Within less than a decade of hitting the marketplace, smartphones evolved into devices many of us can’t imagine living without. According to a report from the Pew Research Center, 77 percent of U.S. adults have a smartphone, and use it for everything from staying in touch with loved ones to finding a new job.
These days, it seems there are useful phone apps for virtually every part of life, from managing your finances to finding romance – so it shouldn’t surprise you to learn there are many beneficial apps for addiction recovery and mental health, as well. Here are six of our favorites.
Talkspace
Talkspace is an app designed to match users with more than 3,000 licensed therapists who specialize in challenges such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, issues related to members of the LGBTQ community and more. Talkspace makes therapy more accessible to those who need it by giving them the benefit of working with a therapist without having to travel to an office, at more affordable rates than traditional therapy sessions.
Sober Grid
As the world’s most popular mobile sober community, Sober Grid connects users to a community of people in recovery – both locally and globally. Maintaining sobriety requires a safe and supportive network of people who understand your challenges, and Sober Grid allows users to reach out to each other when they’re struggling. One feature of this app is the “Burning Desire” button, which acts like a distress call to alert other users when you are going through an especially rough patch.
InsightTimer
InsightTimer is a free app that helps with meditation and sleep. With more than 15,000 guided meditations, you’ll never lose interest. For those who are new to the practice of mindfulness meditation, InsightTimer offers a free seven-day introductory course to get you in the habit of daily meditation sessions. This app also features a customizable meditation timer to help you fit meditation into your busy schedule.
Addicaid
The Addicaid app supports people with many types of addictions, from substance misuse disorders to behavioral issues. The app includes features such as a directory of support groups, a spending calculator and the ability to chat with fellow users.
Strides
Goal-setting is an essential component of recovery. The Strides app is designed to hold users accountable in making progress toward their goals. You can use it to track anything you like – nutrition, exercising, meditation and more. With Strides, you can set four customizable types of trackers. Choose “target” if you want to reach a goal by a specific date; “habit” if you want to build a good habit or break a bad one; “average” to track an average value over time; and “milestones” to keep track of your pace to complete a project.
SoberTool
Download SoberTool if you’re looking for an easy way to track your days of sobriety. The app includes daily motivational messages and reminders to keep you on target. Through SoberTool, you can also earn rewards by hitting various sobriety milestones. The app provides additional motivation by calculating your estimated savings from staying sober. One of the most helpful features of this app is that it provides an outlet for working through triggers and avoiding relapse. If you ever feel you are in danger of relapsing, you can answer a series of questions, and the app will guide you through inspiring messages that will encourage you to stay sober.
Using Apps for Addiction Recovery and Mental Health
Technology has put many powerful tools at our fingertips, including these apps for addiction recovery and mental health. While the apps listed here can be an excellent tool to support your recovery, be sure to keep a healthy perspective. No smartphone app can replace the value of attending in-person counseling or enrolling in a rehabilitation facility that offers evidence-based treatment. If you are struggling with addiction, reach out to get the help you need.