At a time when there is an app for everything, it should be no surprise that there are smartphone apps to help with the addiction recovery process.
By utilizing an object most people have with them at all times, app developers are approaching addiction recovery from a personal angle for the digital age. From motivational inspiration and guided meditation to GPS tracking and panic buttons, these apps are designed to give a boost to anyone who is working through the recovery process.
Addiction Recovery Apps Worth Considering
If you’ve graduated a rehabilitation program and now need a little encouragement and accountability in your ongoing recovery, here are nine worthwhile smartphone apps that can help you out.
Twelve Steps – The Companion
Based on the traditional 12 steps of recovery, this app acts as an assistant for people going through the steps. The app offers daily meditations, a sobriety calculator, an AA meeting finder and readings from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous.
A-CHESS
A-CHESS, or Addiction – Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System, is designed to predict, detect and prevent relapse based on input from the user’s phone. The GPS feature can detect when the user is near a high-risk location. It also allows for connection to other A-CHESS members for discussion and support in times of vulnerability.
The app’s panic button feature sends a text message for assistance. A-CHESS also includes motivational and relaxation exercises to help users refocus.
iPromises
This app helps users track daily advancements during recovery with a progress-tracking calendar. It has motivational articles, daily inspirational messages and access to self-help support meetings. An Alcoholics Anonymous phone directory is also included so those using the app can connect with local sponsors and then attend meetings.
SoberTool
Helping its subscribers avoid relapse, SoberTool offers encouraging prompts and rewards. Some prompts include questions such as, “Are you experiencing bad feelings?” and, “Do you need help making a decision?” The developer, who has been sober for more than 25 years, is a licensed alcoholism and drug abuse counselor, and he holds a degree from Harvard University.
Mindfulness Meditation
When the mind becomes cluttered, reaching for mind- and mood-altering substances can be a tempting solution. This app helps users refocus and relax so their thoughts can return to where they should be. It helps reinforce positive behavior and refocus one’s energy.
The Drinking Mirror
Designed with young adults in mind, The Drinking Mirror gives a preview of what the future holds for someone who drinks excessively. With an uploaded photo and an input of how many drinks are consumed per day, the app formulates a picture of what the person may look like in 10 years if the habits continue.
Quit That
Designed for people trying to quit any habit from coffee to meth, Quit That tracks the money you have saved since quitting. There are no ads or prompts, making this a simple way to see the monetary impact of your life decisions.
iHeal
The iHeal app incorporates a wrist-worn sensor device to track excitement, calm and anxiety by gauging the person’s temperature, movement and skin conductance. The sensor alerts the individual when stress levels get too high, prompting him or her to note what led to the stress.
The developers come from the University of Massachusetts and say the app is intended to help manage chronic pain, overeating and medication adherence.
Sober Grid
Sober Grid adds a social element to the digital addiction recovery process. It utilizes GPS technology to find and help you talk to other people near you who are in recovery – although there is an option to remain anonymous.
The app’s news feed includes shared quotes and updates from others using the app. If the user feels at a high risk for relapse, they can put a red “Burning Desire” box around their profile to let others know they need help.
We Recommend Formal Treatment First
With a little help from technology, recovering addicts can find a recovery aid that works for them. Whether its daily inspiration or connection with others, apps can be a great source of maintaining one’s recovery.
As great as recovery apps can be, we highly recommend entering a formal treatment program to start your recovery off on the right foot. Self-detox and trying to abstain from substances on one’s own have shown to be largely ineffective, especially the longer one’s addiction has persisted.
If you’re looking for professional treatment, consider Maryland Recovery, a reputable alcohol and drug rehabilitation center that takes a holistic approach to helping clients achieve sobriety.
This is a guest blog entry.
