Approximately 14.4 million people in the United States struggle with alcohol abuse, and only 7.9 percent receive treatment. 

If you're someone who has worked hard to overcome addiction, then you know how challenging recovering in isolation can be. 

Everyone has an addiction to something. That addiction may be videogames, collecting food, or alcohol.

When you crave something, it is hard to quit. Still, when you want it bad enough, you somehow do it.

Whether you are on your own or have a unit supporting you, baby steps are the key.

Approximately 14.4 million people in the United States struggle with alcohol abuse, and only 7.9 percent receive treatment. 

If you're someone who has worked hard to overcome addiction, then you know how challenging recovering in isolation can be. 

Everyone has an addiction to something. That addiction may be videogames, collecting food, or alcohol.

When you crave something, it is hard to quit. Still, when you want it bad enough, you somehow do it.

The path to sobriety is a tough one at that. Despite all the challenges, you can make it through, even if you need some help. 

Here are six great recovery apps to help you on your journey.

At some point, most people in recovery will face the challenge of staying sober at a party.

If you're early on in your process, it's best to avoid parties completely. After all, sobriety is hard enough as it is without being surrounded by alcohol. If you've been sober for a few years, though, you should be more comfortable with parties.

An estimated 22 million Americans are in recovery from addiction, but that doesn't stop a lot from them from feeling alone.

In recent times, when social distancing is the new normal, it can be difficult to remind ourselves that the struggles we're going through are not unique. Someone, somewhere, knows how you feel.

For those who have suffered from alcohol addiction and may need support, sobriety blogs can be a great way to go.

The coronavirus crisis has hit everyone hard, but for those struggling with alcoholism, this pandemic has brought on unique challenges.  Social distancing means that the lifeblood of the Alcoholics Anonymous program has been fundamentally changed. 

As daily life has changed recently, we've all been forced to think about the role of human interactions in our lives. For many recovering alcoholics, the fellowship they find at in-person meetings plays a crucial in their continued sobriety.  

Once you've left treatment, that doesn't mean all of your hard work has come to an end. In fact, the hard work has just begun. However, there are various resources available to recovering alcoholics, including sobriety podcasts.

Podcasts that focus on sobriety are typically hosted by people that are in recovery themselves and can relate to the things you are feeling and situations you may face. A valuable part of recovery is being in contact with people that understand the path that you've taken.

COVID-19 has been impacting people around the world for a couple of months now. We've seen many day-to-day activities canceled and are facing even more change in the coming months. 

While we are all hunkered down at home, it might be hard to find things to look forward to. The cancellation of the 2020 AA International Convention is certainly a blow to morale.

Are you curious about the cancellation of this year's convention? Do you want help dealing with sobriety during the COVID-19 pandemic?

If you've been in AA for a while, chances are you've heard of or been to the AA International Convention before. However, if you're new to the program, you should count yourself lucky. This event only happens once every five years. 

Don't miss your opportunity to temporarily escape to Detroit for the AA International Convention 2020. Detroit is a wonderful city full of culture, art, authentic eateries, and more. 

However, before you leave, be sure to take note of some of our top travel tips.

Are you ready for the AA International Conference in Detroit this year? This conference only happens every five years, so you don't want to miss it.

From hearing others' stories to seeing the beautiful city of Detroit, there are so many things to experience in and out of the big meetings.

If you've never attended an AA conference before, keep reading to find out more about what you can expect so you know how to plan your weekend.

If you're planning on heading to Detroit for the 2020 International AA Convention, congratulations on your success. Beating any addiction can be more challenging than most people know.

However, despite any relapses, backward steps, or other negative issues along the way, here you are. As you probably know, these conventions are only held every 5 years. Take advantage of this opportunity and escape to Detroit for a while to celebrate your sobriety.

While you're there, however, be sure to enjoy yourself with the best restaurants the city has to offer. Keep reading for our top five suggestions.

It's almost time for the 2020 International AA Convention in July! As you prepare to attend this amazing convention, you'll want to be prepared to enjoy your time in Detroit. The best way to ensure you make the most out of this trip is to know a few sober activities that you can take part in while there.

Receive your recovery chips and tokens, and then head over to a few awesome Detroit activities. Not sure where to begin? Continue reading below for our list of 5 awesome things to do in Detroit that are fun and sober!

Over 14.4 million adults suffer from alcohol use disorder each year. But they aren't the only ones who are suffering.

Family members and friends of those who have alcoholism also experience pain and suffering. There's Alcoholics Anonymous for alcoholics, but what is there for loved ones?

There's Al-Anon.

It's estimated that there are over 2 million members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in over 180 countries around the world.

If you've ever wondered about how to become an AA sponsor, you've come to the right place. We gathered everything you need to know about this role that's essential to the success of many members of AA.

Keep reading to learn more about AA sponsorship and to see if it's right for you.

The 12-step program has been around for almost 100 years. In fact, the first AA meeting took place in 1935, three years before Alcoholics Anonymous became the official name of the organization. AA was publicly founded in 1938 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, two men who struggled with alcoholism themselves.

Keep reading for a breakdown of what to expect at your first AA meeting.

One of the hardest parts about getting sober is losing out on the social aspects of drinking. But more and more people are figuring out how to go to the bar without getting drunk.

That's in part thanks to sober bars. When you go to a sober bar, you're getting the same environment minus all the alcohol. You're drinking mocktails instead of cocktails. 

Things are going great on your date. The chemistry is there, you're laughing, you have plenty in common. Then they drop the bomb: they are an alcoholic who's gotten sober. 

Is this a dealbreaker? Maybe, maybe not. Dating a recovering alcoholic can present some problems, but it's not an insurmountable hurdle. 

Is someone you know approaching a sobriety milestone? You may want to congratulate them on their achievement, but what's the best way to do that? You'll want to encourage them while remaining sensitive to the subject.

If you're not sure how to do that, here are a few tips on what to say to someone on their sobriety anniversary.

In the past few years, Americans have paid a lot of attention to the opioid epidemic -- with good reason. It causes thousands of tragic deaths each year.

However, even as we shine a spotlight on dangerous narcotics, it's important to remember other substances can be just as deadly. Take alcohol; each year in the U.S., some 88,000 people die directly or indirectly due to alcohol consumption.

One in eight American adults, or 12.7% of our country's population, have an alcohol use disorder. Alcoholism doesn't only affect the person holding the bottle, though. If you're living with an alcoholic, chances are, you've felt the strain yourself. 

Loving an alcoholic isn't always easy. While they can benefit from your support, your health and happiness matter too.

Find the balance with these five tips on how to live with an alcoholic. These tips can make your life a little easier.

There's no doubt about it- getting sober is hard work. For many people, it improves relationships, health and it can put you back on track with your career. There are so many positives to getting sober that the negatives aren't often talked about. 

If you think you need to give up alcohol, or you're currently taking part in a sobriety program, here are some of the things that you may not know.

If you have made the powerful and life-changing decision to quit drinking, then congratulations are in order. These first few days sober will be the beginning of a happier, healthier, and longer life.

However, the first few days can also be the most challenging for any struggling alcoholic. Immediately after you stop drinking is when your body will feel the most severe symptoms and withdrawal effects.

The decision to get sober is a defining moment in an addict's life. But staying sober isn't easy. No matter how far into recovery someone is, they face temptation and their demons every day of their lives.

Anything that can help ease this process is a welcome addition during that journey. Keep reading to learn why Alcoholics Anonymous medallions help addicts stay clean and sober.

Alcoholics Anonymous began in 1939. Today, there are over 2 million successfully recovering members of Alcoholics Anonymous in more than 180 countries.

You might have heard of the 12 steps of AA, but have you heard about AA tokens?

Read on to learn what these are, how they are earned and their significance

Did you know that there are studies out there that link the qualities of successful people with people who also suffer from substance abuse disorder? Think about celebrities for a minute. They are usually risk-takers, have a good work ethic, and a strong desire to be successful. When all this is mixed with being in the public eye, it can lead to disaster. 

