New app helps addicts connect with treatment services
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The city of Milwaukee and other programs that work with addiction dedicated Thursday, Aug. 31 to honor people who have been affected by overdose deaths.
New numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released in a database by the San Francisco Chronicle show that Milwaukee ranks 8th in the country for the number of overdose deaths per 100,000 people.
Amy Molinski of Community Medical Services said she struggled with addiction for about 10 years. One of the challenges she faced was finding services. Molinski said years ago services weren't always readily available at a click of a button, but if it was, it would've helped several people.
"Even if you found them, then you have to try to get in, they have to have an opening, you have to have the right insurance or enough money. Yeah, it's really difficult," said Molinski.
A few months ago, Community Medical Services and Bright Therapeutics launched an app called Recovery Connect. It aims to help those struggling with addiction get the help they need as soon as possible.
"It is available to anyone to use many of the features. So, there's a check-in you can do in the morning and the evening. There's assignments you can look at. There's audio lessons, video lessons," said Mark Schaefer, Executive Vice-President of Clinical Services at Community Medical Services.
The app also helps users connect to AA meetings, they can log their cravings, triggers and many other live-saving options.
For uses who are already enrolled in Community Medical Services programs, those users can easily get in-touch with a counselor whenever they'd like.