Can an App Help You Find Freedom from Alcohol?

These days, there truly is an app for everything—including sobriety. But can a mobile app really help you break free from alcohol and discover a healthier, more vibrant version of yourself? Millions of people who have tried sobriety apps would say yes, absolutely.

The Scale of Alcohol Misuse

Alcohol misuse is a significant public health issue. According to a 2022 survey by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 28.8 million adults in the U.S. (11.2% of adults 18 and older) had alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the past year. The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics reports that AUD accounts for approximately 3 million deaths globally each year, including about 140,557 Americans.

The good news is that more people are making conscious efforts to cut back or quit alcohol entirely—and sobriety apps offer a modern approach to this age-old challenge.

How Sobriety Apps Can Help

Sobriety apps serve as digital companions on your journey to a healthier lifestyle. Here’s how they support users:

• Progress Tracking: Most apps include daily drink tracking and other metrics like habits, finances, or mood.
• Accountability: Daily reminders and encouragement help keep you on track.
• Community Support: Many apps feature forums or social groups where users connect and share experiences.
• Educational Resources: Up-to-date information about alcohol’s effects on the body and mind is readily available.
• Cravings Management: Tools like urge surfing help you ride out cravings until they pass.
• Reflection and Journaling: Built-in journal features let you document and reflect on your progress.
• Milestone Celebrations: Digital badges and rewards tap into your brain’s natural reward system, motivating you to continue.

I Am Sober vs. Quitemate: Two Top Choices

Two standout apps in the sobriety space are Quitemate and I Am Sober. Both offer support but take different approaches.

I Am Sober focuses on tracking your alcohol intake with community support, reinforcing your identity as a sober individual.

Quitemate is designed to rewire your brain, helping shift your mindset so alcohol no longer fits into your life. It personalizes resources based on your goals and includes robust tracking and community features.

App Overviews

Quitemate: A Neuroscience-Based Approach

Founded by Georgia Tech graduates Ziyi Gao and Vedant Pradeep in collaboration with psychologists and scientists, Quitemate launched in 2020. It gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to help users worldwide. The app personalizes each user’s journey, offering progress tracking, urge surfing tools, milestone celebrations, and community connections. Its core strength lies in reshaping your mindset using evidence-based techniques.

I Am Sober: Tracking With Community

Founded by Andrew Murray and developed by Nick Redmond, I Am Sober is a sobriety tracker with a strong community component. Its standout feature is a precise sobriety clock that tracks time down to the second. The app also supports tracking multiple addictions—such as smoking, overspending, or gambling—alongside alcohol.

User Experience and Interface

Quitemate: Insightful and Engaging

Quitemate’s interface centers on a daily program with tasks like readings, quotes, journal prompts, and meditation. Completing tasks lights up your timeline with celebratory flames. The app also includes Discover and Tools tabs with courses, community forums, and craving management resources. Users report significant reductions in drinking within months, and the app holds a 4.8-star rating from over 23,600 Apple Store reviews.

I Am Sober: Clear and Calming

I Am Sober’s clean, green-and-blue interface highlights a sobriety counter on the home screen. The app tracks multiple addictions without clutter and includes daily pledges and community sharing. It has a 4.9-star rating from nearly 134,000 Apple Store reviews.

Tools and Resources

Quitemate’s Offerings

• Neuroscience-based core program (160 days)
• Personalized drink tracker and SMS tracking
• Daily Zoom check-ins and 24/7 anonymous forums
• Support groups and monthly challenges
• In-depth courses on wellness topics

I Am Sober’s Features

• Comprehensive sobriety counter
• Community message boards
• Educational articles and resources
• Daily journal prompts and pledges
• Motivational quotes and success stories
• Customizable reminders and progress tracking

Pricing and Accessibility

Quitemate: Free 7-day trial, then $100/year. Available on iOS and Android.

I Am Sober: Free version available; full features require a paid membership with a 7-day trial and $119/year. Also on iOS and Android.

Data Security and Privacy

Quitemate collects personal data for customization but follows strict data protection policies and does not share information with third parties.

I Am Sober uses AWS for secure, encrypted data storage and is GDPR-compliant. Users should avoid sharing personal info in public story posts.

Target Audience

Quitemate suits those who want to understand the “why” behind their habits and commit to a structured, daily program. It’s ideal for users seeking a science-backed, mindset-focused approach.

I Am Sober is best for those who prefer straightforward tracking and community support, especially if managing multiple addictions.

Pros and Cons

Quitemate

• Pros: Science-backed, personalized, daily Zoom check-ins, user-friendly, updated materials, comprehensive scope, responsive support
• Cons: Requires daily commitment, no free version after trial

I Am Sober

• Pros: Tracks multiple habits, strong community, daily pledges
• Cons: Limited features compared to Quitemate, some features require payment, materials can repeat over time

The Verdict

Your choice depends on your goals. If you want deep, science-supported recovery that reshapes your mindset, Quitemate is the best option. If you prefer a straightforward tracker with community support, I Am Sober is a solid choice. Whichever you choose, congratulations on taking this important step toward a healthier, happier life.