In recent years, telehealth alcohol use disorder treatment has rapidly evolved from an alternative option to a primary mode of care for thousands of Americans. This rise has been led by innovative companies like Ria Health and Monument, which offer digital-first programs designed to help individuals cut back or quit drinking—all from the privacy of home.
Fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic, which drove a surge in alcohol use and a need for remote solutions, both platforms have seen explosive growth. With increasing payer coverage, strong clinical outcomes, and widespread adoption, telehealth alcohol use disorder treatment is now firmly embedded in the behavioral health landscape.
The New Digital Front Door For Alcohol Treatment
For decades, accessing treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) involved scheduling in-person visits, attending group meetings, and often navigating stigma and discomfort. The pandemic didn’t just make these traditional options harder to access—it helped expose the need for flexible, tech-enabled alternatives.
Enter companies like Ria Health, which offers an app-based model of care with one-on-one coaching, physician support, medication-assisted treatment, and breathalyzer integration to track progress. The average member stays engaged for about 10 months. According to CEO Tom Nix, the company has treated 4,800 people since its founding and has seen demand grow by more than 500% since 2019.
Members using Ria’s platform reduce their drinking by about 50% in the first month alone, with ongoing improvement over time. This kind of success shows how telehealth alcohol use disorder treatment can support real behavior change—without forcing patients to step into a clinic.
Monument Builds Community Around Recovery
New York-based Monument is also making waves with its unique digital care model. The platform combines medical support with therapist-moderated groups and a private online community, giving members the opportunity to receive help without shame or pressure.
Since raising $17.8 million in 2021, Monument has expanded into 20 states and now offers over 50 virtual support groups each week. Internal research shows that 97.5% of users begin treatment within 14 days, well above the industry average. By the fourth clinician appointment, Monument members see an average 51% decrease in heavy drinking days.
This level of engagement underscores the effectiveness of telehealth alcohol use disorder treatment when designed around user experience and access.
Meeting The Moment: A Surge In Alcohol-Related Harm
These developments arrive at a critical time. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has reported a 25% increase in alcohol-related deaths between 2019 and 2021. In fact, deaths involving both alcohol and synthetic opioids like fentanyl rose by over 60% during the same period.
Meanwhile, one in 10 Americans will struggle with substance use disorder in their lifetime, and over 28 million are estimated to currently live with alcohol use disorder. With such staggering figures, it’s no surprise that interest in telehealth alcohol use disorder treatment is growing among both patients and payers.
A Narrow And Deep Focus
Despite the growing demand for treatment of co-occurring conditions—such as opioid use disorder—both Ria and Monument are sticking to their expertise.
Nix says that Ria’s patients value its specialized, focused approach to alcohol treatment and that the company plans to “keep a narrow and deep focus” on AUD. Monument CEO Mike Russell agrees, citing the vast number of people in need of alcohol-focused care and emphasizing the importance of staying mission-driven.
Rather than expand too quickly or dilute clinical attention, both companies are investing in what they do best: telehealth alcohol use disorder treatment designed to be effective, accessible, and stigma-free.
Insurance Coverage And Long-Term Viability
One of the biggest developments helping sustain the digital care model is the increasing willingness of insurance companies to reimburse for it. Ria Health has secured partnerships with national payers including Anthem, Optum, Beacon Health Options, and Magellan in California. In September, Ria also launched coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield for Pennsylvania residents.
Similarly, Monument has made its services available under dozens of health plans nationwide, signaling broad support for telehealth alcohol use disorder treatment from commercial payers.
Insurance coverage not only makes care more affordable—it affirms the clinical legitimacy of these models, encouraging even more patients to seek help without worrying about cost or bureaucracy.
Patient Voices Show The Power Of Virtual Treatment
In testimonials shared by Monument, patients repeatedly highlight the emotional ease that comes with receiving care online. One user explained that their anxiety made it difficult to attend in-person sessions, and the digital format provided the safety and privacy needed to finally start recovery.
These stories illustrate why telehealth alcohol use disorder treatment is resonating with a new generation of patients—those seeking judgment-free, low-friction options for managing their health. As mental health and addiction treatment become more consumer-driven, this model will only grow in relevance.
Looking Ahead: The Future Of Telehealth For AUD
Although the height of the pandemic has passed, its long tail continues to impact behavioral health. Many people remain socially isolated, working remotely or dealing with disrupted family structures and support systems. According to Nix, “The pandemic is not completely over. Many people remain socially isolated… We expect that as social isolation decreases, many more people will present for treatment.”
For now, telehealth alcohol use disorder treatment continues to meet the moment, offering a scalable, cost-effective, and human-centered way to help people recover from alcohol misuse.
Conclusion: A New Standard In Recovery
Digital-first companies like Ria Health and Monument have proven that telehealth alcohol use disorder treatment is more than just a temporary solution. With strong outcomes, increased payer support, and a surge in public demand, these platforms are setting a new standard for how addiction care can—and should—be delivered.
Whether it’s a person taking their first breathalyzer reading through a smartphone app or someone finding connection in an anonymous virtual support group, the message is clear: telehealth alcohol use disorder treatment is here to stay—and it’s saving lives.
