Using Technology for Good: Online Resources for Overcoming AUD

These days, asking your Roomba vacuum cleaner to sweep under the couch, getting real-time traffic updates as you rush to the airport, or Zooming with your friend across the world is the norm. But just a few short decades ago, all of these examples would have seemed like science fiction! Technology has transformed the world in ways we could never have imagined. It has profound implications for our daily lives, including our relationship with alcohol.

And while technology can be both friend and foe in our efforts to drink less or recover from alcohol use disorder (AUD), using it intentionally can make a huge impact on our alcohol journey. From online support communities to alcohol reduction apps, technology offers unique ways to treat addiction from the comfort of your own home. Let’s dive in and find out how to use it for good!

Addiction and Technology: Understanding the Relationship

We live in a world of notifications, posts, and constant media updates — but what does that mean for the alcohol journey? The truth is, there are many sides to technology: while some can be assets in treating addiction, others can get us further into the alcohol trap. For a deep dive, check out “The Role of Social Media in Shaping Drinking Behaviors and How to Use It Positively.” For now, here’s the gist.

• There’s a lot of booze-positive content out there. Alcohol is still accepted — and even glorified — in our culture, and the digital world reflects that. From “Drinkstagram” and “mommy wine culture” to online ads featuring blissful people lounging on yachts with their favorite elixir, the idea that alcohol is the key to socializing, relaxing, or landing an attractive date is still out there big time. Of course, it’s a clever illusion — the posts are a highlight reel, and the glamorized ads are a clever ploy to sell more booze.
• At the same time, there are many online resources for support. With the sober curious movement in full swing, many have taken the conversation online to talk about alcohol’s true effects on the brain and body. Support groups, online therapy sessions, and digital apps provide new avenues for those trying to shift their drinking patterns.

Ready to explore the advantages of technology in more detail? Let’s go!

The Power of Digital Resources

The thing about digital resources is that when they work, they work really well. Here’s why:

• They’re convenient. When it comes to convenience and flexibility, online resources are unmatched. Whether it’s an app we access through a phone in the palm of our hand or a group discussion that brings people together from all over the country (or world!), going digital makes it easier to connect with others. 
• You can stay anonymous. Don’t feel like turning on your Zoom camera? No problem! Would you rather post as “KittyMcWhiskers” than use your real name on an online forum? Be our guest! Online resources allow you to set your own boundaries and explore the possibilities in ways that feel safe.
• They can be personalized. With multiple levels, settings, and customizable options, most forms of online technology allow us to pursue our goals in a more direct way. For example, we can set personal drinking targets on an alcohol reduction app or choose a schedule that works for you when working with an online therapist.
• They make it easier to keep ourselves accountable. When we’re trying to make a big shift in our life — such as leaving alcohol behind — accountability is key. It’s all too easy to cancel that in-person therapist appointment because we got held up at work or to forgo a group meeting on the other side of town when it’s raining and the bus stop is several blocks away. Not so with digital technology! Technology can be with us 24/7. All we need is a charged phone and a solid WiFi connection.

So how do these benefits play out in practice? Let’s take a closer look at some specific ways to treat addiction with the help of online resources.

Virtual Communities: A Safe Space for Treating Addiction

There’s nothing like a supportive community when it comes to treating addiction — in fact, most of us feel it’s a must. We’re social by nature and need to bounce ideas off each other. We love to feel heard and know that others have our back when things get tough. Plus, seeing others thrive is one of the best ways to keep us motivated — it’s real-life proof that recovery is possible! 

Virtual communities, in turn, deliver on these promises in spades. Here’s why:

• We have access to in-the-moment support. Craving a drink at 2 a.m.? Chances are, someone from an online community is up. Whether we connect through DMs or post our struggles on a forum discussion board, we’re likely to get a response right away. Tip: The Reframe forum is always active, and there are people available to chat at any hour of the day!
• A variety of perspectives sheds light on blind spots. Joining a virtual community means connecting with virtually anyone in the world (pardon the pun). And when it comes to the alcohol journey, the more connections, the better! A large network of like-minded people shows that recovery is possible, gives us a variety of perspectives that can shed light on our blind spots, and increases the chances that we’ll hear stories that resonate with us.
• Updates keep us accountable. Online communities make staying accountable easier than ever. Checking in is simple, and we can have our pick of accountability buddies to make the journey easier.

Whatever your opinions about technology, these benefits make it a great option for addiction recovery. Now let’s get more specific and explore more targeted aspects of digital resources.