AA sobriety chips signal an end and a beginning of sorts. It's the end of the chemically-dependent person. It's also the renewal of their hope.

Here Are 5 Things You Can Do With Your AA Coin To Help You Stay Sober

Yet, a coin doesn't quite capture the true meaning of the work it takes to stay sober sometimes. How could a coin possibly symbolize the tough nights you spent wondering if you would be drunk come the morning? 

Here Are 10 Tips On How To Stay Sober During Tough Times

According to research, helping other alcoholics is a good strategy for maintaining sobriety. So much so that 40% of those who aided in other's sobriety saw greater success in their own sobriety journey.

5 Tips On How to Get Sober and Change Your Life

Over 25 million Americans have an addiction. While this includes illicit drugs and prescription medications, alcohol is a continuing problem for many addicts. In fact, one in eight American adults is now considered an alcoholic. 

Looking for ways to enhance your recovery?

Addiction is rampant in the United States. 21.5 million Americans struggled with a substance use disorder in 2014; 17% of men and 8% of women in the general population will experience alcoholism in their lifetimes.Those are scary figures.

Did you know that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americas dedicate approximately 1% of their spending on alcohol? That's a hefty chunk of our paychecks. It pays off in many ways to choose sobriety during the holidays.

What are AA coins? How are they special in the journey toward sobriety, and what do they stand for? Click here to learn all about them.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has a solid 80 years of history. Starting with Bill W. back in 1934 and continuing to this day. This fellowship of alcoholics helping other alcoholics gives us the 12-step model of recovery as we know it today.

Is your one-year anniversary of being sober coming up? 

This isn't any old birthday celebration. Your sobriety anniversary is a monumental date that shows how far you've come. You've worked hard for this celebration.

Not sure how to plan this special event? There are tons of options to suit how you want to spend the day. 

When the weekend rolls around, it seems everywhere you look there are people drinking. If you're recovering from an alcohol addiction, weekends can seem challenging.

Staying sober doesn't mean you have to give up your social life. It may appear that there aren't many fun social events without alcohol. But, there are actually lots of things you can do without alcohol ever coming into the equation.

6 Amazing Gifts for Recovering Alcoholics

6 Amazing Gifts for Recovering Alcoholics

Heartfelt and meaningful gifts are a great way to show that you care and support your loved ones no matter what. Here are 6 amazing gifts for recovering alcoholics that are a beautiful way to show your support!

Realizing someone close to you is an alcoholic is one of the hardest things in life to face. But, imagine how much harder addiction is for the person who is struggling with it.

He or she needs your support as they work to recover, and even after they've reached sobriety, too.

One way you can show your loved one you still care is to give them a gift to celebrate their recovery. You may choose to do this as you're picking them up from rehab or as they reach important milestones in their sobriety - like being 1 year or 10 years clean.

You can also buy gifts for recovering alcoholics just because. If you're not sure what to buy, though, check out the list of suggestions below.

Alcohol and Mental Health: 4 Co-Occurring Disorders You May Encounter

4 Co-Occurring Disorders You May Encounter

Dealing with alcoholism is already tough as it is, but it becomes a whole different game when co-occurring disorders become involved. Here are 4 co-occurring disorders you or a loved one may encounter on their road to recovery.

Alcohol addiction often accompanies additional underlying mental and anxiety disorders or co-occurring disorders.

A 1990 survey reported 53% of people with substance addiction had a co-occurring disorder.

It's not uncommon to seek treatment for alcohol and mental health simultaneously.

However, co-occurring disorders often go undiagnosed and so can be difficult to manage.

Alcohol and mental health affect each other, as many people with undiagnosed disorders self-medicate with alcohol and other substances to manage their symptoms.

Here's how to tell if you or a loved one has a co-occurring disorder and how to get help.

6 Myths About Alcohol and Alcoholism That Need to Disappear

6 Myths About Alcohol and Alcoholism That Need to Disappear

Whether you have a loved one who is recovering from alcoholism or a recovering addict yourself, the fact remains that myths and stereotypes about alcohol can be very damaging. Here are 6 myths about alcohol and alcoholism that need to be put to rest now.

