Alternatives to Sunnyside: Navigating the World of Alcohol Cutback Apps
When it comes to any aspect of our lives these days — including health and wellness — it’s safe to say, “There’s an app for that.” In a world where our smartphones often know us better than we know ourselves, features that could only have appeared in science fiction movies a mere decade or two ago have become a digital reality. From meditation guides to meal planners, or kickboxing classes on demand, health and wellness is just a tap away!

Among the plethora of apps designed to improve our well-being, a new category is emerging: addiction recovery apps. These digital companions cater to those on the journey to cut back on or quit alcohol, offering a blend of support, accountability, and insights that our old-fashioned journal could only dream of. However, with so many options on the virtual shelf, how do you know which one is right? Let’s find out!

Sunnyside: The Digital Drink Tracker

With its casual, somewhat retro feel, the Sunnyside app guides you towards a healthier relationship with alcohol while respecting the fact that moderation looks different for everyone.
Price
$12.00 monthly, $29.00 every three months, or $99.00 annually, and includes a 14-day free trial. (It’s important to note that Sunnyside does not issue refunds. According to their Terms and Conditions of Services, "Unless otherwise stated, all fees and charges are due and payable in advance, are non-refundable, and are exclusive of any applicable federal, state, or local taxes.”)
Features
  • Progress tracking. Track your drinking and visualize your achievements with easy-to-read graphs.
  • Social integration. Connect with other users on social media for accountability.
However, there are many worthy alternatives to the Sunnyside app! Let’s take a look at some of our top picks.

1. Reframe: Your All-Around Top Pick

Reframe isn't just another drink tracking app — it's a comprehensive toolkit for rebuilding your mindset around alcohol, finding a supportive community, and accessing a treasure-trove of neuroscience-backed educational materials. With cognitive-behavioral techniques at its core, Reframe helps users understand their drinking patterns, set personalized goals, and build healthier overall lifestyle habits. With drink tracking features that go beyond mere numbers to analyze the "why" behind your habits, this is the go-to app for those committed to change.
Price
Risk-free 7-day free trial, followed by $24.99 monthly or $119.99 annually (with 100% satisfaction guaranteed — or your money back!)
Features
  • Neuroscience- and psychology-based core program. Designed in collaboration with experts from Harvard, Stanford, and Georgia Tech, Reframe’s core program will shift your mindset around alcohol’s role in your life.

  • Personalized drink tracker and SMS tracking. Watch your progress on a smart dashboard that lets you set daily targets and view weekly and monthly trends to stay on track.
  • Community support. Join daily check-in meetings and get access to a 24/7 anonymous forum to connect with a global support system of fellow Reframers.
  • Group support. Create and join support groups in the forum based on your alcohol goals, location, interests, and other factors to boost motivation and stay accountable.

  • Monthly challenges. Explore science-backed information on a variety of topics — alcohol use, mental health, habit setting, exercise, and more — as part of an interactive, collaborative experience.

  • In-depth courses. Get access to multi-day courses covering topics that range from healthy habits to gut health and sleep quality.


2. DrinkControl: Your Pocket Bartender

DrinkControl steps in as your personal bartender, keeping tabs on your tabs. It's all about bringing awareness to your alcohol intake and its impact on your finances.
Price
Some tracking features are free, others cost $3.99 monthly, $11.99 annually, or $24.99 for a lifetime subscription.
Features
  • Expense tracking. Monitor how much you're spending on drinks.

  • Alcohol content awareness. Understand the alcohol percentage in your beverages.
  • Health overview. Check the calories consumed from alcohol.

3. Drinker’s Helper: Your Pocket Support Group

Drinker's Helper is like having a support group in your pocket, ready to lend an ear or a word of advice whenever you need it. It's built for those who are determined to quit or cut back on drinking, offering a suite of features that combine technology with the power of community support.
Price
Free trial for 1 week, then 1 month for $14.99 (USD), 3 months for $38.99 (USD), or 6 months for $59.99 (USD).
Features
  • Personalized support. The app creates a personalized plan based on your drinking habits and goals.

  • Virtual support groups. Engage with an online community that offers support and understands the journey you're on.
  • Private chat. Reach out to a network of peers in private, secure chats whenever you need a little extra help or encouragement.
  • Trackers and insights. Beyond logging drinks, the app provides insights into your triggers and helps you develop strategies to avoid or cope with them.

4. Mind the Sip: Your Conscious Consumption Coach

Mind the Sip brings a holistic approach to managing alcohol consumption. It's like having a mindful coach by your side, encouraging you to be fully present with each sip and to understand the “why” behind your drinking habits.
Price
Free for basic resources and tracking features for 21 days; premium access: $9.99 per month / $19.99 per quarter / $59.99 per year
Features
  • Mindfulness techniques. Explore mindfulness exercises to help you become more aware of your drinking motives and patterns.

  • Habit tracking. Track your drinking habits and get feedback on how you can improve.
  • Customizable goals. Set your own targets for drinking less or abstaining, and follow a personalized plan to meet them.
  • Sip by sip awareness. Check in with yourself before, during, and after drinking to build a deeper awareness of your relationship with alcohol.


5. Dry Days: Your Calendar Companion

Dry Days is your go-to for visualizing your alcohol-free days on a calendar. It's as if you have a planner dedicated to helping you succeed in your sobriety or moderation journey, marking your milestones with a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
Price
Free
Features
  • Visual calendar. Offers a simple and intuitive way to track your dry days, with the ability to view patterns over time.

  • Goal setting. Set goals for consecutive alcohol-free days and celebrate when you hit them.
  • Drink logging. If you do drink, the app allows you to log your drinks to keep an accurate record of your intake.

6. Less: Your Minimalist Mate

If Marie Kondo made a drink tracking app, Less would be it. This app celebrates minimalism, offering just what you need — and no more.
Price
Free
Features
  • Simple logging. A straightforward interface for tracking your drinks.

  • Customizable goals. Set goals that spark joy for you.
  • Insightful stats. Get clear data on your consumption patterns.
In today's app-saturated market, choosing the right partner in your journey to moderate or quit alcohol can seem overwhelming. Each of these contenders brings something unique to the table. Whether you're looking for comprehensive support with Reframe, a sunny sidekick in Sunnyside, or any of the other digital pals, there's an app tailored to support your health and happiness. Find your perfect fit today!