehensive program need to be staffed by helping experts from numerous disciplines. Staff ought to include physicians to address medical issues such as withdrawal, mental wellness specialists such as psychiatrists or psychologists, to treat co- or pre-existing psychiatric disorders that may be present, and last but not least, certified, licensed addiction counselors, preferably a substantial number of whom are in recovery themselves. Such a Treatment Program should also offer individual and group counseling, educational groups, and, as critical as any of the treatments, access to Twelve Step self-assist groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Al-Anon and Nar-Anon (for loved ones), and ACOA (Adult Young children of Alcoholics), to name but a couple of.
An evaluation will reveal the extent of the treatment needed. This evaluation can be performed on-line by a qualified addictions counselor.
On-line Treatment or Counseling
On-line help for persons with full blown addiction troubles can be beneficial, but the comprehensive programs outlined under Treatment of Severe Addiction may be essential depending upon the seriousness of the problem. A comprehensive evaluation of the addicted person is required. Such an evaluation can be carried out online, leading to recommendations for the appropriate treatment.
Persons who are already involved in any stage (intensive outpatient, continuing care, aftercare) of standard treatment programs can use on the web services as a supplement to their treatment and to Twelve Step Program attendance. Persons who have completed traditional treatment can also benefit from these services.
Loved Ones of an Addicted Person
Spouses, lovers, buddies, co-workers, parents, brothers, sisters, and sons and daughters, to name a few, can be concerned that the individual they care about may possibly have an alcohol or other drug problem. When adult kids are concerned about use by a parent, the term “Adult Child of an Alcoholic or Addict” (ACOA) could apply. Persons close to an individual with a drug or alcohol require support for their natural feelings of confusion, hurt, anger, and loneliness. On the internet services can offer support, education, and recommendations for these concerned persons.
Cautions
Persons with serious emotional or psychiatric conditions (such as, but not limited to, consuming disorder, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia), not stabilized through conventional treatment by a qualified mental well being professional are not appropriate for the assist provided online and need to seek aid from such specialists just before accessing online services. These patients can, when stabilized by suitable treatment, benefit from on the internet counseling.
Persons who are depressed and thinking of harming themselves or other people are also not suitable for online aid and really should get assist immediately by calling a crisis line, going to the Emergency Room of a hospital, or searching for other immediate assist. These patients can, when stabilized by suitable treatment, also benefit from on the internet counseling
Persons who have a pattern of making use of addictive substances on a everyday or almost every day basis need to access face-to-face evaluation and treatment service providers to address possible medical and other issues associated with withdrawal that could accompany physical dependence, just before making use of on the web services offered here.
Limitations
1. By its nature, internet counseling can be interrupted by technological difficulties beyond the control of either the counselor or the client. Just before services are provided, the client will be given suggestions for alternative strategies for contacting the counselor ought to disruptions in the client’s service occur (for ex., a public library). The counselor ought to pledge that should technical difficulties result from his/her individual computer or other internet access, the counselor will have option net access readily available.
two. The visual and auditory cues offered throughout face-to-face counseling are, of course, not obtainable in world wide web counseling. Consequently, it is vital that both the client and the counselor be diligent in searching for clarification of any communications, as necessary.
3. The addictions counselor must at the outset of the counseling relationship assist the client to identify nearby therapists and other treatment providers, such as crisis services.
four. The addictions counselor should contain safeguards to keep client data confidential and protected from unauthorized access. Client information, such as history, diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and progress notes, ought to be for the counselor’s eyes only. No 1 else ought to have access to this data. The info really should be retained on a safeguarded CD for one year following the counseling relationship has ended, or for a longer or shorter period of time dictated by the client.
Under the circumstances outlined in this post, on the internet counseling of persons with drug or alcohol abuse or addictions can be powerful.