Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting the Most Out of the App
Welcome! Whether you’re brand new to recovery or have years of sobriety behind you, Sober Sidekick is here to support you. This guide will walk you through exactly how to use the app, connect with others, and build momentum in your recovery—without overcomplicating anything.
First-Time Quick Start (5–10 Minutes)
If you’re new, start here.
1️⃣ Explore the Home Feed
Scroll through posts and comments to get a feel for the community.
You’ll notice:
Members sharing daily wins
Honest posts about cravings or setbacks
Encouraging replies from others
There’s no pressure to post right away. Just observe the tone and support style.
2️⃣ Finish Your Profile
Go to Profile → Edit Profile and:
Add a photo or avatar
Write a short bio (why you’re here, what you’re working toward)
Enter your sobriety date
Your Sober Counter will automatically track your days and milestones. Every day counts.
3️⃣ Make Your First Post
1. Tap “Post.”
2. Tap “Write a post.”
Share what’s on your mind. Say hello, introduce yourself, or ask for support. This is your first post — keep it simple and genuine.
3. Tap “Select an image.”
Choose a personal photo or a respectful stock image. No paraphernalia or inappropriate photos.
4. Tap “Continue with selected image.”
5. Tap “Publish post.”
6. Give support.
You’ll be prompted to reply to another member.
7. Send your reply.
Hit the up arrow — your reply will go to the member, and your post will publish.
4️⃣ Engage With a Few Posts
Like or reply to 3–5 posts.
Even something short works:
“Proud of you.”
“Thanks for sharing this.”
“I relate to this a lot.”
Think of it as your first handshake with the community.
Daily Routine (5–15 Minutes a Day)
Consistency builds recovery strength.
✅ Check Your Sober Counter
Celebrate milestones—big or small.
Need to adjust your sobriety date?
Go to Profile → Edit Profile.
Scan the Home Feed
Read posts. Leave short encouraging comments (up to 900 characters).
Even one kind word can make a difference for someone struggling with:
Alcohol cravings
Drug withdrawal symptoms
Nicotine urges
Behavioral addictions (gambling, porn, gaming, etc.)
Post or Reflect
Share:
A gratitude
A challenge
A lesson
A small win
A craving you’re working through
Specific questions get better responses. Example:
“How do you cope with weekend urges?”
Respond to Notifications
Reply to comments and direct messages to keep conversations active.
Connection reduces isolation—and isolation is a common trigger in addiction recovery.
Use the Resources Tab
The Resources section includes:
Recovery articles
Meditations
Coping tools
Educational material about addiction and sobriety
Pick what fits your mood.
How to Create Great Posts
Write 1–3 short paragraphs
Be honest and clear
Add a photo if you’d like (visual posts get attention)
Ask directly for support if you need it
Example:
“I’m 3 days sober from alcohol and weekends are hard. What helped you in early recovery?”
Then check back and reply to comments. Engagement builds community.
Connecting With People
Recovery is stronger together.
Follow Members
Follow people whose posts resonate with you.
Reply Thoughtfully
Share short experiences or practical tips that helped you.
Use Direct Messages (DMs)
Send a message like:
“Hi — I appreciated your post about early sobriety. It helped me today.”
Offer Support
Helping others reinforces your own recovery. It strengthens accountability and purpose.
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Sober Sidekick supports recovery from many substances and behaviors, including:
Alcohol
Opioids (heroin, prescription painkillers)
Stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine)
Cannabis
Benzodiazepines
Nicotine
Behavioral addictions (gambling, gaming, pornography, social media)
Addiction is a chronic condition involving brain reward pathways, habit loops, and emotional coping patterns. Cravings can involve:
Stress triggers
Environmental cues
Emotional distress
Social pressure
Withdrawal symptoms
Recovery often includes:
Community support
Therapy
Medical care when needed
Lifestyle changes
Daily accountability
Sober Sidekick is a peer support platform—not a medical provider.
Safety, Privacy & Reporting
Your privacy matters.
Avoid posting personal contact details publicly if you want anonymity.
Use Block or Flag if someone makes you uncomfortable.
Review Community Guidelines to understand what’s allowed.
For urgent support:
Follow in-app instructions
Contact support via Profile → Chats
If you are experiencing a medical emergency or severe withdrawal symptoms, seek immediate medical care in your country.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer (Important)
Sober Sidekick provides peer support and educational resources. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Withdrawal from substances such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, and certain drugs can be medically dangerous and, in some cases, life-threatening.
Symptoms that require immediate medical attention may include:
Seizures
Severe confusion
Hallucinations
Uncontrolled vomiting
Chest pain
Suicidal thoughts
If you are experiencing these symptoms, contact emergency services or a qualified healthcare provider immediately in your country.
Always consult a licensed medical professional before stopping alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, or other substances if you are physically dependent.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Posts won’t publish
Check internet connection
Update the app
Restart the app
Not receiving notifications
Check phone push notification settings
Cannot DM or follow
Sign out and back in
Update the app
Contact support
Quick Tips to Get the Most Out of Sober Sidekick
Spend 5–10 minutes daily
Ask specific questions when you need help
Encourage others consistently
Share wins and struggles
Set a weekly goal (e.g., post 3 times, message 2 people, read 1 article)
Final Thought
Treat Sober Sidekick like a daily reset.
Check in.
Encourage someone.
Share something real.
Small daily actions build long-term recovery.