In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Jonathan Hunt Glassman and Joshua Lee about digital health innovations in addiction treatment. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
Jonathan Hunt-Glassman and Joshua discussed the importance of addressing addiction within organizations and the potential for innovative solutions in addiction treatment. They highlighted the significant economic impact of alcohol misuse on employers and the economy, and the need for employers to offer addiction treatment benefits to their employees. The conversation also touched on the lack of awareness and training among healthcare professionals about alcohol use disorder and its treatment, and the potential for digital health innovations like OAR Health to simplify access to medication-assisted treatment.
Digital Health Innovations in Addiction Treatment
Jonathan Hunt-Glassman and Joshua Lee, both experts in the field of addiction treatment, joined Jonathan H. for a discussion on digital health innovations in addiction treatment. They explored the importance of addressing addiction within organizations, as it affects not only employees but also the overall society. Jonathan Hunt-Glassman, CEO of OR Health, an addiction recovery platform, shared his personal journey of overcoming alcohol addiction and his expertise in the healthcare industry. Joshua, a primary care physician and professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, specializes in medication-assisted treatment of alcohol and opioid use disorders. The conversation aimed to explore the intersection of addiction treatment with innovative solutions and personal and professional growth.
Addressing Alcohol Misuse in the Workplace
Jonathan and Joshua discussed the significant economic impact of alcohol misuse on employers and the economy, estimating it to be around 250 billion dollars. They emphasized the importance of addressing alcohol misuse in the workplace, considering it a protected issue under the Americans with Disabilities Act. They also highlighted the potential for innovation in treatment, suggesting that it could be approached similarly to smoking cessation programs, allowing employees to receive treatment while remaining productive. They concluded by noting that alcoholism is a disease that should be treated with the same seriousness as other health issues.
Addressing Alcoholism in the Workplace and Digital Health Solutions
Jonathan and Joshua discussed the prevalence of alcoholism in the workplace, particularly in South Korea and other international locations. Jonathan H. emphasized the need to address this issue, not only for the well-being of employees but also due to legal liabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. He then introduced Jonathan Hunt-Glassman, who explained the digital health innovation approach of his company, OAR Health. This approach simplifies access to medication-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder, including online consultations, treatment plans, and medication shipping. Jonathan Hunt-Glassman also highlighted the convenience and privacy of this approach, suggesting it could be adopted by organizations as a benefit for their employees.
Employer Addiction Treatment Benefits and Solutions
Jonathan and Joshua discussed the potential for employers to offer addiction treatment benefits to their employees. Jonathan H. mentioned that they have worked with a partner to advise employees on using their HSA or FSA benefits for such services. He also noted that some employers have adopted solutions like Pelago as an addiction treatment benefit. Joshua added that there is a lack of awareness and training among healthcare professionals about alcohol use disorder and its treatment. He suggested that organizations with a high burden of alcohol disease could be more aggressive in providing solutions like their own or competitors'. Joshua also emphasized the importance of a simple, safe, and generic medication like Naltrexone for treating alcohol use disorder.
Listen to the webinar here:
