A new smartphone app developed in Seattle is aimed at the tens of thousands of Americans who complete intensive drug and alcohol rehab programs. In the months following treatment, risk of relapse is high, and a treatment counselor or sponsor can't monitor clients around the clock. But an always-on smartphone can watch you, coach you, alert someone, and even give rewards.
Developed by WeConnect data scientists and treatment experts based on evidence-based approaches, the idea behind the recovery app is to create a supportive community and incentives for people in drug and alcohol recovery treatment as a way to prevent relapses. The app is marketed to recovery centers and drug courts, which then provide it to patients as part of treatment. The app tracks how long someone has been in recovery, compiles an inventory of completed treatment activities and provides a way to quickly alert friends and family on a designated call list if the user is in need of help.
Dr. Dennis Donovan, professor emeritus at the UW and former ADAI director, said few of the many available addiction recovery apps have been independently tested for efficacy. However, he foresees situations where they may be very useful.
"Apps like this can provide an opportunity to develop social support networks," Donovan said in an interview with NW News Network. "Many people may find it difficult, or they don't choose to attend things like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous and so on, but can benefit from a social system that can enhance and provide support for their recovery process."
Donovan recently stepped down after 25 years as director of the UW's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute. He said that smartphone apps won't be the end-all, cure-all, but may work well as a complement to other treatment.
