Online addictions treatment tested at UPEI

A team of researchers at the University of Prince Edward Island is testing out a new online addictions program, to be offered in addition to traditional counselling.

Research co-ordinator Michelle Patterson told CBC News the web program is currently being used as part of addiction treatment services offered at UPEI and Holland College, as well as the Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations.

Half the participants in the trial are sticking to traditional face-to-face counselling for eight weeks. The other half are also using the online program, which is available to them at home at any time, day or night.

This helps the person who's struggling with addiction to see different situations and how they can play out.- Michelle Patterson

"The online option gives them something else to hold on to," said Patterson.

The program uses interactive tools to reinforce the lessons and skills the patient is introduced to in counselling.

"There's questions and answers. There's video of someone talking to you, and there's also videos where actors are playing out real-life situations," said Patterson.

"This helps the person who's struggling with addiction to see different situations and how they can play out using different coping skills and skills that the program teaches them."

Patterson said the online therapy program could be particularly beneficial in rural areas, where people don't have regular access to counsellors and other treatment options.

The Yale researchers were particularly keen to work with P.E.I. for this reason, said Patterson. Most of the studies on the program so far have been in urban areas.

The program will expand to Charlottetown's methadone clinic and to Mount Herbert in the new year.

The ultimate goal is to have 60 people at each location complete the trial.