Technology Comes to Sobriety

 

With Covid-19 causing shutdowns, social distancing and increased anxiety, Ohioans struggling with sobriety and addiction has become an even more acute challenge. Going out to find meetings, clinics and support groups may not be an option for many Ohioans, but a new technology is bringing together those fighting with addiction and clinically trained peer counselors that can help. Based in Cuyahoga County, Ascent Powered by Sober Grid is a national digital health organization that provides telehealth evidence-based addiction peer recovery support services that offer personalized support 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Ascent pairs its peer coaching with the convenience of the largest sober social media mobile application, Sober Grid, which is a free iOS/Android app, so members can access the right support at the right time. 

 

Peer recovery support services involve the process of giving and receiving non-clinical assistance to support long-term recovery from substance use disorders. The benefits of peer recovery coaching include sharing the lived experience of recovery combined with training and supervision to assist others in initiating and maintaining recovery. Peer recovery support services can support or even be an alternative to clinical treatment for substance use disorders.

 

Our diverse group of peer coaches allows clients to select from a range of men and women with the coach of their choosing. Ascent provides non-facility-based telehealth services that begin with developing a recovery plan customized by the client, in concert with a state certified peer coach, followed by weekly 30 minute sessions to guide and encourage adherence to their recovery plan for one year.

 

By providing around the clock access along with mobile app Sober Grid, many clients are able to receive a continuum of care that oftentimes is not available to them. These services can be particularly beneficial for individuals who lack transportation or childcare services, live in rural areas and may not have access to large amounts of meetings in their area. And, those who find it hard to connect in person. In addition to scheduling weekly 30 minute coaching sessions, Ohioans seeking support can utilize the crisis prevention service and call or text with a peer coach from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. Monday through Friday. As the client moves forward in recovery, coaches remain accessible by phone and have access to crisis prevention 24/7/365 to other peer coaches – anywhere and anytime they need it.  

 

Not only does the mobile application allow members to interface with one another and provide a network of peer support, users have the ability to reach out to the community for support at any time the need arises. The sober community thrives on having a safe and supportive environment. Ascent peer recovery coaching and the Sober Grid App are currently and successfully being used by individuals struggling with addiction, families working to help a loved one, treatment centers, drug courts, and other recovery organizations.