Exploring Online Rehab Programs: How Does It Work?

Online rehab programs solve quite a few problems that often come up for people who are living with an active opioid use disorder (OUD) and require immediate care. 

These programs provide urgent resources for assistance for people who might otherwise wait months for an initial appointment or for a spot to open up at a local rehab program. 

Online rehab offerings also make treatment more accessible for those who do not live near any treatment centers. Additionally, for those who are employed or responsible for the care of small children or other dependent family members, an online rehab program gives them the ability to take care of their OUD while caring for others.

In today’s world where healthcare resources are overwhelmed, online rehab programs are increasingly relevant. 

What Are Online Rehab Programs?

Online rehab programs are full-service addiction treatment programs that provide support to patients remotely.[1] Online medication-assisted treatment (or Medication for Addiction Treatment) programs enable patients to get prescriptions for life-saving medications like Suboxone remotely. 

While they do not provide on-site medical care or in-person support that occurs in some in-person rehab programs, they do provide connection to treatment providers, including doctors, counselors and other medical professionals, with often far shorter wait times. Care may even be available on a 24-hour basis. 

Peer support is also available from online rehab programs, as group therapy sessions can meet remotely. For many rehab programs, online provision of services and access to treatment providers around the country means that they are able to offer these sessions and others outside of local work hours, which is good for people who have to work during normal business hours. 

Types of Online Rehab

Though online rehab programs are not right for everyone, there are a number of different options available. Some can provide comprehensive treatment, while others serve as a supplementary option to other online programs or in-person treatment. Here are some of the available options:

Online Intensive Outpatient Programs 

An intensive level of care is offered to patients enrolled in online intensive outpatient programs. Requirements of at least five hours a day of online sessions (both group sessions and individual treatment) are the norm. Doctors are usually available to provide telehealth services and prescribe medications for detox and co-occurring medical issues.[2]

These programs are a good fit for people who meet these criteria: 

• Have a moderate to severe addiction disorder
• Have a mild to moderate addiction in addition to a co-occurring mood disorder like anxiety or depression
• Live in remote areas where comprehensive in-person outpatient treatment programs are not available 
• Live in a safe home with no drugs or alcohol available and supportive family members or friends 

Outpatient Online Rehab 

Outpatient programs that provide their services online are designed to be a replacement for in-person outpatient programs. Rather than attending the program in person for a required number of hours on a set schedule during the week, patients can meet their requirements on a more flexible schedule without the need for transportation. 

Outpatient online rehab programs are best suited to those who fit these criteria: 

• Have a mild to moderate addiction
• Do not require 24-hour supervision in order to maintain sobriety without relapse and do not need round-the-clock medical care
• Live in an environment that is conducive to recovery
• Requires a more flexible schedule than an intensive outpatient addiction treatment program can provide

Telehealth Counseling 

Telehealth counseling offers one-on-one therapy sessions via video conferencing or phone. While this does not provide comprehensive care for a patient who may require medications during detox, group therapy sessions, or multiple hours of therapy each day, it can be a good supplementary option to a more comprehensive program. It may also be a transitional measure for people who are ending a more intensive program and would like some support but fewer hours invested each week. 

Online Support Groups 

Online support groups serve patients as a supplementary program, as they engage in other more comprehensive rehab programs online or in person. These meetings can provide ongoing support as people transition into independent recovery and away from time-intensive treatment, which can be extremely beneficial.[3]

Online Rehab Apps

While there are a number of apps that can support people in recovery, none are comprehensive enough or personalized enough to be an exclusive form of treatment.[4] 

Still, these apps can be great ways to provide additional support for someone who is seeking comprehensive care elsewhere, providing them with the following: 

• The ability to track new positive habits
• Inspiration to stay the course in their recovery
• Resources that can educate them about how to manage their OUD and avoid relapse
• The ability to track and celebrate days of sobriety

Advantages of Online Rehab

There are a number of advantages to online rehab. For many people, the ability to stay at home and get care makes all the difference, giving them the opportunity to get treatment that wouldn’t be accessible without this option. 

Here are some of the benefits of online rehab:

Accessibility

This is one of the biggest advantages to choosing an online rehabilitation option. For those who live in remote locations, online rehab is the only way they can access addiction treatment. For those in urban or suburban areas, online rehab may offer faster care while local options have waiting lists that put off treatment for months. Geographical barriers have historically been one of the biggest reasons for avoiding treatment. With online rehab options, this is no longer a problem. 

Additionally, for those who are still working or must be present to care for children, or elderly or special needs family members, online rehab makes treatment possible when it otherwise wouldn’t be. For those who are disabled or otherwise unable to afford transportation to an in-person addiction treatment program, the online option brings treatment to them. 

Privacy & Anonymity

Though education about the nature of addiction as a disorder is becoming more widespread, there is still a great deal of stigma and discrimination against those who admit to living with OUD even if they seek out treatment. Online rehab programs offer privacy and anonymity to those who are concerned about being “outed” by their addiction. For professionals who would like to maintain their employment and parents who might face bullying or discrimination as a result of their issues, this can be especially valuable.

Reduced Cost

In-person treatment is expensive for treatment providers. The cost of rent, utilities, food and other services add up, and that cost is passed on to patients in treatment. 

Online rehab programs have much lower overhead costs. They are able to provide the same level of services, but at a lower price to patients. For many, increased affordability is the only way that they are able to access treatment at all, especially those who have limited or no health insurance.

Increased Options for Treatment 

When seeking out treatment locally, patients have to choose from what is available, even if there are other forms of treatment in other parts of the country that might be more effective in their situation. When using an online rehab program, patients have the option to choose from a wider array of treatment styles and services, giving them an increased ability to create a personalized treatment program that serves their unique needs. 

