Tools and Techniques for Recovery: Exploring Resources Used in Early Alcohol Use Disorder Recovery

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a debilitating illness that has affected over 29 million people in the United States alone. Not only does AUD have numerous health consequences, such as liver cirrhosis, cognitive impairment, heart disease, and cancer, it impacts individuals’ social lives and costs the United States roughly $249 billion per year. Given the immense impact that AUD has on our society, my masters paper identifies methods to help those with AUD to live healthier lives. I interviewed twelve adults with AUD to understand their experiences seeking information and using technology as part of their recovery process. I describe the treatment options they use, alongside a variety of resources and social support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) that play an integral role in maintaining sobriety. I also address numerous technological advancements that have recently increased in scale and usage largely due to the consequences of COVID-19. My paper concludes with recommendations for future work, particularly researching early recovery and intersectionality of multiple substance use disorders, and I propose design requirements for web and mobile applications to best support individuals and communities.