Recovery Tools

Staying sober is hard work, especially in the beginning. Here are the five most beneficial resources to help your recovery, according to our own alumni. The whole list only costs $3.50, or $0.00 with a library card.

1. I Am Sober (app)

4.8 / 5 stars
I Am Sober is a free, powerful app that goes into great detail about addiction. It keeps track of your sober time, recommends pledges and helps you stay motivated. You can rate how you feel each day and track what causes you trouble. It’s a well-designed app with continued support and updates that keep you going as you reflect on your sober milestones. You’ll feel accomplished every time you open it.

Download from Apple Store (free) Download from Google Play (free)

2. The Road to Freedom by Johnny Baker (book)

4.9 / 5 stars
This book is about the author’s own struggles with overcoming alcoholism. His story is painfully real, yet humorous and inspiring. It’s a fast read, but the ten life lessons will stay with you forever. The truths and ideas make you rethink your entire outlook on life. Note, this book takes a religious perspective.

Download from Amazon ($3)

3. Tack Gratitude Journal (app)

4.9 / 5 stars
While the I Am Sober app tops the list for being packed with features, Tack is on the list for how easy it is to use. In general, gratitude lists are so simple that they’re often overlooked. The fact is, logging the things you’re grateful for is a scientifically-proven way to become a happier person. Do it as a habit when you wake up and throughout the day as you experience moments that bring you joy. You can also browse through your entire list as a reminder of all the things that you have to appreciate.

Download from Apple Store (free)

4. The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast (podcast)

4.4 / 5 stars
Jordan B. Peterson’s podcast is a collection of interviews and lectures that discuss complex ideas. Yet, the core content is simple: take on the greatest responsibility you can for your own life, aim for the highest good and learn from the stories of those who came before you. How can you not be inspired by that message?

Download from Apple Store (free) Stream from Spotify (free)

5. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill (book)

4.5 / 5 stars
Don’t be fooled by the title, this book teaches you how to become an incredible person, treat people well and see the things that happen to you in a different way. It guides you to have faith, persistence and to dream of something bigger.

Download from Amazon ($0.50)

BONUS: Top 12-Step (apps)

Most alumni that are succeeding in their recovery embrace free and readily-available meetings and support at AA or NA. It’s not that the content of every meeting changes their lives, it’s about changing their lives to prioritize recovery. That means showing up regularly to meetings and tackling the steps with integrity.

Daily Meditations

Download from Apple Store (free) Download from Google Play (free)

Meeting Guide

Download from Apple Store (free) Download from Google Play (free)

AA Big Book

Download from Apple Store (free) Download from Google Play (free)

DANESH ALAM

Danesh Alam MD, DFAPA, DFASAM
Medical Reviewer

Dr. Alam is an internationally renowned psychiatrist with academic affiliations with Northwestern University and University of Illinois, Chicago where he completed his residency training. He has been a principal investigator for over forty studies and has been involved in research leading to the approval of most psychiatric medications currently on the market. He is the founder of the Neuroscience Research Institute which continues to conduct research on cutting edge medication and interventional psychiatry. Dr. Alam is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine. He has won several awards and has been featured extensively on radio and television.

Staying sober is hard work, especially in the beginning. Here are the five most beneficial resources to help your recovery, according to our own alumni. The whole list only costs $3.50, or $0.00 with a library card.

1. I Am Sober (app)

4.8 / 5 stars
I Am Sober is a free, powerful app that goes into great detail about addiction. It keeps track of your sober time, recommends pledges and helps you stay motivated. You can rate how you feel each day and track what causes you trouble. It’s a well-designed app with continued support and updates that keep you going as you reflect on your sober milestones. You'll feel accomplished every time you open it.

Download from Apple Store (free) Download from Google Play (free)

2. The Road to Freedom by Johnny Baker (book)

4.9 / 5 stars
This book is about the author's own struggles with overcoming alcoholism. His story is painfully real, yet humorous and inspiring. It's a fast read, but the ten life lessons will stay with you forever. The truths and ideas make you rethink your entire outlook on life. Note, this book takes a religious perspective.

Download from Amazon ($3)

3. Tack Gratitude Journal (app)

4.9 / 5 stars
While the I Am Sober app tops the list for being packed with features, Tack is on the list for how easy it is to use. In general, gratitude lists are so simple that they're often overlooked. The fact is, logging the things you're grateful for is a scientifically-proven way to become a happier person. Do it as a habit when you wake up and throughout the day as you experience moments that bring you joy. You can also browse through your entire list as a reminder of all the things that you have to appreciate.

Download from Apple Store (free)

4. The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast (podcast)

4.4 / 5 stars
Jordan B. Peterson's podcast is a collection of interviews and lectures that discuss complex ideas. Yet, the core content is simple: take on the greatest responsibility you can for your own life, aim for the highest good and learn from the stories of those who came before you. How can you not be inspired by that message?

Download from Apple Store (free) Stream from Spotify (free)

5. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill (book)

4.5 / 5 stars
Don't be fooled by the title, this book teaches you how to become an incredible person, treat people well and see the things that happen to you in a different way. It guides you to have faith, persistence and to dream of something bigger.

Download from Amazon ($0.50)

BONUS: Top 12-Step (apps)

Most alumni that are succeeding in their recovery embrace free and readily-available meetings and support at AA or NA. It's not that the content of every meeting changes their lives, it's about changing their lives to prioritize recovery. That means showing up regularly to meetings and tackling the steps with integrity.

Daily Meditations

Download from Apple Store (free) Download from Google Play (free)

Meeting Guide

Download from Apple Store (free) Download from Google Play (free)

AA Big Book

Download from Apple Store (free) Download from Google Play (free)

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