Drug addicts will be able to leave their vices in their US treatment centres, but bring their therapists back home as a Bermuda-based treatment centre introduces 'telemedicine'.

The video-conferencing technology will be used by clients of Caron Bermuda — a non-profit addiction treatment centre that provides access to both off-Island treatment and on-Island non-residential continuing care.

Caron Bermuda was created in 2005 in a partnership between Fair Havens and Caron US, so that clients had access to residential treatment in either Pennsylvania or Florida.

One of those clients — Craig — is a recovering addict who spent six months in Caron's Renaissance Institute in Florida but then relapsed when he returned to the Island.

Like others who will now be able to keep in both visual and vocal contact with their therapists, Craig said the new technology is a real security blanket for him.

"The face-to-face connection is really powerful because my therapists at Caron Renaissance reminded me of the hard work I've done and helped me to be accountable right now," he said.

"As an addict, my work is never done, but it really helps to have that level of intense support as if you're meeting with a therapist in person.

"The only thing I can't do is shake his hand at the end of a session."

Support for the equipment and three years of internet access for the video-conferencing came in the form of a $45,000 donation from Arch Insurance.

Yesterday, Charles B. Penruddocke, senior underwriter international at Arch and chairman of the Arch Charity Committee, said the funds had a very personal connection for them.

Shalanda Durrant, a Caron Bermuda Board member, who also works for Arch, lost a loved one and wanted to find a way to help others.

Mr. Penruddocke said: "We've seen the lives of loved ones and community members transformed through treatment and recovery.

"We hope that our gift will continue to improve the lives of Bermuda's families."

Now video-conferencing will also help keep families together as they struggle to help their loved-ones in therapy abroad.

Patients' families will be able to participate in therapy sessions and interact with those taking care of them, all the while not paying for a plane ticket or hotel.

Before returning to the Island, Caron's clients can meet with their local therapist to help provide further support during this vulnerable time.

The technology is also encrypted so hackers are unable to tap into the confidential audio and video.

Yesterday, Rory Gorman, Caron Bermuda chairman, thanked Arch Reinsurance for their help with providing an important tool for the organisation's clients.

"This donation by Arch allows Caron Bermuda to be among the first of the Island's health care providers to use telemedicine to link our Bermuda clients with Caron's medical, psychiatric and psychological professionals in the US.

"This gives another powerful tool as we help our clients in their struggle against addiction. Their future and the future of Bermuda's communities hang in the balance."