Honor the power of your voice and begin your journey with us today!
Honor the power of your voice and begin your journey with us today!

Addiction Treatment and Recovery Apps

Apps that Support Recovery

Like the rest of the world, the treatment industry continues to evolve with technology. Now that most people have smartphones, internet access is one swipe away. By developing recovery apps for virtual meetings, therapy, and other resources, the addiction treatment industry has made recovery maintenance that much easier.

Since one of the main functions of digital technology is to enhance the exchange of ideas between one person and the next, it’s no wonder that the internet plays a massive role in building relationships between local, national, and international people within the recovery community.

Digital interventions for substance use disorders are now a reality and continue to expand into new, effective forms of recovery maintenance. Not to mention, smartphones, digital sensors, and artificial intelligence are becoming more and more sophisticated as time unfolds.

What Apps Can Support Recovery?

  • Prescription Digital Therapeutic (PDT)
  • Online self-help and education interventions
  • Self-guided holistic therapy apps
  • Virtual support meetings
  • Evidence-based recovery maintenance apps
  • Internet-mediated support groups
  • AI therapist simulation apps
  • Rule-based expert system
  • 3D Games and virtual reality software
  • Therapeutic use of Social Media
  • Telehealth sessions with doctors and therapists

Self-Help Recovery Apps

Self-help recovery apps are a great way to stay on track with your recovery goals. These apps can help you keep organized and provide reminders when tasks need to be completed. They can also give you access to a supportive community of others in similar situations who understand what it takes to live successful, sober lives. 

Virtual Support Apps

Virtual support apps aim to encourage change using peer support and feedback. Peer support usually comes in the form of an e-mail, instant message, phone calls, or webcam meetings. Virtual support may last from two minutes to several hours. Contact times vary from one to several times daily. Apps that use group chats or webcam responses usually occur immediately while emails are usually sporadic.

Self-help and Education-based Interventions

Online self-help and education-based intervention apps provide access to information about specific addiction-related topics. These include diagnostic criteria, causes, and treatments. In using these educational tools, people obtain convenient and digestible information on addiction and mental health disorders. These interventions do not, however, provide therapy.

Therapeutic Use of Social Media

A newer approach to the management of substance abuse is the implementation of online resources like subscriptions to newsletters, blogs, and social media accounts. Following people and groups on Facebook or Instagram can act as inspiration, motivation, and an extra layer of support in recovery from addiction.

Rule-based Expert System

These apps are designed to assess, treat and monitor progress. This software has shown favorable results regarding promoting behavioral changes.

Self-guided Holistic Therapy Apps

Self-guided holistic therapy apps provide specific information about holistic practices that can help people regain a sense of full-body wellness. Many of these apps also provide therapeutic feedback in addition to the information provided. For example, a simple assessment regarding a particular behavior is conducted and then ways are given on how to modify the behavior.

Virtual Reality Recovery Apps

The use of virtual “avatars” for managing problems with substance use is on the rise. The participating person is depicted by a virtual avatar that interacts in the virtual world complete with discussion forums, blogs, news posts, shopping, and information exchange.

Prescription Digital Therapeutic (PDT)

reSET, the first Prescription Digital Therapeutic (PDT) to receive authorization from FDA to benefit the recovery process of people with substance use disorders (SUDs). The recovery app provides a 90-day PDT service for SUD using a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and a contingency management system. Currently reSET is available via prescription for people 18+ that are actively participating in outpatient treatment.

Evidence-based Recovery Maintenance Apps

This is a psychosocial skills training app for people with substance use disorders. Interactive modules cover areas such as cognitive behavioral skills, risk behavior modification, and managing negative thoughts. Other apps teach ways to improve psychosocial functions, family relations, social relations, and negative moods. This system builds individualized treatment plans, evaluates reading comprehension, and changes the pace and level accordingly.

AI Therapist Simulation Apps

AI therapist simulation apps provide simulated dialog-based therapy with patients. The main communication is through text or voice communication. Artificial intelligence has the capacity to discern the emotional needs of people and generate a perception of empathy.

Online Therapy Apps

Online therapy apps enable an individual or a group of people to interact with a therapist online. While it was unnecessarily controversial during its launch, online therapy is typically favorable due to its convenience. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, 4 out of 10 people use online therapy services. 

