With the exclusion of tobacco, studies reveal that more than twenty million Americans that are older than 12 years have one form of addiction or the other. This clearly indicates that addiction is a common occurrence.
Dealing with any form of addiction can be a togh nut to crack, and many people need external help to break their addictions. It is, however, sad that most of these people do not get adequate treatment or the help they desire.
An interesting development to counter this inadequacy is going on in the wearable technology industry as the industry is actively developing new innovations to help people break different addictions.
Addiction to Smoking
It is no news that there are bans on public smoking all across the world. However, breaking this habit can still be a tough thing to do. To help those struggling with smoking addiction, there is a smartwatch application specifically designed to that effect. This app lets you know the last time you had a cigarette, the number of sticks you would have had during the period as well as the amount you saved by desisitng from smoking. Being reminded of how much you have been able to achieve by the fact that you did not smoke has a way of helping you. This app and several other applications are useful to that effect.
A couple of hardware solutions are also under study. Sources report that some University of Taiwan researchers are working on a smart tooth tech device. This will come in form of an oral implant that will have the ability to detect whatever you drink or eat, as well as detect when you smoke. When this comes on the market, it will be very useful for those trying to quit such habits.
In addition, Chrono Therapeutics are reportedly working on the development of a wearable that has the ability to directly deliver nicotine to the bloodstream. The existence of such device will contribute to the reduction of smokers’ cravings for nicotine as it will deliver to them specific doses at different periods when they have the strongest cravings.
This wearable is envisaged to be more effective than the existing nicotine patches. The device can also be removed as soon as the person beats the addiction. Sources claim that at the moment, this wearable is in Phase 2 of clinical trials and is awaiting submission to the Food and Drug Administration.
Kiwi Wearables are also proposing the usage of what is known as a gyroscope. The wearable would be able to detect whenever you put a cigarette to your lips and smoke it. It would also be able to provide feedback on how often that happens and at the specific times, a person smoked.
Heroin and Cocaine Addiction
Sources claim that researchers are also working on the development of a biosensor device that has the ability to track and detect physiological reactions like an increase in heart rate. Such tracking will make it possible to detect when someone is using drugs. This device can help in fostering accountability. For instance, rather than falling into relapse without having witnesses, there will be a counselor or a doctor who monitors the vitals and gets information from the device.
Addiction To Technology
It appears ironic that a tech device can be used to break a tech addiction, but that is exactly what Pavlok is used for. This device comes in form of a wristband and is designed to stop people from overusing devices like smartphones.
The device helps you set goals as well as alter unpleasant habits by providing positive reinforcement should you manage to stay away from your device and punishing you for any failure. For instance, it may be in form of a message publicly posted on the Facebook page indicating that you have stayed long hours online, or even as some sort of electric shock. Sources claim that the stimulus produced by the shock is just enough to make you uncomfortable but isn’t strong to the extent that you get hurt.
Pavlok also claims that the device can be used for beating other habits such as swearing, smoking, hitting snooze, overeating, skin picking, hair picking, procrastinate and snacking.