Comfort

For many people, it is far more comfortable to engage in therapy sessions and group meetings from home. An increased level of comfort can encourage some people to stick with their sessions. It can also make it easier to be vulnerable and discuss personal matters that will help them grow in recovery.  

Online Rehab vs. Traditional Rehab

Online rehab and traditional rehab might provide the same treatments depending on the level of care provided by each. Examples include MAT, individual therapy sessions, group therapy sessions, and life/work skill development groups. 

Traditional Rehab 

Traditional rehab programs provide the chance to meet with people face to face, which many people prefer, especially if it leads to local friendships. You can begin to build a support system in recovery.

Traditional programs also get you out of the house. This can help you begin to establish a schedule in recovery.

On the other hand, traditional programs usually have very rigid schedules that may require people to take a leave from or change their jobs in order to attend. They may be far away or difficult to get to, adding the cost of transportation to the already high cost of treatment. In most cases, they are also more expensive than online rehab programs due to higher overhead costs.

Online Rehab Programs 

Online rehab programs offer the ability to connect with medical providers, therapists and peers who live around the country and around the globe, which can expand participants’ opportunities. 

These programs often have far more flexible schedules. Sometimes, group and one-on-one therapy sessions may be available around the clock. The cost of transportation is nil, and the cost of overall treatment is usually much lower than in-person treatment. 

For those who don’t live in a situation that is conducive to recovery and those who don’t have a reliable internet connection or phone service, it can be difficult to keep up with the requirements of an online rehab program.

How Online Rehab Works

In many ways, an online rehab program works very similarly to how treatment unfolds in a more traditional rehab program. Some of the primary tenets of online rehabilitation programs include the following: 

Initial Assessment

Online rehab begins with an initial assessment process that starts with the first phone. The goal of this call is to determine whether or not the online program will be a good fit for the individual and help them navigate the application and insurance process.

Once a patient is in the program, the assessment process continues with the goal of creating a treatment plan that is uniquely designed to meet their specific needs. This generally includes meeting with a medical professional for a thorough medical history, a psychological evaluation and an interview. During the interview, the patient will be able to share their concerns and goals for the treatment process. 

From this information, a treatment plan can be created. While the initial assessment process ends here, there will be check-ins and future assessments throughout treatment to ensure that the patient is progressing according to plan and no adjustments are required.

Therapeutic Approaches

Various therapeutic approaches are used in online rehab. These therapies are chosen for each person based on their ability to best support their progress in recovery. Not everyone needs all of these therapeutic approaches, so a unique combination of behavioral therapies is usually chosen for each person. 

Some common therapeutic approaches used in online rehab include the following: 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used form of therapy in addiction treatment. It translates well to an online forum and helps patients develop coping mechanisms that are a healthy replacement for drug and alcohol use.[5]

In most cases, CBT in an online rehab program occurs via video conferencing. The therapist may also make use of other online tools and resources that assist patients in completing therapeutic exercises and related “homework” assignments.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy 

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is similar to DBT, using some of the same techniques, but it also includes mindfulness practice. The goal is to help patients understand their part in the struggles they face and help them manage emotional dysregulation, impulsivity and other issues that are common among people who struggle with substance misuse.[6]

Like CBT, DBT is conducted in an online setting via video conferencing in most cases. Sessions may incorporate virtual mindfulness practices and skill-building exercises on another online platform. 

Motivational Interviewing 

Motivational interviewing (MI) is useful for patients who are ambivalent about their recovery and struggle with staying motivated and connected to the process. This type of therapy often takes a client-centered approach with the goal of helping the individual to create positive behavioral change.[7]

In an online setting, the sessions are often conducted via video conferencing.

12-Step-Based Therapy

Based on the principles found in the 12-step program (Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous), this type of work is usually done in a group setting to encourage participants to support each other through the ups and downs of treatment. 

Online rehab programs may offer virtual 12-step meetings to their patients and/or encourage taking part in local 12-step meetings. 

Family Therapy 

Family therapy sessions provide a forum for families that have been fractured by substance misuse. In sessions, therapists help participants rebuild relationships and create positive family dynamics that will support ongoing recovery for all involved.

Online rehab programs make it possible for family members to be involved virtually, even if they live far away from their loved one in treatment. They also provide a more flexible option for family members who may not be able to attend an in-person appointment.

Conducting Counseling & Therapy Sessions Online 

In addition to making use of video conferencing tools, online rehab programs may take advantage of a number of other online applications and digital tools to provide secure and safe care for people in treatment. Some of these tools may include the following:

• Secure messaging options
• Phone sessions (especially when lack of internet access compromises the ability to take part in an online session)
• Interactive digital tools that allow patients and providers to see notes and progress 
• Online therapeutic programs or apps that support treatment goals 

Support & Community

The support of friends and family for someone in recovery is an essential part of a successful treatment program. People in recovery need to make connections that are supportive and positive as they transition into their new life.[8]

Online rehab programs offer a number of ways to connect with other people in recovery as well as supportive team members virtually. In this way, patients can create a community of people who are rooting for them in recovery—people they can connect with any time of day or night. 

Conclusion

Online rehab programs provide accessibility to those who may not otherwise be able to get to or afford traditional treatment. They also offer access to a wider range of therapeutic tools and a worldwide recovery community. 

For those who struggle with a severe OUD, or who may feel unable to commit to sobriety due to medical issues or lack of a safe and sober home, an online rehab program may not be a good fit. But for many people, online rehab provides a path to recovery that might not otherwise be possible.

If you or your loved one are living with OUD and interested in an online treatment program, we’re ready to hear from you. At Bicycle Health, our telehealth MAT program for OUD puts recovery within reach. Contact us to learn more.