How to run the Elma app
The application can be downloaded from the App Store (iOS operating system) or Google Play (Android operating system). The app is designed to support existing addiction treatment.
To gain access for the next 3 months, you will receive a QR code from your doctor at a clinic, outpatient clinic or addiction counseling center.
Tips and instructions
The app provides audio and video contributions on how to better deal with your addiction as well as on self-care and parenting topics. It supports you with specific strategies to reduce your cravings.
You will be guided to regularly reflect on your feelings, your cravings and the connection with stress and challenges in everyday parenting.
The app also offers tips and support for children and adult relatives in an area specially designed for them.
Here you will find answers to possible questions when using the app.
Frequently asked questions about the app
As the app is used to accompany therapy, it can only be activated by a therapist from the participating institutions. You will regularly receive an activation code with which you can use the app for 3 months before you need to activate it again. You can use the app for as long as you like, as long as you are regularly activated.
You can use the app at any time, even if you relapse. The app and the emergency plan it contains can help you to stop relapsing as quickly as possible. If you would like to find out more about dealing with a relapse, you can also find a chapter on this in the Addiction category.
After a relapse, it is important to adjust your data so that you can make good use of the Successes section. To do this, click on your profile and update the date you started abstinence (see question 2).
It is not a problem if you do not understand all the content or have questions. As the app is used alongside therapy, you can discuss and work through difficult topics with your therapist.
In the addiction category, the content builds on each other. It is therefore advisable to work through the topics one after the other.
All mothers and fathers with an addiction or harmful substance use who have children between the ages of 0 and 18 can use this app. An existing addiction therapy treatment is required.
In addition, expectant mothers and fathers with an addiction or harmful substance use can also benefit from the app. If these criteria apply to you and you are interested, please contact the person treating you at a participating institution. They can then activate you (see question 1).
The Elma app is primarily aimed at you as a parent. However, it can also help you to explain your addiction to your child. If your child is already in secondary school, they can read the information section for relatives on their own. If your child is still young, the app provides useful tips and reading recommendations on how to deal with addiction with your child.
The app also contains lots of recipes, craft ideas and instructions for relaxation exercises that you can do together with your child. For example, show them a recipe idea for a delicious dish and have fun trying it out together!
The data you enter in the Elma app is used exclusively for your self-monitoring and to support your treatment. All information entered is stored exclusively locally on your end device (smartphone or tablet). No data is transferred and stored on an external server. If you lose your device, the data stored up to that point will be lost if you have not made a backup copy.
To further customize the Elma app to your needs, we are conducting a scientific survey during the app's launch phase.
In the first 6 months, we ask the participants for regular feedback on their current situation and their app usage behavior in the form of questionnaires.
Participation in the study is voluntary.
Are you interested in participating in a study? Please contact your practitioner.