GREEN BAY, WI — With roughly 9.5% of Wisconsinites facing a substance use disorder, the need for effective, user‑friendly recovery tools is clear. Local resident Elliott Janz, who will mark 8½ years of sobriety later this month, is answering that call with a new mobile application called SobrietyMe.
From personal journey to public solution
Janz’s own path to recovery has included rehab, regular meetings, and diligent work through the twelve‑step program. While searching for digital aids, he discovered that existing sobriety apps were often outdated, bland, and lacking regular updates—some hadn’t been refreshed since the era of the iPhone 4.
“I downloaded every sobriety app on the market, every single one, the ones you paid for, the ones that were free, all that, and they had one common problem. They were all very stale, very boring, nothing exciting about them, and half of them haven’t even been updated since the iPhone 4,” Janz said.
Features designed for engagement and accountability
SobrietyMe aims to break that pattern. The app offers a modern, visually appealing interface, daily check‑ins, progress tracking, and community‑based encouragement. Users can set personal milestones, receive reminders for meetings, and access curated resources on coping strategies and relapse prevention.
In addition, the platform integrates a secure journal feature, allowing individuals to reflect on triggers and successes without fear of judgment. Janz emphasized that the app is built on the principle that recovery should feel empowering, not punitive.
Local impact and future plans
Early testers in Green Bay and the surrounding Fox River Valley have reported higher engagement rates compared to older apps. Local recovery groups have welcomed the tool, noting that its real‑time notifications help members stay connected between meetings.
Janz plans to expand SobrietyMe’s reach statewide, partnering with Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services and faith‑based organizations to ensure the app aligns with community values and supports families in the recovery journey.
Community response
Local leaders have praised the initiative as a constructive example of entrepreneurship serving public good. Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich remarked, “Innovations like SobrietyMe show how our citizens can turn personal challenges into solutions that strengthen the whole community.”
Faith‑based groups have also expressed support, highlighting the app’s potential to complement spiritual counseling and family involvement in the recovery process.
Looking ahead
As the SobrietyMe team prepares for a broader launch, they are seeking feedback from users, clinicians, and community partners to refine features and ensure the app remains a dynamic, supportive resource. With Janz’s personal testimony and a clear vision for a healthier Wisconsin, SobrietyMe could become a model for other states grappling with substance use challenges.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
