Tech in Africa
Addiction recovery is a complex yet rewarding process, allowing individuals in Africa who are struggling with addiction to overcome their triggers and cravings and maintain a sober lifestyle long into the future.
The process will look different for every individual, as every individual will have different struggles and needs of their specific care programme.
This article will focus on how mobile applications (apps) may be used in the recovery process, including unique benefits and implementations to make this an effective tool in the overcoming of addiction.
Though most research into mobile apps being used in rehab are based on small studies in specific locations and cannot be generalised to the broader population (1), it is important to consider the progression of technology in the modern age and how this will continue to develop in the future.
Different forms of addiction recovery in Africa
Before an individual considers mobile apps in their recovery process in Africa, they must first decide on which type of rehabilitation will be most effective for their needs.
The two main forms of rehabilitation are inpatient and outpatient recovery, referring to whether an individual is undertaking their rehabilitation in a dedicated centre or on an external and part-time basis, respectively.
Each one of these forms of rehab in Africa will be suitable for different individuals for different reasons, and you can find out more via Rehab 4 Addiction.
They are covered in further detail across the following two subheadings.
- Inpatient addiction recovery
Within a dedicated rehab centre, this type of rehabilitation is more suitable for drug addictions such as those to alcohol, cocaine, heroin, or other substances.
Residential rehab in Africa is often recommended for all forms of addiction as it is the most suited method to assess the individual around-the-clock, as well as providing specialised and 24/7 care.
Some studies also claim that it is the more effective of the two forms of rehab, though this is still heavily debated and often differs from case to case (2).
Often, these centres also have specialised facilities and access to treatments at the forefront of technological advances.
For example, individuals will be able to receive tailored alcohol rehab and alcohol detox practises that are suitable for them, and not a ‘one size fits all’ approach.
- Outpatient addiction recovery
For some individuals, such as those struggling with behavioural addictions such as those to gambling, the internet, or shopping, outpatient rehab options in Africa may be more suitable.
Often requiring less travel and time commitment, outpatient treatments occur in individual’s local health services and community centres, for example, in less specialised establishments, though still run and moderated by professionals in most cases.
Many of the same treatments are available in outpatient care as they are in inpatient care, though individuals should always ensure that the treatments that they require are offered by their chosen provider of addiction recovery services.
Addiction treatment in the modern world – new technology and applications
So how can addiction treatment be supported by modern technology such as mobile apps? Though still a relatively new field of study within addiction treatment, the use of mobile apps is becoming increasingly common due to the unique ways in which these apps may be implemented.
In one case study, for example, a rehabilitation centre was designed with digital technology at the forefront, suggesting that this design may boost an individual’s creativity within their rehab programme and reduce their ‘drug addiction tendencies’ (3).
Though this is one example of a more general concept, the following subheadings outline how mobile technology – hardware and software – may be used more directly.
- Mobile devices
The first application of mobile technology within addiction recovery are mobile devices themselves.
The ability to carry a mobile device almost anywhere has great implications for recovery and addiction in general as it allows access to support wherever the individual takes their phone.
This portability and accessibility could greatly increase an individual’s adherence to their recovery programme, as it requires less energy on their end, as well as reducing the excuses for not partaking in online sessions or daily online tasks, for example.
- Mobile apps
As a more specific example, many addiction recovery programmes in Africa are beginning to implement mobile apps to support an individual’s ongoing recovery progress.
For example, the individual could engage in the following rehabilitation practises from a mobile app, currently existing or to be developed in the future:
- Calendars/checklists to tick of sobriety milestones
- Daily affirmations
- Mindfulness practise reminders and guided sessions
- Online classes and video calls for therapy sessions
- Emergency contact apps
With all of these examples, however, it is important to put the individual’s wellbeing at the centre of recovery practises, meaning that if these practises are not suitable for an individual, they should not be pressured into continuing them.
The same is true for if the mobile apps do not show meaningful benefits or effectiveness to the recovery process.
Finding suitable addiction recovery for you or someone you know in Africa
To start the process of seeking addiction recovery services in Africa today, individuals should speak to those around them.
This can include seeking help and support from friends and family members to find suitable options but can also include going directly to health services and addiction referral services to find the most suitable rehab options for the individual, their needs, and within their local area (if possible).
Local health services and beyond
As mentioned above, local health services are often the best place to seek support from first, as they are often able to signpost the individual to the specific services that they may need.
This is often achieved by completing an initial assessment to determine the types of support that an individual may require, so it is vital that the individual is completely honest and open about their addiction in order to get the best recommendations for them and their specific needs.
Addiction is often heavily stigmatised, but it is also often highly misunderstood, and no individual should be ashamed or embarrassed to seek the support that they need.
Addictions often worsen over time, so getting help sooner rather than later is always recommended, no matter what the addiction is to or how long it has been a struggle for the individual.
Taking the first steps to recovery in Africa today
Get in touch with your local health services or reach out to local community support groups or those around you to get the support you need, starting today.
