New app helps people in Renfrewshire with drug and alcohol addictions on journey to recovery

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One of Scotland’s leading residential rehabilitation centres for people with drug and alcohol issues in Renfrewshire has launched an innovative new app to help them overcome their addictions.

Abbeycare Scotland is rolling out the technology to clients as part of its aftercare programme at its clinic in Erskine, with the aim of reducing the risk of relapses.

One of the app’s key features is a digital tracker which allows people to record the number of days that they have been drug or alcohol free, giving them motivation to keep going.

It also gives users the ability to create their own written journal, which can then be shared with Abbeycare’s aftercare team.

The app, which works both on mobile and laptop, gives people access to Abbeycare’s programme of outreach groups and other recovery events in their area and online.

If they find themselves in crisis, users can open the app to call Abbeycare’s 24-hour phone line or start a live chat with one of its staff.

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Eddie Clarke, outreach manager of the Abbeycare Group, said: “We’re excited to be rolling out this new app for our clients in Erskine and are certain many will benefit from being able to reach out for support with just a few taps on their phone.

“Returning to the outside world after a spell in rehab can be extremely challenging which is why the work of our aftercare team is so important.

“Sometimes the difference between relapse and recovery is as simple as being able to speak to someone who understands what you are going through. The app’s other features, like allowing people to express themselves through a journal or discover an inspirational quote are all designed to smooth their way to recovery.”

The key purpose of the app is to make it as easy as possible for those in recovery to seek help and support if they need it, reducing the chances of them relapsing.

It is designed to complement Abbeycare’s existing aftercare service, which is a crucial part of its work helping people recover from drug and alcohol addictions.

Once they have completed their residential stay in Erskine, all Abbeycare clients are given an aftercare plan to work through, which includes frequent check-ins with outreach staff and other volunteers who have been through the same thing.

The new app will make this process even easier and more convenient, with all the recovery-focused information they need gathered in one place.

Abbeycare client Ross Carrick said: “The app brings together many resources that I use every day as part of a 12-step recovery programme, such as the daily journal, the lists of meetings on the Zoom platform, and access to readings which are all part of my daily disciplines.”

For more information about Abbeycare, click here.

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