Technology forms a fundamental part of most people’s lives. We live in a world where everyone is connected via the internet and other technological means. Most of your daily activities revolve around using technology, so you don’t think about it until the prospect of being denied access comes into play.
Within a rehabilitation facility, are patients allowed to use technology? Will you be able to use a smartphone to contact family, or a laptop to complete work? It’s frequently assumed that providing people with access to technology can halter their addiction recovery process. In reality, things are far different, and technology may even be beneficial. For this reason, many patients are allowed to use different devices and have access to technology throughout the recovery process. As you read through this guide, you’ll soon see the reasons why.
Why is technology needed during rehabilitation?
Naturally, there are many stages in the addiction recovery cycle, usually starting with partial hospitalization programs. From here, you either follow an inpatient program or go on to explore an intensive outpatient recovery program. Other steps can follow this, meaning the whole process takes some time. Is it realistic to ban people from using technology during this entire process?
Of course not! People still need technology to connect to the outside world and keep themselves updated with work, personal life, and business. Banning the use of technology creates too much of a disconnect from your normal life. It makes it far harder to concentrate on recovering from addiction and can actually lead to fewer people seeking addiction treatment. If you knew that you weren’t allowed your phone or laptop, would that encourage you to go to a rehab center?
The benefits of technology in drug rehab centers
As mentioned above, one of the benefits is that you stay connected to the outside world. This lets you get support from family and friends, which can encourage you to stay on track. In many ways, it provides you with a sense of accountability as you have all your loved ones asking for updates and hoping you recover.
Also, if you’re a professional, you can use technology to carry on working throughout the process. This can be beneficial as it means you don’t have to take a lot of time off work. It also shows your employer that you’re fighting to make a positive change while still putting all your effort into working hard for the company.
Lastly, it can be challenging to go from no technology back into a world full of technology. It’s more realistic to go through treatment with technology by your side as you will have it when you graduate from outpatient programs and get back to your daily routine.
Overall, smartphones and other forms of technology can be used in addiction treatment centers. Contrary to popular belief, they don’t prevent recovery – if anything, they can aid it. If you need help with drug addiction or want to learn more about rehab, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.