The Response Winter 2020-2021 - 21

phone or computer. Office-based SUD treatment has not
ended in PA, but it will be limited during any spikes in
COVID-19 infections in the state. Residential treatment
remains open during the pandemic.
You can access telehealth SUD treatment for traditional
outpatient services as well as for medication assisted treatment
for methadone, buprenorphine/suboxone, naltrexone or other
medications; however, there are some restrictions and specific
requirements for medication assisted treatment, which can
be explained when you call the agency. As an example, those
who are seeking methadone treatment will need to come to
the office to initiate methadone, even during the pandemic.
You can also receive other home-based services, such as
withdrawal management from alcohol, delivered by a doctor
using telehealth communication. Medications for withdrawal
management are prescribed to your local pharmacy, while you
receive instructions on how to take the medications at home.
SUD treatment providers can help you decide on the best
level of care for withdrawal management as well as medication
assisted treatment.
Research has found telehealth forms of SUD treatment to be
as effective as office-based programs, including medication
assisted treatment, if you have access to counselors, peers or
doctors on the phone. Technology alone, such as a smart
phone app that does not include access to a counselor or peer,
does not appear to be helpful for people with a SUD. For
telehealth to be effective, you will need a reliable phone and, if
possible, access to the internet or cell phone service to use the
video options on the smart phone (or access to a computer).
Having a quiet room or place to talk is another important
consideration as people receiving telehealth SUD services will
want privacy when talking to a counselor, peer (e.g., a certified
recovery specialist), or doctor about their SUD.

Because of the web, people with a SUD and their family
members have other resources that they can use in addition to
receiving telehealth SUD treatment. Social support is one of
the most important resources for people who want to abstain
from alcohol and other drugs. You can access alcoholics
anonymous (AA), narcotics anonymous (NA), smart recovery,
or other mutual support groups on the web. Web-based
12-step or other types of mutual support meetings can be
accessed through phone and video options. Most of the local
mutual support meetings in your area are probably accessible
through Zoom meetings. People who attend mutual support
meetings are more likely to achieve recovery from a SUD, with
or without SUD treatment. Receiving both telehealth SUD
treatment and mutual support on the web will improve your
chances of achieving your recovery goals.
Finally, the web includes a wide range of resources for
family members or friends trying to help a loved one receive
help for a SUD. There are also mutual support groups for
family members on the web. For a full list of web-based
resources for people with a SUD or family members, email
Rebekah Sedlock at sedlockr@ccbh.com or David Loveland at
lovelanddl@ccbh.com.

CARON'S DIGITAL LEARNING PROGRAM
FREE Substance Use Prevention Courses for
Teens, Parents/Caregivers, and Professionals

Complete the programs at:
* Your own pace
* Your location
* No cost to you

LEARN MORE
CARON.ORG/DIGITAL-LEARNING | 610-743-6117
@CARONSPREVENTIONCONNECTION

21
http://www.CARON.ORG/DIGITAL-LEARNING
The Response Winter 2020-2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Response Winter 2020-2021