 

Virtual therapy makes it so that you can contact a counselor at any time and from any distance. People can reach their therapist from the comfort of their homes, work, and anywhere in between. In addition, online therapy can provide real-time support for relapse interventions and crisis management as a harm reduction service.

Telehealth Services

Telehealth services provide people with access to their doctors, psychiatrists, and therapists over the phone or through web-based platforms. Traditional substance abuse primary care providers are in demand and current technology permits an alternative approach via telehealth meetings. 

 

Telehealth also allows doctors to help manage medications for mental health conditions and substance use disorders through video chat services.  This method makes more potential connections between clinicians and people than traditional venues.

How Can Recovery Apps Help During and After Treatment?

Maintaining sobriety can be a challenge, and it takes dedication and effort to succeed. That’s why recovery apps can be an important part of ongoing care, support, and education through the use of evidence-based practices.

There is an array of online resources available for those in recovery. These digital recovery apps provide additional guidance and support for individuals during their journey. From interactive courses on relapse prevention and coping strategies to daily check-ins, tracking progress, and goal setting, these apps can be incredibly beneficial to those in recovery. 

Mental Health Maintenance

Through recovery apps, you can continue your healing process with the help of virtual counselors, therapists, and medical professionals who can help you achieve lasting sobriety. For instance, many recovery apps utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). As two of the most common types of person-centered therapy, continuing your recovery maintenance this way can be incredibly beneficial. 

These types of therapy-based apps are designed to help individuals identify and alter maladaptive thought patterns. As a result, you can increase your ability to combat cravings, manage triggers, and prevent relapse. 

Peer-Support

There are an incredible amount of online recovery apps and resources. For instance, there are meeting finder applications that allow users to easily locate local recovery meetings. In addition, you can find links to online meetings through Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams.

Structure and Skills-building

Another way recovery apps can assist people in recovery is through remote work programs that can help individuals in recovery with time management. These apps help people structure their day and stay on track with their recovery goals. 

Recovery-based Technology During Treatment at Royal Life Centers

At Royal Life Centers, we recognize that technology improves communication between our staff and guests. Not only that, but technology can assist addiction treatment providers as they record accurate and efficient reports and assessments during treatment. For this reason, we utilize top-of-the-line software to streamline the documentation of our guests’ progress and recovery journey. 

We also have a modern website that helps to connect individuals with the right addiction treatment program for them. Our team is dedicated to implementing innovative digital tools so that we can provide helpful resources and support to those seeking recovery from substance use disorder and mental health disorders. 

Families Integration Through Recovery Apps

Throughout residential treatment, we encourage our guests to participate in video calls with their family members. During each video meeting, our counselors provide support and guidance to help encourage family involvement and connection during the early stages of recovery.  As a result, we assist our guests in rebuilding their relationships and strengthening their sober support systems.

Our goal is to create a strong network of support that lasts beyond our residential treatment program. We want each person in our care to know they can turn to their family for ongoing guidance and understanding throughout their recovery journey. 

Alongside these virtual meetings, we provide educational resources and support through recovery apps to help family members understand the recovery process. 

Continuing Care With Recovery Apps

Not only can technology help those in recovery find resources and support, but it also serves as a platform to connect with others in meaningful ways. From peer-led support groups to specialized recovery treatment programs, digital tools provide access to the resources needed to achieve long-term sobriety. For instance, our Facebook groups cultivate a supportive online community for our alumni to share inspirational quotes, notes of encouragement, and recovery resources.

We also understand how important it is to have an understanding and supportive community of peers to lean on during recovery. That’s why Royal Life Centers offers our alumni access to in-person and online recovery support and social gatherings that provide a safe and nurturing environment for individuals in recovery.

Reach Out

We understand how difficult it can be to walk the path of sobriety alone and we make sure you never feel alone during your entry into treatment. If you or a loved one wants to learn more about our substance abuse programs, please reach out to us today.

Our admissions team is available 24/7 at (877)-RECOVERY to answer your questions. We will provide guidance and assistance as you begin your journey to a happier, healthier life. 

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