Recover Together
Finding Community in Substance Abuse Recovery
The opposite of addiction is connection
Problem Statement
The Federal Government is paying 15 million dollars a year to send addicts to rehab centers and the success rate is very low
- Rehab has a 30% success rate for those who complete the program
- Well-known rehab centers often cost $20,000 for a 30-day program
- For those requiring 60- or 90-day programs, the total average of costs could range anywhere from $12,000 to $60,000.
- The CDC states that Nearly 841,000 people have died since 1999 from a drug overdose in the United States.
Approach
Weight watchers and other weight loss programs find that having a community keeps people consistent when it comes to sticking to their diet.
This concept shows that community and accountability by like-minded individuals, is more likely to help keep a person on track during their health journey.
Solution
Creating an application for a non profit organization that brings community, accountability, and mentorship to those who have completed their rehab program and are serious about their recovery from substance abuse.
Target Users
Those who are in recovery from substance abuse
- In need accountability partners
- Looking for safe entertainment without temptation
- Trying to stay plugged into a sober community
- Just completed a program and looking for support in the transition
Stakeholders
Federal Government
- With 15 million a year going to addiction recovery, the government would be a major stakeholder for helping addicts find success
- Sleeping Giant
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- This administration puts forth a lot of money and energy towards addiction recovery
- They could pull more resources for mental health if they had less spending to do on substance abuse programs
- Saviour
User Personas
How Can We Help?
Community
We can offer community through sober events and mentorships in the world of substance abuse recovery
Accountability
Having a daily pledge and introducing those in recovery to community through this resource would offer accountability to the user
Wireframes
Prototype
Key Findings
- Most people in recovery have failed more than one time
- People who are on the other side of addiction seem to be very willing to help those who are struggling find their way
- Addiction can happen to anyone, no one is immune
- Anonymity seem to be a thing of the past with this community as 100% of my interviewees were willing to forgo anonymity to spread the word about recovery.
Next Steps
- Introduce my features to potential users through user testing to get an idea of the needs of the community and the potentials pain points in my application
- Interview a larger number of users to get a better understanding on the needs of people who are struggling with substance abuse
- Pitch my idea to try and get Federal funding to pursue this venture
Resources
“Data Overview.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25 Mar. 2021, www.cdc.gov/opioids/data/index.html.
Hari, Johann. “Everything You Think You Know about Addiction Is Wrong.” TED, www.ted.com/talks/johann_hari_everything_you_think_you_know_about_addiction_is_wrong#t-202527.
“The Opposite of Addiction Is Connection.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/love-and-sex-in-the-digital-age/201509/the-opposite-addiction-is-connection.
“Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.” SAMHSA, www.samhsa.gov/.