Alcohol is legal for those above 21 years old in the United States. But its legal status doesn't mean that it isn't abused or addictive. In fact, it's a huge problem in our country: over 15 million people struggle with some sort of alcohol use disorder.

Even though alcohol abuse is quite prevalent in our society, certain myths about alcohol and misconceptions about alcoholics persist. We're going to go over 6 of the most common myths that people still believe about alcohol and alcohol abuse. This will help you understand the truth about drinking and addiction.

What to Expect in the First Years of Alcohol Addiction Recovery

What to Expect in the First Years of Alcohol Addiction Recovery

Getting over your alcohol addiction can be a tough road ahead, but being prepared can help soothe the journey somewhat. Read more to learn what you can expect in the first years of alcohol addiction recovery and become informed today.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, it's estimated that there are over 15 million people over the age of 18 with alcohol use disorder.

That number is high, but you're no longer a statistic. You've realized that you have a problem with alcohol, and now you're doing what you can to get sober.

Some people have struggled with alcoholism for months. For others, it may be years or even decades. Sobriety can be intimidating, but when you know what to expect it can be less scary.

Do you want to know what to expect in the first years of your recovery? Read on to learn more.

What to Do When You Relapse on Alcohol

Relapse is a difficult part of recovery that many people have to deal with, but you shouldn'tt let it diminish how far you have come. Read more to learn more on what to do when you relapse on alcohol so you can get back on track in no time.

Overcoming alcohol addiction is a challenge which needs commitment and time. Studies show that approximately 40 to 60 percent of people treated for substance abuse are likely to have a relapse. If you have ever had to overcome an addiction, you know how difficult it is to resist the urge to backslide.

A slip is a momentary lapse which causes regret to the victim soon after the action. It can occur when a person experiences something which distracts his/her focus temporarily. Relapse describes a person who manages a sober life for quite some time only to resume to old habits eventually.

Falling back is not equivalent to ultimate failure. Knowing what to do when you relapse is what matters. The bottom line is that the victim has expressed the urge to quit drinking.

Keep on reading to learn more!

5 Tips to Help Reduce Alcohol Cravings

Recovering from alcoholism is a constant uphill battle that takes a lot of strength to overcome. Here are 5 tips you can use to help you on your road of recovery to reduce alcohol cravings in a fast and healthy way.

There are millions of people suffering from alcoholism. Of those millions, only a tiny fraction will choose to go sober and maintain their sobriety.

One of the things that make alcohol so hard to kick is the changes it makes to your brain. If you have been a heavy drinker for years, some of those changes could be permanent.

Here, we give you 5 tips to help reduce alcohol cravings so over time it can become less of a struggle to stay sober. Even better, these are all completely natural and dietary based changes you can make today to lessen your cravings and keep you on the road to recovery.

No matter how far along you are on your path to recovery, it's vital to set aside time to focus on yourself and reclaiming your self-esteem.

Addiction can strip us of our sense of self-worth. When we feel bad about ourselves seeking outside help and trying to better our lives may not feel like a battle worth fighting.

It is for this reason that rebuilding your self-esteem is a vital part of the recovery process.

Unsure of how to take back your sense of self-confidence and respect?

Here are eight tips to help you begin rebuilding self esteem as you continue working toward your recovery from addiction.

Do Addiction Recovery Apps Work? Here Are 6 That Could Help Your Alcohol Recovery Journey

Should You Try Addiction Recovery Apps for Alcohol Recovery?

There's an app for everything including sobriety apps. If you're considering addiction recovery apps for alcohol recovery, here are 6 you might want to try.

Alcoholism grips over 40 million Americans ages 12 and older.

That means 1 in 7 people struggle with alcoholism in the United States. There's no doubt that this is a common battle to face.

And if you're recovering from alcoholism, it can be a difficult task to face on your own. Without the proper help, you may even slip back into your bad habits.

Lucky for you, addiction recovery apps are out there and ready to help you. Using these, you may be able to stay on track to full recovery.

