When you’re experiencing opioid use disorder, or OUD, it can be difficult to see the finish line of recovery. But with strength, positivity, and the right support system, addiction recovery is possible. And that support system may be available through your phone or computer.

Telehealth has become more and more common since the COVID-19 pandemic. People are taking advantage of online health care so that they can conveniently access the care they need. Online medical support is available for nearly every type of concern, including opioid use disorder (OUD).

Online treatment for OUD can help you along the journey to recovery. But if you’re unsure whether it’s the right way to go, we're here to help you decide. Read on to learn about the benefits you can gain from online treatment, like what we provide at Groups.

6 benefits of online treatment for opioid use disorder

When people picture treatment for OUD, they may think about hospital rooms, support groups in community centers, and a lot of doctor appointments. Those can all play a role in opioid recovery at some point. But online treatment is also an effective option.

Online treatment for OUD offers many of the same services as in-person care — just through a screen. You’re still talking to licensed counselors and specialists and having check-ins about your physical health. You're also building a support system with other people being treated for opioid use disorder.

Online treatment offers a variety of advantages that can move you along your recovery journey, including:

• Increased comfort and privacy for better engagement

Recovering from opioid use disorder is a very personal journey. And sometimes it can be difficult to open up about it if you’re in a new place or an unwelcoming office. If you’re not opening up, you’re not engaging with the treatment, which can impact your outcomes. That’s why comfort and privacy are two things you should look for when choosing a treatment option.

Online treatment for opioid use disorder allows you to attend treatment in your own home. You can also use a private space in any area where the provider is licensed. When you’re content with your surroundings, you’re more likely to hone in on the treatment.

You also can have a sense of privacy, which can be especially helpful if you experience social anxiety or are concerned about other people knowing about your OUD.

• Flexibility to maintain regular routines

Even when you’re trying to prioritize treatment, it can sometimes feel like you don’t have enough time in the day. But without a commute and more flexible options, online treatment allows you to continue on with your routines as much as possible.

Your regular routines can include anything from work or school to family responsibilities. You may also have hobbies or passion projects that bring you positivity. Those are essential for your mental health while in recovery. The flexibility of online treatment allows you to maintain a sense of normalcy by still allowing room for what’s most important to you.

• More affordable than many in-person treatment options

There’s no denying the fact that money often comes into play when considering health care. That includes treatment for opioid use disorder. Your health should always be a top priority. But we understand that financial situations don’t always make it possible. The good news is that online treatment tends to be more affordable than in-person options, which increases accessibility as well.

Online treatment for OUD removes many costs associated with in-person care, such as facility overhead. For instance, there aren't the costs of maintaining a building. You’ll also be saving money on transportation costs, such as gas. You also save time by avoiding the commute, which can reduce work disruption.

The affordability of online treatment helps you through recovery because the cost is one less thing you have to worry about.

Online treatment is covered by many insurance providers. Coverage may vary depending on the state you live in. Medicaid also often covers online addiction treatment.

Ask the provider for other payment options. There may be discount rates if you’re paying without insurance. For example, at Groups, people without insurance coverage pay $75 per week in most states, including:

• Indiana
• Florida
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Kentucky
• Tennessee
• Iowa
• Texas
• Washington

In New Hampshire and Maine, the cost is $50 per week.

• Support from online groups

It makes it easier for people to get the care they need that they may not otherwise be able to have due to their location, busy schedule or finances. And with increased accessibility, you’ll be able to gain an expansive support network with other members.

Group support meetings can play a big role in a person’s addiction treatment. Not only does it give them a place to open up about their challenges, but they’re also able to celebrate their victories and progress with others.

Online support groups give you the opportunity to share your experiences with others who are also receiving treatment for OUD. They can give you perspective on your concerns. You can also learn from the other members by seeing what has worked for them.

• Access to various online tools and resources

When you’re going through the opioid recovery journey, there’s no such thing as having too much help. Online treatment goes beyond virtual therapy. It also gives you access to virtual tools that can help you when you need an extra boost of support, like experiencing a craving.

It’s common for online treatment programs to include ways to feel supported in between sessions. This may include anything from a phone application to online chats with your counselor or members in your support group.

At Groups, we have a variety of resources that you can access on your mobile device. We have counselor tip videos and an addiction recovery playbook, which has guided exercises and helpful techniques.

• Effectiveness is the same as in-person treatment

Since in-person health care has been the only option for so long, online health care still seems like an odd concept to some people. That skepticism is normal. But the effectiveness of your treatment doesn’t change if you decide to do it online as opposed to inside a facility.

Research has shown that online addiction treatment is just as effective as in-person treatment. The right support services will guide you along the path to recovery, no matter how you receive it.

Groups provides virtual options for addiction treatment

When you’re ready to start your recovery journey, things like where you live and how easily you can access transportation shouldn’t get in the way of you working toward the life you want to live.

Recovery doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people prefer to go into a facility for face-to-face sessions with counselors and support groups. Others rather stay home for the comfort and accessibility. At Groups, we provide both in-person and virtual treatment options. Our goal is to work with any preferences.

Whether you come to one of our 130+ local offices, or you decide to complete your treatment online, we’ll be by your side as you tackle your opioid use disorder. We support members with three core services:

• Fast Suboxone prescription to help reduce withdrawal symptoms
• Group support meetings
• Custom life-goal assistance

Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today for more information or to begin your recovery. We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our offices across the U.S. If Groups doesn't offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.