Addiction – there is an app for that.

Drug Addiction and Recovery Apps are very popular right now. There are so many to choose from — it’s easy to get overwhelmed. I rounded up a small list – the focus in on the recovery of alcoholism, addiction, eating disorders, mental illness and gambling.

The Alcohol Use Predictor

This app is designed to be a screening tool. People can use it to screen their behavior for risk of alcohol dependence and harm. If the results indicate you are at risk (for an alcohol problem) it is strongly “suggested” you seek help.

This company is also coming out with depression and anxiety apps. This is only available for Android right now. But don’ worry iPhone users, you can check out the next suggestion on the list.

RecoveryBox

Designed for accountability, recoveryBox is an IOS app tool “set” that facilitates tracking of daily life activities by easily breaking them down into your “lights”.

Green Lights = Way to Go Activities!
Yellow Lights = Warning Light Events
Red Lights = Acting Out

RecoveryBox is designed to work with any addiction: drugs, gambling, pornography, alcohol or customize your own specific to your needs! All the tools included in recoveryBox can work on their own or can be used as a complete tool set to increase the chances of recovery.

Gambling Mobile Monitor Your Gambling & Urges (MYGU)

This is a very unique app. It comes from the Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario. They have an anonymous website, with a host of free tools. It is really quite valuable for the problem gambler (or spouse). One of their tools is an app they designed to monitor your gambling. They say it works best if it is used every time you have an urge to gamble. That way you can learn more about when your urges to gamble occur, and how much you are winning or losing if you choose to gamble. Download the free app now for your iPhone or Android

Drug Addiction

What exactly is drug addiction and how does one become an addict? If you have trouble understanding why people use drugs, how addiction works, and how to start taking your first steps to getting out of the habit, this reference app is a great one to pick up. The app contains details on the dangers of different types of drugs and how they wreak havoc on the human body, and help you identify users with tips on the signs you need to look out for.

You’ll also learn a little bit about the 12 step programs available and how they help addicts; how to get family members to get involved in recovery; and how to continue to remain sober and keep your self-esteem high during this time. The app is an honest eye opener for anyone struggling to deal with addiction and offers plenty of hope and motivational quotes to fight to live a better life. Available on IOS and Android.

Recovery Record

This Eating Disorder app has a five-star rating and over three-thousand reviews. This is a well-respected and appreciated product.

Recovery Record is designed to help people with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. But people with other eating, weight, or body concerns might benefit too.

You can log each meal or snack you have, as well as the feelings and thoughts associated with it. This information is compiled into an easy-to-read chart that helps you and caregivers spot patterns and see improvement. Available on the iPhone and Android.

Mood Tracker 

Tracks symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, stress and general well-being. Useful to share with clinicians and chart recovery. Another excellent app developed by the Department of Defense National Center for Telehealth and Technology, for Android and iPhone.

MindShift

MindShift will help you learn how to relax, develop more helpful ways of thinking, and identify active steps that will help you take charge of your anxiety. This app includes strategies to deal with everyday anxiety, as well as specific tools to tackle. You can download both versions at their site.

Overdose Aware

The Overdose Aware app offers information on what an overdose is, the symptoms of overdose and what to do if you suspect someone is having an overdose. The information contained in the app is not medical advice for handling any specific situation but is designed to raise awareness that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.

Sober Grid

This is an app I recently downloaded. It reminds me of a Facebook for sober people. Sober Grid is for people in recovery and people who want to live sober lifestyles, free from drugs and alcohol. The app is designed to allow sober people to easily find and connect with other sober people around them, wherever they may be. This enables people to build strong sober support networks and encourage and uplift one another. Sober Grid is a free smart phone app for Google Android and Apple IOS devices. I expect a lot of single people are using this app. But, it is also popular for folks without a car, looking for a ride to a meeting.

To Summarize

I know there are a lot of apps I did not show. I wanted to discuss some of the unique ones, you may not have heard of. I think everyone’s has a favorite version of a sobriety calendar (there are at least a half-dozen varieties).  Other popular choices and meeting finders, daily inspirations and online 12-step books. What do you think ….. are you using technology to help keep you sober? What apps do you use?  What did I miss?