Fitness startups are not just about counting steps and getting shredded. Since a good fitness routine brings undeniable health benefits, some of these companies also took a dive into healthcare, and the results are more than promising.
Plus, recent scientific studies found a strong connection between an active life and mental health. This was enough for interested entrepreneurs in the fitness and tech industries to jump on the bandwagon and try to extend their services to help people struggling with addiction and other mental health issues.
As a result, millions of people who struggle with addiction and substance abuse now have better tools and support to rely on. Also, clinics and doctors are better equipped to deal with various types of patients and understand their needs.
How Do Fitness & Tech Startups Help Recovering Addicts?
According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, almost 1 million Americans have died because of a drug overdose since 2000. Plus, many more struggle in recovery programs or try to tackle the problem by themselves all over the country.
While there are several well-designed programs that prove useful, such as AA or detox centers, they can’t meet every patient’s needs. Also, most of these programs will disrupt a person’s daily routine, which can be an aggravating factor to an already shaky motivation.
This is where the ingenuity of these startups comes into play. Here’s how:
Better Access to Treatment
Some tech startups focus on making it easier for people struggling with addiction to seek help. As a result, we now have a wide range of tools, such as apps that put you in touch with a mental health specialist (remotely) or apps that keep track of your medication and monitor your progress.
Furthermore, clinics can also use a piece of software to manage substance abuse treatment planning and track each patient’s goals and outcomes. This way, the patients won’t feel like they’re alone with their struggles once they’ve left a treatment facility.
Fitness as a Supplementary Method of Recovery
Some people don’t respond well to talk therapy and feel more at ease following a fitness routine (which is a legit method of treatment). This is where fitness startups have a chance to shine, as patients can use various apps to track progress and receive advice that’s tailored to their needs.
Plus, studies show that exercise is a fantastic method to prevent relapse since it helps reduce cravings and strengthen one’s conviction to stay sober/clean. Furthermore, physical activity has been shown to help improve mood and keep withdrawal symptoms in check.
However, the initial treatment and recovery period are essential since fitness alone has limited benefits. Therefore, the best way to tackle addiction is to find the ideal combination of treatments and tools that works for each individual.
Is There Room for More?
As the world learns to be more accepting of the idea of addiction, startups involved in this field have better chances of funding possibilities. For now, the interest is sky-high, as companies working around the field of addiction have no problem attracting funds and investors.
Furthermore, new startups activating in the addiction space are more likely to receive funding in the early stages of development as long as they have a good product or service.
Wrap Up
The world is at a turning point when it comes to understanding and treating addiction. As more tech and fitness startups take interest in the field and gather more accurate data, we should see new progress.
The good news is that there is plenty of room for new actors on the market. So anyone with a good idea can join in the competition.