Utilizing professional treatment can be one of the most effective ways to overcome addiction. However, for some people, treatments are not accessible or it might be necessary to access additional support. Smartphone apps can be used alone or alongside treatments to help people during the recovery process.
How can apps help with addiction recovery?
According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) report compiled by SAMHSA, only 6% of people with a substance use disorder (SUD) seek professional treatment. SUDs can vary in severity but often cause a significant impact on an individual’s life, impairing functioning in personal, professional, and social aspects, and contributing to mental and physical harm.[1][2]
As such, utilizing treatment can be crucial for recovery. Barriers to treatment can include time and financial constraints, fear of stigma and judgment, or a lack of availability of services or professional support.[3]
Because of this, using apps on smartphones, tablets, or other devices can help people who might otherwise be unable or unwilling to receive treatment or intervention. Apps provide various interventions, many of which include:[4]
- Tracking the number of sobriety days
- Journalling or recording emotions and experiences
- Motivational content and affirmations
- Social networking and peer support
- Mindfulness techniques
- Support with mental well-being
Preventing relapse
These aspects can provide much-needed encouragement and support to many people going through addiction recovery and might help to prevent relapse, through:[4][5]
- Improving access to treatment interventions, particularly for those who experience barriers to accessing in-person treatment
- Providing interventions at any time of the day and in any setting
- Improving autonomy and control for individuals accessing interventions
- Reducing experiences of stigma that might occur when attending in-person appointments
- Providing the possibility to reduce or increase the intensity of interventions as needed by the individual and for as long as needed
- Connecting with others in similar situations, providing community and support
New studies are investigating the effectiveness of these apps. Also, new apps with additional features are being created and trialed, which can contribute to positive outcomes when used in place of or alongside traditional treatments. These features include:[5][6]
- Sensors to help monitor substance use such as detecting substances through sweat, heart rate, or breathalyzers.
- Tracking patterns and behaviors to help recognize when individuals are most vulnerable to relapse and provide tailored interventions when most needed.
- Recognizing when specific interventions are not working and moving app users onto alternative intervention options.
Best free apps for addiction recovery
Most apps for addiction recovery are free or offer free services with additional costs for premium options. The best free apps for addiction recovery include:
Pear reSET-O
Pear reSET-O is the only recovery app approved by the FDA and offers a 12-week therapeutic program involving cognitive behavioral interventions. It is intended for individuals currently receiving outpatient treatment and can only be accessed with a prescription from a professional.
I Am Sober
On I Am Sober, you can track your sobriety days, receive notifications and activities to support your recovery, keep track of financial savings, and access a withdrawal timeline to guide you through withdrawal symptoms.
Nomo
On Nomo, you can track sobriety milestones and financial savings, record and share emotions and experiences, and monitor your progress. It can also be used by those supporting a loved one during recovery.
Sober
Sober can help you manage cravings and prevent relapse with specially designed tools and information. It also provides a milestone tracker and community forum.
Recovery Today Magazine
Recovery Today Magazine provides information, inspirational and motivational content, and stories from others about their recovery journeys.
Sober Grid
On Sober Grid, you can connect with others around the world to share and receive support, advice, and experiences with others going through the recovery process.
Recovery Path
Recovery Path can help with recovery using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques and exercises, motivational content, progress and emotion tracking, and social support.
Quitzilla
On Quitzilla, you can track sobriety milestones, receive motivational content, and set goals. The app can help with altering any harmful habits alongside reducing substance use behaviors, helping to prevent relapse and build healthy habits.
WEconnect
WEconnect can be helpful when used in addition to other recovery treatments, although it can be used alone. It can help with setting goals, tracking progress, and allowing professionals to monitor progress.
Paid recovery apps
Some recovery apps require subscriptions or payments. Of the previously mentioned apps, the following require a monthly fee to access premium or upgraded services, such as access to additional content or live peer coaching:
- I Am Sober
- WEconnect
- Quitzilla
- Sober Grid
Other paid apps that can help with addiction recovery include:
12 Steps AA Companion
Many support groups for addiction recovery, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), use the 12-step approach. This app is officially associated with these groups and provides information for those in the recovery process, a directory of local meetings, and a sobriety tracker.
A Day at a Time
Also based on the 12-step program, A Day at a Time provides spiritual and inspirational content to people in recovery, including prayers, meditations, and reflections.
Consistency is key to addiction recovery
Relapse does not happen overnight and can begin with signs that might not initially be recognizable. Often, these signs include emotional and behavioral changes, that progress and worsen without intervention, leading to relapse.[7]
With consistent support and intervention, it is possible to prevent potentially harmful changes in well-being or manage warning signs as they arise. Consistently monitoring your emotional and physical health, recognizing any changes in yourself, and taking steps to maintain well-being can all help you feel in control of your sobriety.[7][8]
Statistics and studies show that people who relapse are less likely to have recently engaged in professional, social, or personal interventions. This suggests that by not utilizing helpful interventions consistently, people become more vulnerable to relapse.[9]
Addiction is often termed a chronic disorder, which means that it can be a long-term condition requiring ongoing interventions. This can be challenging and it is common to experience fluctuations in progress throughout this time. However, recovery can be manageable by consistently being aware of and implementing positive and healthy habits.[7]
Using smartphone apps that require daily engagement can help remind you of your goals, motivations, and progress. They can prompt you to monitor and maintain your well-being and support you in remaining consistent in your recovery process.[4]
Other media for recovery support
For additional information, motivational and inspirational content, or some comic relief, you can also access podcasts, YouTube videos, or Instagram pages focused on substance use and addiction recovery.
Podcasts
You can find a full list here of the best-rated recovery podcasts.
YouTube channels
- Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
- Talk Sober
- The Rewired Soul
- Easy Does It
- Sober Leon
- Recovery Comedy
- Getting Sober…Again
Instagram pages
- The Addict’s Diary (@theaddictsdiary)
- SAMHSA (@samhsagov)
- You Don’t Have To Drink (@youdonthavetodrink)
- Sober Dave (@soberdave)
- James Swanwick (@jamesswanwick)
- Women On A Sober Mission (@womenonasobermission)
- Action on Addiction (@actiononaddiction)
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