When the Chief Operating Officer at the Aletheia House, a substance abuse treatment center in Birmingham, did a simple search for apps on her phone, Gloria Howard found more than 700 aimed at assisting those suffering from various types of addictions.

The residential and outpatient facility already uses social media outlets like Facebook to connect with people in recovery, according to a recent ABC news article.

And while Howard notes that “these apps are not for people who are seeking treatment or who want to get off drugs today,” they do have some great qualities that may be able useful you or anyone you know who is experiencing an addiction problem.

In order to continue raising awareness about addiction recovery during this year’s recovery month, here’s a little more info on six free apps Howard found, based on ABC3340’s article featuring Howard:

1. Designed to support those already in an AA program, the 12 Steps AA Companion App allows you to keep track of exactly how long you’ve been alcohol free. According to the ABC article, Howard says that it also provides you with a positive affirmation to start the day, like “You can do this!” Who doesn’t need that?
2. The Daily Recovery App provides daily inspiration to stay strong while in recovery, because let’s face it, getting through addiction recovery requires a LOT of motivation.
3. The Addicaid, Take Charge of Your Recovery App is an animated app designed for people of all ages who are going through addiction recovery.
4. Meant for people recovering from all types of addictions, the I-Recovery App tracks recovery progress from week to week while also providing recovery resources, like links to 12 Step programs in your area, for example.
5. Created by the Ohio State Innovation Foundation, the Squirrel Smart Recovery; Addiction App allows you to set up a support circle with people you choose. You can set up check-in times with people in your circle, and hit a panic button when you need to connect with them immediately. Howard told ABC that “having a circle of friends or having a fellowship you can turn to….can make all the difference in the person thinking about using and following through.”

We would like to point out once again that these apps are not a replacement for proper addiction treatment. However, they could potentially be used as readily available tools to help start moving in the right direction. For more help recovering from your addiction, be sure to contact a local resource that provides immediate attention and grab a copy of the Healthy Sense of Self book.

What are your thoughts on using apps and social media to cope with addiction recovery? Do you have any online resources you turn to already? Let us know in the comments below!