As the Clinical Director of the reSTART program, I am continually looking for ways to assist clients in becoming accountable for their own recovery from excessive technology use and abuse. Over the years I've recommended such products as Spectorsoft and eBlaster, and have examined many others such as WebWatcher and Covenant Eyes. Although these products perform well based on the standards they've set for themselves, they fall short as a tool used by the individual user (and their recovery partner) in promoting the issue of personal responsiblity, accountability and sustained recovery.
Recently I came across a product called Saavi Accountability Software. According to their website, this software utilizes a system that assists the therapeutic recovery process by requiring the user to "participate in their own recovery, encouraging conversation vs. inhibiting conversation with filters or blocking software." This is a welcome first step in "assisting" clients rather than externally "controlling" clients in their personal recovery goals.
In our work with individuals recovering from problematic computer use, Restart strives to provide the therapeutic tools necessary to maintain life balance by fostering a healthy relationship with technology. Tools such as this are just one part of the recovery process.
To learn more about this program and how it may aid you or someone you care about in taking responsiblity for their computer use, download Saavi's whitepaper.
For more information on problematic computer use and the recovery process, feel free to contact Cosette Rae, Clinical Director of the Restart Internet Addiction Recovery Program.