Read on to find yours.

1. Sober Grid

Often, when struggling with alcohol recovery, it can become easy to feel alone. No one should have to do it alone, and that's what Sober Grid tries to do.

Sober Grid connects you with other people that are recovering. And some who have already may be on the app to give support. The app is free on both the Itunes and Android stores.

Users on the app can see in what areas other users are. This gives you the ability to meet with people like you in person.

Sober Grid offers you the community you need to get through recovery. You won't need to feel alone again.

If a situation becomes too tempting, you can contact someone in the community. Like social media, you can also publish your thoughts to a welcoming community.

2. Sobriety Counter

Sobriety Counter, also called EasyQuit, is a free app that makes sobriety fun. While the struggle can be hard, Sobriety Counter gives you some positive encouragement.

Sobriety Counter lets you personalize your recovery. You can choose to go cold turkey or take a slow path. Its flexibility makes this a perfect app for anyone.

A counter on the app keeps track of all the benefits quitting has given you. You can watch as your body's blood circulates better and fat disappears.

The app also counts up how much money you have saved since quitting. If you want, you can set a goal to reach before buying something.

Sobriety Counter also includes a three-minute game to distract you from the urge to drink. It's three minutes because that's how long it takes to lose the urge on average.

Sobriety Counter also has 64 badges that you receive when you meet goals. This positive encouragement will help you recover more than you know.

3. Stop Drinking with Andrew Johnson

Stop Drinking with Andrew Johnson ranks #31 on the Itunes Medical section. Although you can't get this app on Andriod, this app may make all the difference for $2.99.

Stop Drinking with Andrew Johnson focuses on the mental aspect of recovery. This app doesn't stop with helping you avoid drinking. It also shows you why you shouldn't.

When you open the app, it offers you a daily listening session to relax you from drinking. Using hypnotherapy, Andrew Johnson leads you away from your negative habits.

The therapy changes your thought process about alcohol. Soon, even your subconscious wants to turn down a drink.

The app also offers you different resources to use. For example, it also offers visualization tools.

4. 12 Steps AA Companion

The 12 Steps AA companion is a helpful partner to any AA member. It costs $2.99, and you can get it on the Itunes store but not Android.

It respects your privacy from the very start. Even the app icon doesn't look like an AA app. And each time you open it, a calculator tells you how far you've come since being sober.

The app also includes the famous AA big book, which costs more in print than the app does. This means you can even save money by buying this app.

The 12 Steps AA companion also lets you use the book as any book. You can highlight text, bookmark specific passages, and more.

Along with these features, users also have access to a prayers section. The prayers are many of the common AA prayers. It also includes prayers to go along with the book.

A contact and notes section is also part of the app. With this app, you can have all the perks of the AA at your fingertips.

5. SoberTool

SoberTool is a free app on the Itunes store. And because it isn't specific to alcohol, you can use it for any kind of addiction.

A certified alcoholism counselor with 27 years of experience created the app. It focuses on creating habits that keep you sober.

Like many apps, SoberTool lets you know how many days you have been sober. Then, it calculates how much money you have saved too.

You'll see daily motivational messages that SoberTool created. And it will remind you to read them.

Because a professional developed it, the app can help you with almost any situation. You can even use a search bar to look for help.

And, because sobering up isn't a job to do alone, the app includes a community forum to use. With it, you talk to others experiencing similar emotions to yours.

6. Happify

Happify is not an app for alcoholics, but it is worth mentioning. Happify helps you defeat the feelings that make you want to drink in the first place.

It takes account of your habits and helps you decide what new habits to make. Using these new habits, you tell it how happy you feel.

Then the app quantifies how happy you are, and over time, you can see how you improve. Soon, you'll be able to improve your happiness in the way you want.

Happify is free on the Itunes store and not on android. To get full features, you could consider paying for a yearly subscription.

Want More Than Addiction Recovery Apps?

Now that you know about addiction recovery apps, it may be time to get yours. What are you waiting for? Your virtual assistant could help save your life.

If you're looking for more help, check out our blog for more. You can also find more helpful information in our AA literature.

