In short: Whatever you're stepping away from, the daily work of staying sober looks a lot alike: knowing your reasons, planning for cravings and risky moments, and staying connected to people. What differs most is safety when you stop, which is why stopping some substances should happen with a doctor's help.
You're in big company
In 2024, 48.4 million people in the US aged 12 or older (16.8%) had a substance use disorder in the past year (SAMHSA, 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health). Many of them used more than one substance. Recovery isn't one substance's story.
What's the same, whatever the substance
- Cravings rise and pass. They feel urgent and they fade. Here's what a craving is and why it passes.
- Triggers are personal. People, places, times of day and feelings. Knowing yours lets you plan.
- Connection helps. Meetings, friends, family, a counselor or a sponsor: support you can reach on a hard night. Here's how to find a meeting tonight.
- The first month is full of firsts. First weekend, first payday, first bad day. See your first 30 days, week by week.
What's different
Safety when you stop. Stopping some substances suddenly, especially after heavy or long use, can be dangerous. Talk with a doctor before you stop, and get medical help right away if you feel very unwell (SAMHSA). This post isn't medical advice, and neither is any app.
Risk after time away. With some drugs, using again after a break carries a serious overdose risk (NIDA).
Community fit. Some groups focus on one substance and some welcome everyone. Try a few until one feels right.
Built for every path
Free and Sober™ is a sobriety app for alcohol, other drugs or anything else, for every step of recovery, and for any path: 12-step, SMART Recovery, Recovery Dharma, faith-based, secular or your own way. No ranking substances, no judgment. Learn more on our home page.
Free and Sober™ launches November 20, 2026. Join the waitlist and we'll email you when it's ready. (At first, it won't be available in every US state.)
Questions people ask
Is there a sobriety app for drugs, not just alcohol?
Yes. Free and Sober™ is built for any substance, including more than one.
Is quitting one substance different from quitting another?
The daily work is similar. Safety when stopping can be very different, so talk with a doctor first.
Can I track more than one substance?
Your count is yours. Many people count sober days from everything they're stepping away from.
If you need help now
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988, any hour (988 Lifeline).
- SAMHSA's National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357, free, confidential, 24/7 (SAMHSA).
- In an emergency, call 911.
Free and Sober™ is a wellness app, not treatment or medical care, and doesn't give medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a qualified health professional about your health or about stopping a substance.
Free from dependence. Sober in every sense.