Professional and private addiction treatment, online via telehealth.

Speaking to a professional about your struggle with addiction can be an incredibly hard thing to do at first, but once you’ve reached out the process to overcome your addiction can begin.

Addiction disorders are complex – and often result in significant consequences for the affected individual and their loved ones.

Understanding the biological components of addiction can help an individual understand their battle, addiction involves the reward pathways in the brain – it’s caused by certain behaviours providing positive feelings and releasing ‘feel-good’ chemicals to ‘reward’ behaviours such as substance use.

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Addiction and substance abuse issues are prevalent in Australia, around 1 in 20 Australians has either addiction or substance abuse problem, which we know can result in long-term damage to the brain and our body’s internal organs.

Online addiction support delivered via telehealth is not a new concept and was already growing at a steady rate prior to 2020.

However, during the global pandemic two factors at play greatly accelerated the adoption of online addiction treatment:
 

1. Forced social distancing which made e-health and online treatment the norm

2. Increased feelings of social isolation, heightened levels of uncertainty as a result of ongoing health concerns, record levels of job loss and unemployment drove many Australians deeper in their substance abuse issues

Medicare rebated addiction treatment with a personally matched, experienced psychologist.

One of the misconceptions with online addiction treatment, when compared to face-to-face support, is that it’s not available under – this is not the case.

At Online Psychologists Australia our sessions are rebated as part of Medicare. You’ll be individually matched with an expert psychologist that best meets your unique needs and preferences and addiction treatment can be largely reimbursed by Medciare.

How can untreated addiction disorders impact your daily life?

Untreated addiction disorders can have a catastrophic impact on not only your life, but the lives of your loved one around you.

Common addictive vices such as gambling, alcohol or substance abuse can and will interfere with day-to-day life, causing issues such as:

• Difficulty maintaining healthy relationships

• Agitation and aggression towards friends and family

• Financial hardships

• Physical side effects of the substances themselves

• Significant damage to vital organs and the brain

• Additional mental health concerns such as anxiety or depression

• Uncharacteristic behaviour such as unmitigated risk taking or theft to support habits

Overall, any combination of the impacts listed above often leads to a significant decrease in quality of life. It is not uncommon for individuals dealing with severe addiction issues to become completed isolated from their friends and family.

What can you expect from online addiction therapy?

Before you officially start your therapy – you’ll have a free 15-minute consultation so that we’re able to match you with a psychologist that best meets your unique needs, and your preferences.

Once you begin treatment, the team member will take the time to understand you as an individual – and will work to uncover the factors which are driving your addiction. You will find the conversation takes place in a completely safe, private and non-judgemental manner – your highly skilled psychologist is there to help you.

Depending on your individual needs and circumstances, the psychologist treating you can draw on a range of evidence-based treatments to get the best results.

Recovering from addiction won’t happen overnight, and more often than not, you will have some ‘homework’ or tasks to perform in-between sessions. These small tasks often involve being present and aware during day-to-day life and will help you make progress between sessions.

Get addiction support online today with a professional psychologist

Reaching out and accessing support for struggles with addiction can be tough, however, the benefits of doing so can be life changing.

Our warm, empathetic and understanding team of professionals are ready to help.

At Online Psychologists Australia, we offer a free, no obligation 15-minute consultation where we’ll personally match you with a psychologist that best meets your unique addiction needs.

All of our sessions are claimable with Medicare rebates.

Get the help you need today.

If you're having thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

If you’re having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, there are many organisations that can help you 24 hours, 7 days a week. They include:
 

• Lifeline - 13 11 14

• Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636

• Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467

• MensLine Australia (counselling service for men) - 1300 78 99 78

• Kids Helpline (for young people up to 25 years) - 1800 55 1800

• Open Arms (for veterans, ex-serving personnel and their families) - 1800 011 046