Recovery apps can never replace professional treatment, but that doesn’t mean they can’t support the recovery process. A well-designed recovery app can serve as a critical bridge between meetings or therapy sessions, keep you connected to your peers in recovery, and even alert you when recovery buddies might be at risk of relapse. Here are five apps with the strongest, research-backed claims for drug and alcohol recovery, what they do, who they help, and how you can use them effectively.
5 Recovery apps that actually work
reSET/reSET‑O (Pear Therapeutics)
ReSET and reSET-O (reSET-O is designed for those with opioid use disorder) connect users to a full suite of addiction treatment services 100% virtually — physicians, counselors, psychiatrists, case managers, and even an in-house pharmacy. The app centers around its 12-week cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) program and contingency management (small rewards for meeting goals).
One major difference between these and other apps is that these have undergone clinical review and regulatory checks and are the first FDA-authorized apps for substance use disorder. Studies show they help people stick with treatment and reduce use when used alongside regular care. If you’re in formal treatment, ask your clinician whether a prescription digital therapeutic makes sense—you’ll get the most benefit when the app’s progress is shared with your care team.
Note, this app is not free to use and costs $90 out of pocket, though the fee may be reimbursable.
Download the app here.
I Am Sober
Sobriety tracker apps like I Am Sober do something simple and powerful: they show you progress. You log sober days, track triggers, and celebrate milestones. There aren’t many large clinical trials proving that they cure addiction. Still, behavior‑change science supports the idea that tracking and visual feedback increase motivation for beginners, especially when they see the days add up and the money saved.
Download the app here.
Sober
Previously named SoberTool, the rebranded Sober App still offers its base functionality as a sobriety tracker, but now has added community features for greater support. When a craving hits, you need tools that work in the moment: breathing exercises, short CBT scripts, or step‑by‑step coping plans. Apps like SoberTool offer evidence‑based techniques to reduce the likelihood of acting on an urge.
Download the app here.
Nomo Sobriety Clocks
With over 15,000 ratings and 4.8 stars in the App Store, Nomo is another popular sobriety apps. A passion project made by a man who was also going through recovery at the time, he wanted to create a simple but effective way for people in recovery to track their sobriety streak. Despite the name, the Nomo tracker can be used to track all sorts of habits — ones you want to create or break — all in one place.
Download the app here.
What about Sober Grid?
Sober Grid was a highly popular addiction recovery platform that served the recovery community. Unfortunately, neither the platform or the app are operational as of 2023 after Sober Grid’s founder passed away.
How to choose (and use!) a recovery app successfully
While there are dozens of reputable recovery apps available on the App Store, Google Play, and other app stores, how can you find the right one for your recovery? Here are a few tips:
- Choose something you’ll actually use: small daily tasks beat complex programs you’ll ignore.
- Use it as part of a routine—5–10 minutes a day can be enough. Schedule reminders to use it during high‑risk times (evenings, weekends).
- Pick apps with clinical backing or those recommended by your treatment provider. If not, make a point to share progress with your clinician regularly so your care adapts.
- Opt for ones that can share data with your clinician or integrate into your treatment plan. No matter how integrated the app, remember: digital tools work best when used with a human contact: a therapist, sponsor, or coach.
- Make sure the app has safety features—such as emergency contacts, easy report export, or a live‑coach option.
- Reassess each month—if it’s not helping, try another app.
- If you’re in immediate danger or medically unwell, contact emergency services—apps aren’t crisis care.
- Connect with peers at AA, NA, or other support groups, to get perspective from others on which apps they prefer and why.
Some recovery apps—especially prescription digital therapeutics and clinic‑integrated continuing‑care apps—have solid evidence of benefit when used with professional treatment. Peer networks and tracking tools can add motivation and on‑demand support, but pick apps that fit your treatment plan and that you’ll actually use. Combine any app with a clinician, support group, or sponsor to get the best outcomes.
