Aware Recovery Care
‘Virtual Detox’ Makes Starting Recovery Easier

Individuals struggling with alcohol or substance use disorder often face societal stigma, with addiction perceived as a moral failing rather than a medical condition. This stigma is particularly pronounced in minority communities. Coupled with high treatment costs and the demands of daily life, such as work and childcare, accessing treatment becomes a significant challenge.

Aware Recovery Care helps reduce these barriers by offering individualized, integrated behavioral healthcare for people struggling with alcohol, opioid, and other substance addictions. What sets Aware apart is that clients don’t need to leave home to access care, which is provided virtually and through caregiver visits tailored to their schedules. A viable alternative to traditional rehab centers, Aware addresses the root causes of addiction while supporting the client’s privacy and reducing the stigma around seeking help.

Detoxing at Home

For many Aware clients, the journey begins with virtual detox, allowing individuals to detox safely in the comfort of their homes. “Detoxing is the first step, and perhaps the hardest step to take, in the road to recovery,” emphasizes Dr. Lauren Grawert, Chief Medical Officer of Aware Recovery Care. “It’s essential to feel supported.”

From the beginning of the 5-7 day virtual detox process, Aware clients work over telehealth with compassionate and understanding nurse providers to create a treatment plan tailored to their needs. At the first virtual visit, these experienced caregivers discuss the appropriate evidence-based medications to help the client manage withdrawal symptoms. Clients talk to their nurse providers every day to discuss their progress and receive support during virtual detox. The nurses connect with them via a telehealth platform, phone call, or secure text. Clients are also asked to choose an ally—a friend or family member who can assist with medication pickup and interact with the provider. The ally advocates for the client’s detox needs while the client focuses on their health and recovery.

Once detoxing is complete, clients can begin Aware’s In-Home Addiction Treatment (IHAT) program, designed to support long-term recovery through a multidisciplinary team of caregivers. By combining behavioral and medical interventions, Aware Recovery Care tailors treatment plans to individual needs and preferences. The IHAT program can extend up to 52 weeks, instilling a lifestyle of sobriety and lasting recovery.

Derek’s Story

When 47-year-old Derek, a busy executive, reached out to Aware Recovery Care for help with his ongoing alcohol use, he was working full-time, going through a difficult divorce, and caring for two kids. Derek (not his real name) needed support for withdrawal symptoms and found Aware’s website. After an admissions specialist guided him through the virtual detox program option, he was admitted and began treatment with a nurse practitioner (NP) and detox nurse.

Initially, Derek was hesitant about using Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) or joining a yearlong program (IHAT) and focused solely on managing his detox symptoms. However, as he built a strong rapport with his detox nurse, he began to uncover significant life events that he recognized as triggers for his alcohol use. Although he had concerns about MAT due to potential side effects, educational discussions with the nurse and NP led him to consider alternative medications to manage cravings during this challenging time. The detox nurse also recommended ongoing support through IHAT and MAT to address his issues with a supportive team.

Derek continued to work remotely while completing his virtual detox, which would not have been possible in a rehab facility. He also had a prior medical diagnosis, but with support from his detox team, he managed his symptoms without complications. On the same day as his discharge visit with the detox NP, he had his first home visit with his IHAT care team. This ensured a seamless transition in care and reduced the risk of relapse. His children are significant motivators for him, and he feels more empowered to navigate his life with continued support from Aware.

Empowering Recovery

Aware Recovery Care, a provider of personalized addiction treatment, puts the patient at the center of all care decisions, focusing on client comfort and empowerment. The supportive environment allows for a more personal approach that helps clients feel in charge of their own sobriety journey. Aware helps individuals achieve sobriety and changes the conversation around addiction, framing it as a medical issue rather than a moral judgment.