There are a couple of situations where you might consider using a sobriety app. One situation is when you don’t necessarily have an addiction or substance use disorder. You might want to cut down on your alcohol intake just because you’d like to feel better and be healthier.
In this case, sober apps can be helpful. They serve as a good way to stay accountable as you work to change negative habits.
Another situation where someone might explore sobriety apps is if they have an addiction and are in recovery. Using technology can keep you connected to resources and give you a place to reach out if you’re struggling.
On their own, if you have an addiction, a sober app isn’t likely to be enough to help you enter into recovery. Instead, these apps might be one of many tools you rely on after treatment to help you stay on track.
Below, we explore some of the things to know about the role of drug and alcohol apps and what features they might offer.
Problem Drinking vs. Alcoholism
We mentioned two different situations above. You might feel that your use of alcohol or certain substances like marijuana is problematic in one situation. You could feel that you’d like to make a change to improve your quality of life and your health.
Binge drinking alcohol isn’t always a physical or mental addiction to alcohol. You might be able to go for periods without using substances, but you can still experience negative consequences when you do.
For example, if you’re a problem drinker, you might miss work sometimes because of a hangover, or you could wake up the next morning feeling embarrassed about what you did the night before. Your relationship with alcohol includes bad habits but is not necessarily a diagnosable condition.
You can likely stop using substances if you’d like to, although unchecked problematic substance use can develop into an addiction.
On the other hand, when you have an addiction, you can’t stop using even if you want to. Someone with an addiction to drugs or alcohol will experience significant negative consequences of their use but can’t stop. Addiction symptoms can include cravings, preoccupation with substance use, and physical dependence.
When you’re dependent on a substance, you might have withdrawal symptoms if you cut back or stop using.
An addiction is a diagnosable condition with criteria a qualified mental health professional uses.
In some cases, both problem substance users and addicts can benefit from treatment. For problem users, this may not be necessary in every case, though, if they can stop on their own.
A person with a diagnosable addiction is very unlikely to be able to stop without professional detox and treatment.
The reason it’s worth talking about this distinction in detail is that, again, sober apps can help if you have problematic habits you want to change. Apps aren’t going to be a replacement for treatment when it’s needed, though.
Technology and Your Recovery
If you have a substance use disorder and have already gone through a treatment program, technology and apps can help you strengthen and sustain your recovery.
A wide range of apps offers help to people recovering from a substance use disorder. These apps can help you find social networking support groups when you need it, remind you aren’t alone, and help you find ways to deal with triggers and stress. These apps can offer you coping mechanisms no matter where you are.
Most of us have our smartphones with us no matter where we go, so that sense of constant connection can be valuable when you’re in recovery.
There are many types of technology to help support your recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. These include sobriety clocks and sobriety counters, platforms to connect with accountability partners, and apps with motivational messages that help maintain your daily sober journey.
What Are the Best Addiction Recovery Apps?
Some apps you might consider if you’re in recovery and want to stay sober from drugs and alcohol include:
Sober Grid
The Sober Grid app is popular among people in recovery who want to stay focused on sobriety. Some people use the app to get support, while others participate in providing support and strengthening their own recovery process.
There is a virtual sober community you can reach out to on the app using the “Burning Desire” button.
If you’re away from home, you can connect with sober people as you travel and share your thoughts and feelings throughout your recovery journey. Peer support is an integral part of addiction treatment, and it remains important throughout your life in recovery.
If you’d like, you can stay anonymous on Sober Grid and share whatever you’re comfortable with, judgment-free. You can also unlock badges to help you feel accomplished in your sobriety.
Most of the features of Sober Grid are free, but there’s a paid option where you can access a certified peer support coach.
Sober Tool
The Sober Tool platform was developed by a certified alcoholism counselor and a team from Ohio State University. Sober Tool helps people deal with the emotions they face throughout sobriety.
The app offers questions to gauge how you’re feeling and features coping mechanisms for those particular emotions.
Sober Time
The Sober Time platform is a sobriety calculator that focuses on helping people in recovery track their sobriety time and keeps up with milestones. There are elements of personal inspiration that come with using the app, and you can add your own goals. You can also keep track of relapses if they occur.
The Sober Time app includes a community forum where you can talk to other people about challenges you’re experiencing. You can post anonymously and share stories.
Recovery Box
The Recovery Box app is based on a 12-step program, specifically Alcoholics Anonymous. The app features a global community and includes resources and peer support meetings.
Some features allow users to navigate each of the 12 steps and related activities, reflections, and readings.
You can connect with sponsors worldwide to help you stay accountable and avoid relapse.
There’s also a community support feature for real-time chats.
Other apps include the free AA Big Book. You can access 12-step program content, including speaker presentations, audio courses and audiobooks, and WeConnect, which gives daily reminders about your recovery plan.
Treatment for Addiction in Southern California
Again, we want to emphasize that while a sobriety app or alcohol app can have benefits when you’re in recovery, they don’t replace the need for individualized, evidence-based treatment for addiction. For that, contact our team to learn more about available program options.
If you’re interested in getting to the root cause of your long term drug or alcohol abuse Covenant Hills Treatment is here to help; when you’re ready, call us at 844-268-8412.
