Recovery from a substance use disorder is a journey. Though it offers many benefits and rewards, there are also difficulties and challenges involved. However, you can now leverage the power of technology with addiction recovery apps. They enable you to have access to resources and information no matter where you are. Recovery apps are not a substitute for treatment, but they can be a great tool to provide supplemental support.

Advantages of Addiction Recovery Apps

For people who don’t feel comfortable speaking to a clinician face to face or joining a support group, an app can be an extremely useful tool. Many include a text chat feature to allow you to seek out support anonymously.

Support groups and therapists may not always be available when you need them. Your schedule may prevent you from attending meetings or making appointments, or the resources may not be available in your area. Recovery apps are accessible 24/7, so you can get the help you need at any time. This can help you stay accountable throughout your sobriety.

Here are five addiction recovery apps to check out. Most of these apps are available for both Android and iOS devices, and many are free or cost only a nominal fee. Remember that these apps should supplement other treatment activities, like support groups or individual therapy.

1. Nomo – Sobriety Clocks

Nomo allows you to track your sober days with your own sobriety clock. It helps you refocus during a weak moment with a distraction feature. It also helps to keep you accountable by allowing people you choose to access your sobriety clock data.

2. 12-Step Meditation Daily Reflections for AA, NA, Al-Anon

This is a good way to stay engaged with the 12 steps during times when you are unable to make meetings. This customizable app includes 12-step recovery audio and easy-to-follow guided meditations. Daily meditation and mindfulness are two healthy coping mechanisms, and this app can help you incorporate them into your daily practice.

Be aware, however, that some content is only available with a paid subscription.

3. AA Big Book Free

Another app for Alcoholics Anonymous participants is the AA Big Book Free. It’s a great way to have access to the full text of the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book on the go. Completely free to use, it allows you to interact with the text by making notes and bookmarking passages that are meaningful to you. In addition, it helps you find meetings in your area and also offers additional content.

4. Pear reSET

Pear reSET is a medical tool for substance use disorder treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It is designed for use between a clinician and a patient, so although it is free to use, it requires a prescription to access. The 12-week program guides you through the recovery process through a series of engaging lessons, and you can earn virtual rewards by taking quizzes thereafter.

5. Sober Grid

Sober Grid is like a social network for people in recovery that allows you to interact with others in the area working through the same process. You can create an online profile and locate other people who are also using the app in the area by turning on the GPS locator. This is helpful if you need support while traveling in a different area.

Sobriety apps are not the only tools available to aid your recovery. There are plenty of podcasts on recovery, as well as books that can provide further support. Check out our recommendations for each on our blog!