Addiction recovery app launched by City of Edinburgh Council

An app has been launched in Edinburgh to support people who are recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. 

The Addiction Recovery Companion (ARC-Edinburgh) mobile phone and tablet app helps people connect to recovery events, meetings and services in the city.

Features include information about recovery activities and professional services, a planner for appointments, a private journal to record ups and downs, inspirational readings and relaxation exercises and an optional counter showing how many days the user has been in recovery.

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The aim of the app is to help people struggling with addictions link to the recovery network in Edinburgh, track their progress and boost their motivation.

ARC-Edinburgh allows people organising events and meetings to share them through the app and users can share inspirational quotes, articles and links that helped them.

The app, which has been developed with the help of people in recovery through a series of consultation events, is free, confidential and does not gather any information about users.

David Williams from Edinburgh Drug and Alcohol Partnership said: “We know that for many people trying to end their addiction and build a new life, spending time with others who have come through addiction is more helpful than anything else.

“There are over 150 events in Edinburgh every week where people in recovery come together to share their strength, hope and experience or just to take part in social, learning or leisure events.

“We hope that the app will enable people to find the support that helps them get on their feet as well as helping them to plan their time and keep focused.”

The Addiction Recovery Companion app is the result of a collaboration between the City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Apps winners Anne-Marie Mann and Ella Robbins.

Edinburgh Apps is an annual challenge run by the City of Edinburgh Council that encourages participants to develop digital services such as mobile apps, websites or product concepts to enhance life in the city for residents and visitors.

It is one of the first events of its kind in the UK, allowing entrants to work with council and partner data to create new ideas.

Councillor Ricky Henderson, Health and Social Care Convener, said: “ARC-Edinburgh was the winner of the council’s Edinburgh Apps competition in 2014 and it is fantastic to see their ideas take shape and come to life.

“I believe the end result will be a very useful tool for the recovery community in Edinburgh. The council is proud to help launch this app on behalf of the Edinburgh Drug and Alcohol Partnership.”