Author_Institution :
Dept. of Comput., Univ. of London, London, UK
Abstract :
A commonly recognised and significant problem faced by those suffering from addiction to drugs and alcohol and other substances (or repetitive patterns of behaviour) is the lack of easily accessed, educational technologies currently available to them. Recovery based material exists but there is no cohesive option which is able to offer a fully multi-media opportunity for: self-reflection, communication with counsellors/therapists and ease of access to therapeutic material specific to particular addictive disorders. This paper presents an enhanced, unique, learning technology for treatment and rehabilitation centres. The technology is designed to bring together, in one self contained area, the use of self reflective space in conjunction with communication options, both through and beyond treatment and for those at every stage of their journey of recovery from addictive disorders. It is hoped that by bringing this interactive learning system to the Addiction Sector, those working their way through addictive issues, either in treatment centres or the community (and in rehabilitation or aftercare), will be given improved and increased opportunities to build on their recovery using a very specific set of novel, learning technologies, significantly, those clinicians working with them will have their practice enhanced by access to, and use of, these technologies.
Keywords :
computer aided instruction; health care; medical disorders; medical information systems; patient rehabilitation; patient treatment; RecoverySpaces; addiction sector; addictive disorder recovery; interactive learning system; learning technology; rehabilitation centres; self reflective space; treatment centres; Communities; Drugs; Educational institutions; Electronic mail; Government; Materials; Monitoring;