Apps for Addiction Recovery

We use our smartphones to shop, count calories, track sleep, meditate, stay connected with loved ones and more – so why shouldn’t they help with recovery, too? Over the past several years, more and more mobile apps have been created to address the needs of people in recovery. Some apps make it easier to find meetings and/or support from others in recovery. Others are designed to help with triggers and relapse or to provide inspiration and motivation to maintain healthy habits.

While apps can’t and shouldn’t replace professional addiction treatment, they can be a smart tool in your recovery. For one, they can help prevent isolation and connect you with others who understand what you’re going through. Proponents say these apps are especially great for those who don’t have help or support groups nearby. According to CNET, the National Institutes of Health has awarded more than $11 million in grants to explore the role of social media in the prevention and treatment of addiction.

Both the App Store and Google Play have a slew of social apps that aim to help people in recovery – but don’t download one without asking your addiction counselor or healthcare professional. You’ll want to vet the app together to determine whether it aligns with your specific stage of recovery and recovery goals. You might even be able to use them together to set goals and track progress.

Here is a sampling of a few popular recovery apps to evaluate. Ask your addiction specialist or recovery peers to recommend others that have worked for them.

• SoberTool: This app has a sobriety counter that calculates days clean and sober as well as how much money you saved. It also offers daily motivational messages, a community forum and process to avoid relapse. 
• recoveryBox: This app tracks daily life activities to identify and break unhelpful habits that may impact recovery. Daily activities are broken down into green, amber and red lights. 
• Sober Grid: This app helps users build a strong recovery network by connecting them with other nearby sober users. It also provides a function so you can reach out for help if you’re showing signs of relapse. 
• Pocket Rehab: This app connects you with others in recovery – both online and in person. It offers a journal feature to track events and feelings and includes a “lifeline” to text/talk/video chat with other members of the community who are online and ready to help. 
• I Am Sober: This app allows users to create daily pledges to keep them honest and remind them why they are sober. It also provides daily motivation to reinforce recovery and sobriety. 

Cutting Edge Holistic Rehab
At Complete Harmony, we encourage the use of many different cutting-edge techniques to help clients heal the mind, body and spirit. To learn more about our treatment center and our approach to addiction recovery, call today: 866-930-4673.