While the best possible outcome of substance abuse treatment comes from a treatment plan including detox and inpatient and/or outpatient therapy, the fact is that some people simply can’t do it. It might be a money issue, for someone without insurance who has no disposable income. It might just be a personal preference not to be around other people or fear of the unknown. For a lot of people, it’s a simple lack of options nearby. One of the hardest hit populations by drug abuse is those who live in rural areas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rural Americans are more vulnerable to prescription painkiller abuse and overdoses, and the rate of opioid-related overdose deaths in rural counties is 45 percent higher than in urban counties. Unfortunately, these people also tend to be lower-income, and many of them may not even have vehicles, so traveling to a treatment facility isn’t feasible. This is where the smartphone comes into play.
It’s become something of a running joke in recent times – “There’s an app for that” – and it’s even true for addiction recovery. There are apps out there that allow you to connect with others, journal, find support group meetings and more. Here are a few of the most used.
Addicaid (which is for more types of addiction than just drugs) offers a directory of 12-step and other support groups, as well as options for checking in at the meetings. It gives you the ability to connect and chat with other Addicaid users or call hotlines. It also provides a journal, daily check-ins, a spending calculator, and an eating plan.
RecoveryBox allows you to customize a list of behaviors you want to track, then rate their success based on a green, yellow and red light system. It also tracks triggers and their intensity.
Sober Grid is somewhat similar to Facebook, only it’s a sober support group. If you need help, it allows you to find users near your location and reach out to them.
Pacifica has a mood tracker and guided meditations, and it uses principles based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you overcome anxiety.
Talkspace connects users with licensed therapists via unlimited text, audio, video and picture messages. There are over 2,000 therapists available for a variety of issues.
There are 12-step apps available, such as one from AA with the text of the Big Book and a meeting finder.
There’s also help available through text. Help & Hope by Text is for parents and caregivers of children with substance abuse problems. You’ll answer a series of questions to customize your experience, and then you’ll receive text messages with evidence-based resources, tips, skills, and support. You can also choose to chat with a specialist.
If you or a loved one needs help to quit drugs or alcohol, consider Asana Recovery. We offer medical detox, along with both residential and outpatient programs, and you’ll be supervised by a highly trained staff of medical professionals, counselors, and therapists. Call us any time at (949) 438-4504.
