When someone in recovery takes a drink, they often feel ashamed. That’s when many people withdraw from their support network—precisely when they need help most. Finding a way to interrupt the craving cycle with accountability and monitoring has shown proven results in improving recovery longevity and success.
When people in recovery wear SOBRsure™, the app-enabled alcohol monitoring bracelet, the next-level technology connects them with next-level peer support and treatment.
Technology that triggers support #IRL (in real life)
If someone wearing SOBRsure drinks alcohol, the app-enabled wristband alerts the trusted third parties—the user added as administrators—usually therapists, spouses or trusted friends. The alerts enable the person’s closest recovery allies to immediately reach out and help them get back on track.
The alcohol monitoring bracelet also has GPS tracking. If someone relapses, SOBRsafe™ can see their geographic location and help clinicians or loved ones locate them to provide support.
It’s like a sponsor on your wrist—or your own conscience
SOBRsafe CEO David Gandini recently received this message from someone in recovery who wears the SOBRsure alcohol monitoring bracelet:
I think about all the trouble I caused myself and my family from drinking and getting into trouble; when I look at your wristband, it reminds me of all we went through and all I put my family through, and it reminds me not to drink.
Reflecting on this message and others like it, Gandini says SOBRsure is in some ways like having “an [Alcoholics Anonymous] sponsor on your wrist.” As the user’s message shows, the continuous alcohol monitoring device is also a powerful reminder of one’s own commitment to being alcohol-free and the reasons to stay alcohol-free.
Alcohol monitoring bracelets help rebuild trust
As people in recovery repair the damage alcohol caused in their lives and rebuild trust with themselves and others, simply glancing at the wristband can serve as a reminder of how far they have come and all they could lose if they choose to return to drinking.
Jason Wahler, TV personality and SOBRsafe advocate, says seeing his SOBRsure bracelet reminds him not only of the risk of relapse, but also of the alcohol-free life that he cherishes with his wife and young children. It reminds him of why he’s committed to remaining alcohol-free and of all the people, including him, who benefit from that choice.
For Wahler, wearing the band 24/7 with the awareness that if he does drink, his sponsor and loved ones will be notified, keeps his wellbeing and promises top-of-mind. This allows him to “just wear SOBRsure and live life,” he says.
Innovative technologies enhance traditional peer support and treatments
SOBRsafe is part of a movement of leading-edge new technologies that blend with peer support and treatments to help people reduce or eliminate their alcohol consumption. Several innovative industry leaders joined SOBRsafe’s Gandini to discuss this phenomenon at a recent panel as part of the Moderation Mindset Virtual Summit.
One was Nick Allen, founder and CEO of Sunnyside, a mobile app designed to help people reduce their alcohol consumption by promoting mindful drinking through drink tracking, personalized coaching and community support.
“The recovery journey is hard to talk about and there’s a lot of stigma—it can be really lonely,” Allen said. He shared how the app’s digital community has served as a gateway for users to connect with others on similar journeys and build in-person relationships and support.
“These components are so important to create an early sense of belonging and open the door to take that first step,” Allen said. “The more we can get face-to-face and share stories and build empathy, the more likely we are to find resilience.”
Also on the panel was Jonathan Hunt-Glassman, CEO and co-founder of Oar Health, an online platform that provides medication-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder. He said the platform turbo-charges recovery by bringing expertise and access to people who face barriers to treatment.
“There are only 3,000 doctors with board certifications in addiction medicine in the U.S.— that’s not enough,” Hunt-Glassman said. “We have found that technology can help us work with some of the leading experts, spread their knowledge to a broader base of providers, and thus a broader base of people.”
Technology can help providers spend more time with patients
SOBRcheck™, the stationary touch-based screening device, is another example of a new technology that enables more connection and care. Equipped with a passive alcohol sensor, the screening device allows users to prove they’re alcohol-free with a simple touch. By streamlining patient check-in at behavioral health facilities and group therapy sessions, the device reduces time spent on processes and procedures while increasing the time providers spend supporting patients.
SOBRcheck’s easy-to-use software also reduces the time spent on administrative tasks and compliance, freeing up even more time for patient care.
Wren Goolsby, co-founder and owner of Higher Purpose Recovery, says SOBRcheck has been a game-changer in promoting health, accountability and a safe environment within behavioral health care.
“This technology empowers our clients with more autonomy while allowing our staff to focus on critical tasks,” Goolsby says. “It ensures every client is consistently screened for alcohol upon entry, creating a reliable and efficient process.” The alcohol screening device also enables his team monitor when residents return to the facility, helping to address any curfew violations.
“If a resident is under the influence, the system immediately alerts all staff, allowing for swift intervention,” he says. “The seamless, non-invasive screening process has strengthened trust among staff and residents, reduced incidents and reinforced a foundation for recovery.”
Learn more about SOBRsure and SOBRcheck:
To learn more about the app-enabled wristband and stationary screening device, visit our website.