‘Hugely Positive’ Response to App for People With Addictions

A one-year trial of a smartphone app to support people recovering from alcohol or drug addictions at Waikato DHB is proving successful and is likely to be extended.

The Recovery in Hand app connects service users to their clinical team, recovery community, peers and other resources 24/7.

Mental health and addictions services interim director Vicki Aitken says there is a good evidence base for digital and e-support for people with addictions and the DHB was “really keen and excited about having a mobile app that would support usual treatment”.

“For people going through alcohol and drug recovery, one of the significant issues is not feeling connected and part of wider support,” she says.

Sixty-five people are using the app as part of a year-long trial that started last November.

They can get notifications, set goals and input information about how they are feeling and doing, which is made available to service staff to view.

The app provides resources and information, a chat space, GPS detection to alert them if they enter a high risk location and a beacon button for emergency support.

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