Online Counseling for Addiction in the Finnish Context: A Quantitative Study on Reasons for Seeking Help
Background: The popularity of online health counseling has surged in the past decade. Delivering low-threshold services not only enhances the quality of life for individuals contending with various addictions but also alleviates concerns for those close to individuals affected by addiction. Existing literature underscores the persistent issue of stigma related to addiction, indicating a critical research gap in understanding how online counseling impacts stigma reduction. Online health counseling serves as a cost-effective means to reach individuals who might not otherwise seek assistance from healthcare professionals.
Methods: This study scopes the characteristics of anonymous online health counseling provided by the A-Clinic Foundation over more than last ten years. It delves into online counseling across four distinct addictive behaviors: 1) different substance use, 2) the impact of a parent’s alcohol use on children, 3) recreational doping use, and 4) adolescent perspectives on addictions. Quantitative data encompass respondents' background information, common topics queried, and particularly the consistencies and disparities in question themes. Feedback received from respondents regarding assistance received and their level of concern is reported for all four areas.
Results: Preliminary findings indicate the significance of online counseling in addiction treatment. Additionally, the study highlights that online counseling serves as an ideal platform for integrating prevention and harm reduction principles. The examination of over four thousand questions on various addictions emphasizes the pivotal role of online counseling. Participants noted that the anonymity provided by virtual platforms facilitated more open and honest discussions about their struggles with addiction. Furthermore, personalized interventions implemented through technology-driven tools correlated positively with improved treatment outcomes. Qualitative data show the nuanced experiences of participants, emphasizing the virtual environment's role in reducing stigma and fostering a sense of empowerment in seeking help.
Conclusions: This study focuses on concerns related to addictions and substance use, specifically addressed in anonymous counseling services, and often overlooked elsewhere. Increased accessibility offers a solution to geographical and financial barriers. The questions provide additional insights into topics requiring reliable researched information, emerging trends in addictions, and how online counseling can be developed in the future to better serve individuals dealing with various addictions.