Online Therapy and Coaching: Bringing the Pros to Your Home

One of the best ways to treat addiction is with targeted therapy. These days, therapy has evolved beyond Freud’s famous couch and dream analysis (although if that helps, by all means, go for it!). Instead, science-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are leading the way. While the first focuses on changing our subconscious beliefs and cognitive distortions about alcohol to make behavioral changes easier, the second is all about establishing balance and navigating the world with the help of four core modalities — mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation. Coaches can guide us through this, or we can reference online resources.

Motivational coaching, in turn, is all about inspiring change by fostering a positive mindset and creating momentum and drive. A coach helps us tap into our strengths and actively build positive habits to replace ones that don’t serve us.

The digital world, in turn, has made therapy and coaching more accessible than ever. All we have to do is get online and presto! A therapy session is in progress.

Apps: All-in-One Recovery

Apps like Reframe that help us quit or cut back on our drinking may just be the most user-friendly digital resource yet. For a deep dive, check out “12 Best Apps to Help You Quit Drinking” and “Review of Apps Offering Guided Mindfulness Practices to Support Healthier Drinking Habits.” For now, here’s the gist of why they’re becoming the go-to solution:

• Apps are with us wherever we go. These days, wherever we go, chances are our phone is coming with us — and that means our app is too!
• They allow for daily engagement. Treating addiction comes down to what we do today — setting daily goals and sticking to them. While other forms of treatment are either time-bound or happen on a less frequent basis (such as in-person therapy), apps make it possible to take active steps to further our recovery every day.
• They make tracking easier than ever. Anyone who has ever tried to keep track of drinks (or anything else for that matter) by writing things down knows that it can get tricky. Papers get lost, ink gets smudged, and sometimes we can’t even read our own handwriting. And, of course, as the night progresses, it’s all too easy to forget to write down that third margarita. Not so when an app reminds us by sending a text or notification at the right moment!
• They connect us to supportive communities. The best addiction apps also tend to have a vibrant community within them. You get access to many other people just like you who can swap tips and share mutual support.

We have the gist of how alcohol reduction apps work, so now let’s take a deeper dive into Reframe itself and what set it apart.

Reframe: Rewiring Your Relationship With Alcohol

Out of all the addiction technology out there, Reframe is one of the best addiction recovery apps. Rather than simply documenting our drinking patterns (although it does a top-notch job of that too), it actually helps us change the way we see alcohol. The result? Change feels natural, rewarding, and sustainable.

What Makes Reframe Different?

Here are some of the features that make Reframe one of the best addiction apps yet.

• It’s rooted in neuroscience. Based on the latest neuroscience research, Reframe is all about tapping into the power of neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to rewire itself) to make change organic, natural, and sustainable. Relying on the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — a science-backed way of treating addiction — Reframe literally reframes our thinking, making it so much easier to change our mindset and alcohol-related habits.
• It’s customized to our needs. Whether you want to quit or cut back, Reframe has you covered. And if the benefits of cutting back inspire you to change your goals and quit drinking completely, you can always switch tracks!
• It gets us to engage on a daily basis. Every day, you get a science-backed reading to deepen your understanding of alcohol and the inner workings of the brain. Plus, you’ll receive some motivation for the day, as well as a chance to log your drinks and complete a journal entry. Reflecting on your experience on a daily basis is a science-backed way to boost your chances of success!
• It makes tracking easy and meaningful. In addition to tracking your drinks daily through the app or via SMS, you’ll get personalized feedback and reminders about your goals. Have an event coming up and need some extra support? Just log it in the drink target calendar and we’ll check in with you! Need to change your target? No problem! Plus, in addition to tracking drinks, Reframe gives you a chance to track your mood and stress levels — it’s all part of the journey, and having a full picture of your patterns will help you understand your triggers better.
• It contains a treasure trove of tools and resources. From inspiring podcasts to mocktail recipes, urge-surfing tools to playlists of songs for every mood, Reframe has everything you might need on your journey. Our monthly challenges allow you to take your recovery to a deeper level by exploring subjects such as habits or self-care while connecting with other Reframers.
• It has a thriving community behind it. Reframe’s 24/7 Forum allows millions of like-minded people to swap tips, share stories, and offer each other support. You’re never alone! 
• It provides access to trained professionals. Licensed coaches are just a Zoom call away if you need some extra help. You’re in great hands!

All in all, in the world of addiction technology, Reframe stands out above the rest. It’s all about creating lasting shifts that change your relationship with alcohol for good.

Tapping Into Freedom

The world of technology has the power to make treating addiction more accessible than ever. With access to resources, tools, and like-minded folks around the world, we have the ability to personalize our experience and make the new habits we’re creating fit seamlessly into our lives. Let’s use technology for good!