Addiction Apps: Tools for Recovery Support
In This Article
Several apps are available that can help people in their addiction recovery journey. They offer a range of tools to support you 24/7. This can be especially important when you’re feeling stressed or tempted.
While apps should never replace therapy, they can be a great addition to your treatment plan. They offer between-session support and help you practice new skills.
13 Apps Great for Recovery Support
1. I Am Sober
I Am Sober is a free app that provides sobriety-tracking tools, allowing you to monitor the number of days you’ve been sober. It also includes features like daily pledges and reminders to keep you motivated.4
2. Nomo
Nomo is another free sobriety-tracking app. In addition to tracking sober days, it calculates how much money you’ve saved by not spending on substances. You can share your progress with others and get support from the recovery community.4
3. WEConnect
WEconnect allows you to create routines and set reminders to help you stay on track with your recovery goals. It’s designed to be used alongside a treatment program but can also be helpful for those supporting a loved one in recovery.2
4. Sober App
Sober App was created by a counselor specializing in addiction. Sober App helps you track sober days and includes a tool to help identify triggers when cravings hit. It provides daily motivational messages as well.2
5. AA Big Book Free
AA Big Book Free is great for those using the 12-step approach. This app provides free access to the full text of Alcoholics Anonymous’s Big Book, along with a sobriety calculator, notes, prayers, and personal stories.1,2
6. Recovery Path
Recovery Path combines motivational, cognitive behavioral, and community reinforcement techniques to complement your treatment plan. It allows you to connect with your care team and locate recovery meetings.5
7. Loosid
Loosid is a sober social networking app that helps you connect with other sober individuals for support and fun sober experiences. It includes a dating feature, chat groups, a sobriety counter, and a “Boozeless Guides” section with alcohol-free drink recipes and travel tips.6
8. rTribe
rTribe offers online peer support groups moderated by certified peer recovery coaches. You can join topic-specific groups, track recovery progress, and access motivational content.4
9. Sober Tool
Sober Tool provides daily guidance and inspiration to help you stay sober. Features include a sobriety tracker, community forum, coping strategies for triggers, and a messaging tool to connect with your support network.1,4
10. 12 Steps AA Companion
12 Steps AA Companion is designed for AA members. This app includes the Big Book text, sobriety calculator, prayers, personal stories, and a private journal feature. You can also find meetings and connect with your sponsor through the app.6
11. Quit That!
Quit That! Is not specific to substance abuse. This app allows you to track multiple habits you want to quit, such as smoking, drinking, or drug use. It calculates money saved and provides motivational quotes.3
12. Sober Time
Sober Time tracks your sober days and money saved. It includes daily motivational messages and a private anonymous community feed where you can share your progress and get support.3
13. Nomo
Nomo lets you create and track multiple sobriety clocks for any addiction. It includes features like milestone tracking, motivational messages, money saved calculator, and the ability to share your progress on social media.2,6
While these apps can be valuable tools to support recovery, it’s important to remember that they are not a substitute for professional treatment. They work best when used in combination with therapy, support groups, and/or medication-assisted treatment as part of a comprehensive recovery plan.
How Recovery Apps Can Help
It’s important to remember that recovery apps work best alongside professional addiction treatment and support groups. Most apps track the days you’ve been sober, highlighting your milestones. Seeing your progress can be hugely motivating.
Apps can also offer articles, daily messages, and coping techniques that feel like they were made just for you. This personalized support keeps you focused on your goals. You can also connect with others in recovery, sharing experiences, and giving support.
Some apps have tools to help you identify what triggers cravings. They also provide ways to cope with those feelings and stay strong by encouraging things like meditation and fitness to build a balanced life. This is key for long-term recovery.
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How Recovery Apps Help Prevent Relapse
Recovery apps have several features to help you stay on track and avoid slipping back into old habits. Apps can help you track the situations, feelings, or people that might trigger cravings. Once you know your triggers, you can learn how to manage them or avoid them altogether.
Other ways recovery apps can prevent relapse include:
- Tracking your sober days, money saved, and milestones as motivation
- Providing short meditations, positive messages, or helpful tips for each day to keep you focused and encouraged
- Connecting you with a community of others in recovery to help you feel less alone and provide support when you need it most
- Offering information about addiction and resources to help you build healthy coping skills
- Helping you build a routine that includes reminders for therapy, support groups, or activities that make you feel good
- Offering tailored and personalized advice to prevent setbacks
Apps are helpful tools but should never replace professional addiction treatment. Used alongside therapy and support groups, they provide easily accessible support to help you stay strong in your recovery.
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- The Blackberry Center. “Top 5 Addiction Recovery Apps.” The Blackberry Center, 2021.
- The Recovery Village. “Sobriety and Addiction Apps.” The Recovery Village, 2021.
- Shoreline Sober Living. “Top 5 Apps to Use for Recovery.” Shoreline Sober Living, 2021.
- The Recovery Village. “Free Apps for Recovery.” The Recovery Village, 2021.
- Choosing Therapy. “Addiction Recovery Apps.” Choosing Therapy, 2021.
- Eudaimonia Recovery Homes. “5 Apps That Can Help You Stay Accountable for Sobriety.” Eudaimonia Recovery Homes, 2021.
- Affect Therapeutics. “App Details on Google Play.” Google Play, 2021.
- SAMHSA. “National Helpline.” SAMHSA, 2021.
- Carreiro, Stephanie, Newcomb, Michelle, Leach, Robin, Ostrowski, Susan, Boudreaux, Edwin D., & Amante, Daniel. “Current reporting of usability and impact of mHealth interventions for substance use disorder: A systematic review.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2020.
- GoodRx Health. “Top Mobile Apps for Managing Substance Use.” GoodRx Health, n.d.
- Horvath, Alexander T., Misra, Kunal, Epner, Anne K., & Cooper, Gregory M. “Apps for Addiction Recovery.” Addiction Help, n.d.
- Pinnacle Treatment Centers. “Recovery Apps: How Your Phone Can Help You Stay Sober.” Pinnacle Treatment Centers, 2021.