What does it mean to be able to show yourself—and those close to you—that you are sober? And how can digital support contribute to a sense of security, motivation, and new daily routines? In the webinar “Proud and Sober with Previct,” three individuals share their experiences with addiction, treatment, and the journey toward a sober life.
Rebuilding trust
For someone who has lived with an alcohol dependency, change involves much more than just stopping drinking. It can also mean regaining the trust of one’s family, finding a sense of security in everyday life, and beginning to believe in one’s own capabilities.
One of the participants, Håkan, talks about his many years spent trying to get sober, and the anxiety he felt about returning to everyday life after treatment. When he was offered the chance to use Previct as a supplement to his treatment, he was initially hesitant. Over time, however, he began to find the regular sobriety tests helpful. Being able to see his progress and receive ongoing confirmation of his sobriety proved motivating. At the same time, the ability to demonstrate that he was sober provided greater peace of mind for his family.
He speaks specifically about his daughter, who had previously felt anxious and needed to check whether her father had been drinking. With the help of Previct, he was able to demonstrate, in a concrete way, that he was sober. For Håkan, this became an important part of the process of rebuilding trust within the family.
From fear to security and new routines
Another participant, Ola, describes how, for many years, alcohol had been something he associated with a sense of security.
Leaving the treatment environment and returning to everyday life without alcohol therefore gave rise to a great deal of uncertainty. With Previct Care, he found a way to create structure in his new life. By performing regular sobriety tests, he was able to track his progress and, step by step, build new habits.
What initially began as a way to affirm his sobriety evolved over time into a sense of pride and independence. He also describes how the routines he established remained significant even after he stopped using the tool.
For him, Previct was not just about the tests themselves, but about creating a sense of security that he could carry with him throughout the rest of his life.
Easier to express what is difficult
A third participant, Marika, shares her journey through treatment and the work of rebuilding relationships with her children. For her, Previct served as a source of support that remained available even outside of treatment sessions.
Among other things, she used the diary to write about events, thoughts, and feelings. Through individually tailored questions, she was also able to reflect on her well-being and motivation. A particularly important aspect was the opportunity to express herself in writing.
Marika describes how it was sometimes easier to be completely honest when writing down her thoughts, rather than sharing them face-to-face. This also allowed the therapist to engage with her reflections and provide feedback. Furthermore, questions and exercises from the treatment could be taken home, ensuring that the work continued between the regular sessions.
A complement that creates continuity
The webinar also features the practitioner Jessica, who shares her experiences of using Previct in her work with clients.
She highlights, among other things, the possibility of closer and more continuous communication, individually tailored goals, and follow-ups based on the client’s needs. Digital support can make it possible to continue working on agreed-upon issues and tasks between sessions, while simultaneously providing the therapist with additional information for follow-up.
However, one important point recurs throughout the stories: it is the individual themselves who carries out the work of change. Previct Care can provide support along the way, but it is no substitute for personal motivation or human interaction.
More than a sobriety test
The stories from the webinar show that the significance of digital support can vary from person to person. For some, it is about being able to show their family that trust can be rebuilt. For others, it is a matter of routines, independence, and taking pride in their progress. For yet others, the ability to write down their thoughts can make it easier to open up and accept support.
A common theme is that, according to the participants’ own experiences, Previct became a complement to their treatment that helped them in their everyday lives.
Behind every test and every digital follow-up, there is a person, a story, and an opportunity for change.
The article is based on personal experiences shared during the Kontigo Care webinar “Proud and Sober with Previct” on May 27, 2021. The accounts describe the participants’ individual experiences and should not be interpreted as general treatment outcomes.