17 Sobriety Apps That Will Help You Smash Dry January

If you're trying to take a month off alcohol, you might need a little bit of support from technology.

From tracking your progress and connecting with communities to offering guided meditations and expert advice, the right app can make all the difference. 

Here are some of the best apps to download ahead of Dry Jan to keep you on track and get you excited for your sobriety milestones.

Overview of the Top 10 Sobriety Apps

From comprehensive programs that offer a variety of tools to specialised apps focusing on specific aspects of sobriety, there's something for everyone. Here's an overview, with links, of the top 10 sobriety apps available in the UK.

1. NHS Drink Free Days: The official NHS app for stopping or cutting down on alcohol.
2. I Am Sober: A motivational app that tracks your sober days and helps you set daily pledges.
3. Nomo - Sobriety Clocks: Provides multiple clocks to track different types of sobriety milestones.
4. Days Since: Helps you stay organised and keep track of progress.
5. Reframe: Offers daily motivational messages and relapse prevention tools.
6. SMART Recovery UK: An app version of the SMART Recovery program, providing tools and meeting schedules.
7. Cassava - Sober Time: Tracks your sobriety time and offers daily motivational quotes.
8. Recovery Path: Connects you with a support network and provides a comprehensive recovery toolkit.
9. WeConnect Recovery: Offers support meetings, goals tracking, and personalised plans.
10. AlcoDroid Alcohol Tracker: Helps you monitor your alcohol consumption and track your progress towards sobriety.

Each of these apps brings something unique to the table, catering to different aspects of your journey. Whether you need community support, motivational tools, or comprehensive recovery plans, there's an app on this list that can help you achieve your sobriety goals.

7 Apps That Aren't Sobriety Apps But Pair Well With Dry Jan

As well as sobriety apps there might be some other apps that can assist your journey. Things like fitness trackers, nutrition trackers and meditation apps can make your dry jan experience more enjoyable and help you build positive habits.

Some great apps for boosting your overall health during this time are:

MyFitnessPal: A great app for tracking food intake. This can be helpful if you're trying to drop weight or start eating more healthily whilst also cutting down on alcohol.

Strava: An amazing app that pairs a social element with exercise tracking.

Headspace: If you like meditation, this app has a range of guided meditations to help you relax and unwind.

NHS Active 10 Walking Tracker: Encourages daily walking with step and brisk-walk tracking and badges if stepping up your walking is a goal.

Unmind: A mental wellbeing platform with tools for stress, sleep, coping and mindfulness.

Medito: A free meditation and mindfulness app - great for calm, anxiety and better sleep. Has guided meditations and sleep soundscapes

Sleep Cycle / Sleepio: Apps that analyse sleep quality and patterns; Sleepio uses CBT techniques for sleep improvement.

Features to Look for in Sobriety Apps

Many people like to try a couple of apps and see what works for them. It depends what you're looking for as some apps are purely trackers to tell you when you hit milestones, while others offer therapy-style support, quotes and lifestyle support.

Progress Tracking

One of the most crucial features of a sobriety app is progress tracking, as this will motivate you to keep going. Logging your sober days, monitoring milestones and celebrating when you've made progress is a great way to improve your relationship with alcohol. Even if you're not stopping alcohol altogether but are just cutting down, it will help you assess how much you actually drink and get a clearer picture of your relationship with alcohol.

Community Support

Community support is another vital feature to consider. Many sobriety apps include social networking elements, allowing you to connect with others who share similar experiences. This can provide a sense of belonging and encouragement, especially during challenging times. Look for apps that offer forums, chat features, or peer support options to ensure you have access to a supportive community.

Motivational Tools 

Some apps feature motivational tools like quotes, facts on alcohol and wellbeing exercises. These tools can help you enjoy the journey.

Health and lifestyle support 

One of the best things about cutting back on alcohol is the health benefits. You'll have more time and energy to pursue healthy lifestyle habits, whether that's tracking steps or tightening up your nutrition and there are lots of apps that can support your health kick.

Your Unique Journey

Whether you're doing Dry January or just trying to reassess your alcohol intake, finding the right tools and resources can make all the difference.

Using these apps in your daily routine can help you build better lifestyle habits long term, so give them a go.