They’ve been gaining more and more traction over the past five years and have received millions of dollars in grants from the National Institutes of Health. These apps can also serve as a lifeline if users are feeling vulnerable to relapse or have started using again and are headed for overdose. Sober Grid is the most popular social networking app for sober people to meet each other.

Seven Insights From Teens About Social Media and Mental Health

Which one you choose will ultimately depend on your personal needs and goals. Traditional social apps like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram usually connect users with family and sober friends who don’t know what it’s like to go through addiction. It can be very difficult for addicts to open their true feelings and struggles in this setting because of fear of judgment, scorn and entirely unsolicited advice. Fellow individuals on sober social apps understand how the vulnerabilities and struggles of post-treatment recovery and can provide an experienced and informed sounding board when others are feeling vulnerability. Though they are not a substitute for traditional recovery meetings, sober social apps can also supplement traditional recovery meetings for those who find themselves unable to go as often as they’d like.

App Privacy

Send notifications to partners when you’re feeling tempted, and share your successes directly to social media. Use the I Am Sober app to track your sober days and milestones, sober network build new habits, and enjoy ongoing motivation from a community of people who get it. Alcohol addiction is a complicated disease, and there’s no substitute for treatment.

• AA’s sister program Narcotics Anonymous (NA) follows the same framework, but is designed for those recovering from other substance use disorders.
• We are glad that our app has been helpful for you and we appreciate your support.
• We designed the Loosid sober app to show the world that sober doesn’t have to be boring and to help this distinctive community of nearly 144 million Americans realize they’re far from alone.
• I remember standing at the plate, smiling and thinking, this is my home.
• If you’re not sure where to start, making a list of recovery organizations and groups that sound interesting to you might be a useful first step.
• The organizers say the decision to give creators press credentials enables them to reach Americans at the event and beyond.

The Best Alcohol Addiction Recovery Apps

Keep in mind all the good things that come from not drinking, like waking up without a hangover, having more energy, and feeling healthier overall. Remind yourself why you made this choice whenever you need to strengthen your resolve. This could be anything from sports teams to book https://ecosoberhouse.com/ clubs, where the primary focus is on a shared interest. Going to events with a friend who also doesn’t drink can provide mutual support and make the experience easier and more enjoyable. If drinking among your friends tends to ramp up as the night progresses, plan accordingly.

Outside of writing, Jillian is a public speaker who loves discussing the power of social media — something she spends too much time on. She enjoys reading, her houseplants, and cuddling with her corgi. Daybreak, an Australian-based company, created an app to help you set a goal for your relationship with alcohol and provide resources on quitting or reducing your intake.

• Loosid is a community for people looking to thrive and enjoy fun events and activities while abstaining from alcohol and other substances.
• Once you’re matched with someone, the app offers a local listing of date spots that serve mocktails or places that are alcohol-free.
• Online groups also provide a sense of anonymity, which might be beneficial for those who have anxiety about going to an in-person meeting.

You may find virtual or online support groups suit you better than in-person ones, like Redditors in Recovery. You can take all the time you need to build a support system that’s right for you. The first step is for a person to admit that they are powerless over alcohol, and that alcohol use has made their life unmanageable.

Join sober or health-related Meetups.

Some smaller, niche sober dating sites are out there, but most look like they haven’t been updated in over a decade. If you’re exploring a spiritual practice, this is a good way to see what resonates with you. In recent years, “dry bars” and sober raves have been popping up across the US and other parts of the globe. Bespoke bars with elaborate mocktail menus provide the “going out” vibe without the alcohol and antics. Some of the group’s strategies include positive reinforcement, cognitive restructuring, relaxation, diet, and exercise.

They evoke empathy, resonance, and relatability in readers, touching hearts and providing a deep sense of connection. Storytelling is a powerful tool to express emotions, thoughts, and experiences. It captivates readers by drawing them into the narrative and making them part of the journey. Sharing stories breaks addiction’s stigma and makes individuals agents of change.

Drug Addiction Recovery Stories: Overcoming Substance Abuse

The structure of your story will be a bit different than that of most. You might choose to include your previous attempt(s) at recovery under the banner of “what things were like,” and focus on why things are different this time around. Out of all three major components of your story, this one should come the most naturally.

• AA members share their personal recovery stories at meetings.
• While you might feel reticent about opening up or uncomfortable with painful emotions, the community is here to support and guide you.
• It’s essential to recognize the advantages of social support and accountability during addiction recovery.
• One thing that people often ignore is the therapeutic advantages of sharing recovery stories.
• He’s now five years sober, back in school studying psychology, and volunteers as a peer support specialist for others struggling with addiction.
• These stories can influence attitudes, behaviors, and actions, offering guidance to those in need of recovery.

The Educational Value

• Jake’s turning point came when he was arrested for possession.
• Are you making it seem like using drugs was fun and exciting?
• He also received the Friend of Children Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010 from Tennessee Voices for Children after seven years on their board.
• They will walk away lamenting their own similar stories, rather than embracing the joy they have discovered in sobriety.

Despite his outward success, Tom’s drinking was slowly eroding his health, relationships, and self-esteem. He was constantly hungover, irritable, and emotionally distant from his family. The turning point came when he nearly lost a crucial case due to his impaired judgment.

Storytelling Websites

Therefore, we suggest that you discuss this with your counsellor, healthcare provider or sponsor before taking the step of speaking openly about yourself in front of others. If you don’t feel comfortable or confident enough, you may not be ready. Whether it is addiction, depression, anxiety or post traumatic stress, it is not something we actively go sharing your story in recovery out of our way and choose. Mental health happens to us, but, how we deal with it and speak about it, well that is where the ball lands firmly in our court. By trashing the stigma attached to addiction through voicing your truth, you are re-enforcing your own identity. Firstly, addiction has caused many of us to suffer some very traumatic experiences.

If someone else in the room is part of your share, leave them nameless or out of the story entirely. You don’t have the right to share https://ecosoberhouse.com/ someone else’s experiences. Individuals can remember this rule by mainly sharing “I” statements — ensuring the focus remains on you.

• It’s important to never bring in this type of negative language when sharing your stories.
• People share their addiction recovery stories for a number of reasons.
• Through these narratives, individuals gain insights into the challenges and how to navigate the journey towards recovery.
• The past can trigger some people, so only share what feels to be the most helpful in the present moment.

If there was a specific step within the program that was particularly helpful to you, be sure to mention exactly what it was. This can help someone really tune in during that portion of their recovery that they may have glanced over otherwise. If you deeply believe that 12-step programs were key to your success, then make sure your story reflects that.

Sign up for AA Daily Reflections

• Each narrative of triumph over addiction chips away at the feelings of hopelessness and isolation that often accompany substance abuse.
• If you were to skim over these details, it could rob someone of the opportunity to see themselves in your story and realize that recovery is possible for them.
• This could include the name of the drugs you were using, the behaviors you were engaging in, and the consequences you faced.
• Cindy has more than 16 years of experience in non-profit fundraising, most recently serving as Development Officer for United Methodist Higher Education Foundation.
• Members of Alcoholics Anonymous can find comfort and help by sharing their stories.
• A person may be feeling anxious about entering into treatment and knowing what to expect for the road ahead, but your story can bring them peace.
• Personal stories have the power to transform attitudes, shape behaviors, and ignite meaningful actions in addiction recovery.

DON’T Sugarcoat Your Story

Recovery Stories and AA