Addiction, and addiction recovery, can sometimes be a lonely experience. Digital apps are helping to close that gap, providing a sense of community, a source of accountability, and support on virtually every aspect of recovery. But there are hundreds of apps out there — where do you start? Whatever you’re looking for in your journey, here are 9 of the best smartphone apps for recovery,
9 Must-Have Mobile Apps for Addiction Recovery
Most addiction recovery apps fall into these general categories, and many offer more than one feature:
- 12 Steps resources
- Directories
- Habit or sobriety tracker
- Information
- Peer support
- Relapse prevention assistance
The apps we selected are all free mobile apps, though some may require in-app purchases to unlock the full features.
12-Step Meditation Daily Reflections for AA, NA, Al-Anon
A great option for members of 12 Step groups. This app makes it easy (and pleasant) to work the Twelve Steps outside of group meetings. There are hundreds of guided meditations, soothing music and sounds, and audio recordings of the twelve steps and prayers that you can layer to create personalized audio tracks. You can also make a playlist with all your creations, making it the perfect app when you’re traveling or just need to create a calm, quiet space for yourself.
AA Big Book Free — For Alcoholics Anonymous
An essential app for anyone involved in AA. This app is chock full of useful features with full access to the Big Book and the ability to make notes, mark passages, and search the text. It also has AA prayers, podcasts, a meeting finder and a sobriety tracker.
I Am Sober
There’s no shortage of sobriety trackers apps out there, which I Am Sober is. Besides being one of the most user friendly apps and thorough (it counts sobriety down to the second), our favorite standout feature is that the tracker also tells you how much money you’ve saved since quitting drinking. The practical nature of this side function makes it a great form of positive reinforcement when motivation is running low.
I Am
I Am allows users to customize their phones with aesthetic and soothing images paired with positive affirmations. You can also have pretty and empowering messages delivered as push notifications throughout the day. While not specifically an addiction treatment app, a big part of treatment is undoing the negative thought patterns. This does that in a user-friendly way while being cute to boot.
Recovery Path: Addiction Recovery & Addiction Help
This app does it all, offering CBT-based motivations and reminders, posting abilities, and even a directory. What we love most is the related support app for loved ones and even clinicians, providing a rounded-out community that offers encouragement and accountability in all forms.
Sober Grid
Imagine a Facebook that was exclusively for people who are sober or in recovery. Well no need to imagine, it exists! Sober Grid is a full-fledged social networking app that allows you to make posts, connect with others, and message people. Joining is completely free, and so is the app! It also features 24/7 live coaching available, making this one of the best apps for finding social support.
SoberTool
This app is backed by science, as it was created by a licensed counselor. It offers the usual features you’d expect in a recovery app, but what makes it stand out is its craving analyzer which helps you recognize and work through triggers when they strike. There’s also a built-in community forum feature where you can speak to other people who are in recovery.
Nomo — Sobriety Clocks
Nomo keeps things simple, making it the perfect recovery app for people who want no-frills recovery support. It’s a sobriety tracker that lets you set as many clocks as you want, allowing you to celebrate both big and small addiction recovery milestones. Plus, collect virtual chips when you do! Nomo also has minigames to serve as a distraction when cravings strike.
WEconnect
Spoke to your sponsor recently? Went to an AA meeting? With WEconnect, you can earn gift cards and other tangible rewards for completing small and large tasks in your recovery program. This app can only be used by a person enrolled in a substance abuse treatment program at a facility that has partnered with the app — so this one isn’t for everyone. Those who are able to get an access code will find this a powerful complement to their recovery program that offers great incentives for creating good habits.
Did we miss your favorite apps for addiction recovery? Let us know in the comments! If you’re ready to go offline and get IRL support, find an AA meeting or NA meeting near you, today.
