Treating addictions online

New program offers around-the-clock cognitive behavioural therapy available to Islanders

“Viewers can watch how to use cognitive and behavioural self-control skills to deal with a problem. There is something powerful about seeing the problem rather than hearing about it in the abstract.” Dr. Michelle Patterson

A new therapy program aims to help Islanders struggling with addictions by being available at all hours.

The web-based cognitive behavioural therapy program, called CBT4CBT, is now available free of charge through all Murphy’s Pharmacies in P.E.I.

Cognitive behavioural therapy allows patients to recognize triggers, improve coping mechanisms, and alter the behaviour that leads to substance abuse.

The program was developed at the Yale School of Medicine while UPEI’s Centre for Health and Community Research performed the program’s first Canadian clinical trials.

Dr. Michelle Patterson, research manager at Centre for Health and Community Research, said the program includes movies that reflect real-world problems.

For example, one may be about a woman who is trying to stop using drugs and has rough day at work.

The movie may then show her returning from work to fight with her husband, who then offers her drugs.

“Viewers can watch how to use cognitive and behavioural selfcontrol skills to deal with a problem. There is something powerful about seeing the problem rather than hearing about it in the abstract,” said Patterson.

The program is designed to complement traditional treatment.

Those dealing with substance abuse can request access at any Murphy’s Pharmacies location and will be provided with a unique login. More information is available at Chcresearch.ca/ cbt4cbt-prescription.

Health-care workers or pharmacists interested in the program for their patients can also contact chcr@upei.ca.