Do you know someone recovering from alcoholism? Buy them an AA gift to celebrate their recovery. And if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Staying sober can be essentially challenging when in social situations surrounded by family. Do you share that you are sober now? How do handle people offering you alcohol?

We're going to give you 5 great sobriety tips for staying sober at your next family reunion.

1. Make a Plan

Prepare before the reunion what you are going to do when someone offers you a drink. You are at a gathering where people will be drinking and partying, so someone will most likely offer you a drink.

You don't owe anyone an explanation on why you are getting clean. Come up with a response and stick to it so that you aren't tempted.

A great way to prevent the whole situation from happening is to grab a water or soda early on. People are less likely to offer you a drink if they see you already have one in hand.

2. Why Aren't You Drinking?

If someone does offer you a drink a natural question will be why you aren't drinking. Now it's your family, maybe they already know you are sober.

If this is the case you can politely remind them that you are sober now. Or you can say that you realized you had a problem and decided it would be best to stop drinking.

If you aren't comfortable talking about trying to stay sober, there are plenty of other responses you can have at the ready. For example, you could say that you just don't feel like drinking.

You could say that you are the designated driver for others, which is mostly a true statement anyway. You could say that your current diet or medication prevents you from drinking.

3. Set a Time Limit and an Out

Family situations can be stressful. This is especially true when it is a large family reunion where there are more than a normal amount of family members in one place.

Setting a time limit for yourself can help you cope with the situation while you're in it. It will also limit the amount of time you spend in a situation that may cause you stress and trigger you to want to drink.

Preparing your out in advance ensures that when you've hit your limit and you need to leave, you can. If you drive yourself, then you're set.

If you drove to the reunion with others, or the reunion is where you are staying, you need an alternate plan. Maybe this means you arrange with a friend to be available to come get you.

You could have uber at the ready to get a ride. If the reunion is at a destination you can scope the place out before you go.

Look for options that allow you to "take a time out" from the situation. This could be at the destination or a nearby coffee shop.

4. Get a Buddy

Have someone that you trust be with you at the family reunion to help hold you accountable for your sobriety. It is a lot easier to stay sober when there is someone else there.

This is especially true if you are early on in your sobriety when temptations are stronger and easier to fall for. Don't think it has to be a family member, you could bring a significant other or close friend.

5. Avoid People Pleasing

Remember that just because they are your family doesn't mean you should feel obligated. Do not feel like you need to do anything you are not comfortable doing.

It can be tough to stay strong when you are facing a group, but remember that you and your sobriety are more important. Think about what situations make you uncomfortable and prepare yourself to say no to them.

We all know who that "toxic" family member is, we all have one. Limit your time with these family members as they will increase your stress and risk level.

If you can't avoid them, try planning on limiting your time at the reunion. Only go for a day or two instead of the whole week.

6. Have Realistic Expectations

Life and people aren't perfect, so set realistic expectations for your family reunion. Your family members probably haven't made major changes.

The conflicts that popped up in the past will probably pop up again. Accept them, take ownership of your role, and let it go.

Resist the urge to try and control the situation and others. You can't control how other people are.

7. Plan Activities

Don't let yourself end up sitting around for hours with family drinking and talking. There are plenty of other activities you can do with your family that doesn't involve drinking.

Don't let yourself fall into romanticising alcohol. When family members start bringing up the past and romanticising drunken events, remove yourself.

8. Find the Local Meeting

Before you go to the family reunion, locate when and where the local AA meetings are held. This will be the support system you need when the family starts becoming too much.

If you already know when and where the meeting is you remove the excuse of not knowing. You'll most likely need to go to a meeting after being surrounded by all of your family for extended periods of time.

Staying Sober

The smartest thing you can do when staying sober at a family reunion is to make a plan and prepare for your family reunion. Get your responses ready for the tough questions, and remember that you don't owe anyone any explanations.

Know where your out is, and where you can go if you need a break from the situation. Look up where the local meetings are.

Check out these great meditation tips you can take with you and use at your next family reunion.