Bridging Tech & Humanity: Amplifying Human Touch in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Recovery

Kyros CEO, Daniel Larson / Photo provided by Kyros

Kyros and an affiliated non-profit, Refocus Recovery have recently been investigated by KARE 11. To read more about this report.

With the Biden Administration’s recent $1.6B investment to tackle the SUD and opioid overdose crisis, SUD recovery is at an inflection point. Technology has revolutionized numerous sectors, but SUD recovery demands this innovation now more than ever. The objective isn’t to supersede the vital human touch but to bolster it. The multifaceted nature of recovery doesn’t lend itself to a simple digital makeover. However, there is an undeniable call for technological augmentation to enhance its scope and efficacy.

My battle with SUD became a transformative journey, reshaping my perspective on addiction and recovery pathways. This personal experience, combined with the challenges I faced accessing recovery services, kindled my resolve to shift how these services are delivered. Leveraging my expertise in tech, workforce solutions, and SUD peer services, Kyros was born — not merely as a tech platform, but as an instrument to elevate human connection, making vital recovery services accessible and timely.

The gravity of the situation becomes clear when we consider this: SAMHSA reports that a mere 10% of the 21 million Americans grappling with substance addiction receive the treatment they need. This isn’t just a gap; it’s a gaping chasm signaling the need for change. While traditional methods remain integral to recovery pathways, they alone cannot cater to the massive demand or guarantee prompt intervention. Here, the invaluable work of Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS) stands out. However, the soaring addiction numbers underline a dire need for technological aids.

We’re merging tech capability with the profound empathy of CPRS. We’re redefining recovery services, making them more agile, accessible, and personalized. Traditional approaches might see individuals wait up to two weeks for an assessment, often leading to setbacks during that delay.

Our 24/7 virtual assessments and immediate CPRS matching ensures rapid access to treatment and recovery services. The speed is pivotal, bridging the critical interval between seeking help and actual engagement. Our real-time data analytics, paired with CPRS insights, can preempt potential relapses, offering proactive support. This significantly elevates peer intervention success rates.

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Our unique algorithm acts as a safeguard against billing inconsistencies, ensuring that every dollar allocated, whether public or insurer funds, truly contributes to saving lives, benefiting society and the economy in the long run.

Kyros isn’t merely a tech tool; it’s a game-changer. Beyond its tech façade lies an unwavering belief in human resilience. Our aim is not to overshadow humanity but to fortify it, making SUD recovery accessible to all.

While some view technology as detached, I argue that, when used wisely, it’s a unifying force. It can connect CPRS to those in every corner of society — homes, shelters, prisons — ensuring interventions are timely and widespread. This tech-driven bridge fosters a united recovery community, enveloping users and peers in a network of support.

At this pivotal juncture, we must decide between groundbreaking advancements or outdated methods in SUD recovery. Kyros’s technological embrace prioritizes the human experience. In the battle against addiction, technology and humanity merge, forming a powerful alliance. Together, they unlock unprecedented opportunities, promising more tailored, empathetic, and impactful recovery solutions.


Daniel Larson is CEO of Kyros. This is an Op-Ed offered by Kyros. Send your letters to phoenix@thephoenixspirit.com.

Last Updated on December 14, 2023

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