How My Own Recovery Experience Helped Me Change the Rules at Asheville Recovery Center
For years, I stood firmly in the camp of “no phones in treatment.” I believed they were a distraction, a risk, and a barrier to true healing. And honestly? I was loud about it.
But then I remembered something that humbled me in a big way.
Back in 2011, when I was in treatment myself, I snuck my phone in. I wasn’t in charge of anything back then—I was just someone trying to get better. And even though I knew phones were against the rules, I brought mine anyway.
Why? Because I needed to stay connected. I wanted to talk to people I loved. I needed music to feel calm. I wasn’t trying to rebel—I was just trying to survive one of the hardest seasons of my life.
Fast forward a few years, and I found myself as the Executive Director of Asheville Recovery Center. When the conversation about allowing phones in treatment came up, I remembered 2011 me—the person who hid their phone just to feel a little bit human. And I realized it was time to stop pretending people didn’t need connection.
That’s why we changed the rule at Asheville Recovery Center.
Today, our clients can access their phones daily during lunch. It’s structured. It’s monitored. And it works. It allows people to handle real-life responsibilities, talk to their kids, and stay grounded—while still doing the deep work of recovery.
The Old School View: Why Phones Were Once Banned in Treatment
For a long time, treatment centers banned phones for a few key reasons—and honestly, they weren’t wrong to be cautious.
- Phones could be used to contact old using friends or dealers.
That’s a real risk, especially in early recovery when cravings are strong. - They made it easier to leave against medical advice (AMA).
A quick text could get someone picked up before they were ready. - Phones were distracting.
Treatment is supposed to be about reflection and growth, not scrolling TikTok or doomscrolling Facebook. - They created privacy concerns.
Imagine opening up in group therapy, only to worry someone might be recording you. That kills trust fast.
These concerns led to strict “no phone” policies across the country—and for a while, that made sense. But the world started changing. And honestly? Treatment needed to catch up.
The World Changed—So Should Addiction Treatment
Let’s face it—we don’t live in 2005 anymore.
Phones are part of life now. They’re how people pay their bills, talk to their kids, log into telehealth appointments, and even attend AA meetings on Zoom. And when you ask someone to give all that up for 30+ days, it’s not just inconvenient—it can be a real barrier to getting help in the first place.
We’ve seen it firsthand at Asheville Recovery Center. Some people almost didn’t come to treatment because they were scared to leave their kids completely out of contact. Or because they needed to check in with a job, deal with a legal issue, or talk to their partner daily.
The truth is, connection doesn’t get in the way of healing—it supports it.
Pros of Allowing Phones During Treatment
Let’s break down some of the benefits we’ve seen from allowing structured phone use during treatment.
1. It Helps People Stay Grounded
Treatment is a safe bubble—but real life keeps going. Allowing phone access helps people handle everyday things like bills, childcare, or court appointments without disrupting their progress.
2. It Reduces Anxiety
When people know they’ll have time to check in with loved ones each day, they’re more relaxed—and more willing to stay for the correct length of time.
3. It Builds Trust
We don’t want people sneaking around. We want honesty. Offering phone access builds trust between clients and staff.
4. It Teaches Real-World Boundaries
The goal of recovery isn’t to live in a bubble forever. It’s to learn how to stay sober in the real world—with all its distractions, apps, notifications, and triggers. Letting people practice healthy phone habits while in treatment is part of that growth.
5. Phones Can Be Recovery Tools
People use their phones to:
- Join online recovery communities
- Meditate with calming apps
- Journal or track moods
- Listen to recovery podcasts
- Call sponsors
It’s not all bad. It just depends on how you use it.
The Cons (Because Let’s Be Honest—They Still Exist)
We’re not blind to the risks. We’ve seen phones cause problems too. That’s why our approach is structured and intentional.
1. Triggers Are Real
One text from an old using friend can send someone into a spiral. That’s why our clinical team helps clients clear out old contacts and set healthy boundaries with technology.
2. Social Media Can Be Toxic
Endless scrolling, comparing your life to someone else’s highlight reel, or seeing party photos can absolutely affect mental health. We talk about this openly in group and help people create a healthier digital environment.
3. Distraction From the Work
Phones can pull people out of the present moment. That’s why we don’t allow them during groups, therapy, or clinical activities. Recovery time is recovery time.
How We Handle Phone Use at Asheville Recovery Center
At Asheville Recovery Center, we found a sweet spot that works. Here’s our approach:
- Phones are allowed daily during lunch.
This gives clients a consistent window to check in with their world—without derailing the treatment process. - Therapists help clients set digital boundaries.
Whether it’s blocking toxic contacts or reducing social media use, our team helps clients shape their digital environment in a healthy way. - Phones are not allowed in group or therapy.
This keeps the focus where it belongs: on healing, connection, and being present.
It’s not about giving people everything they want—it’s about giving them what they need in a structured, safe way.
A New Kind of Recovery
Change can be uncomfortable. Even I resisted it at first.
But the truth is, recovery has to evolve with the world. If we don’t grow with the times, we risk leaving people behind.
Phones are a part of life now. So instead of banning them completely, we’re teaching people how to use them with intention. We’re helping clients learn how to balance healing and connection, how to build a future without needing to hide, and how to stay sober while staying plugged into life.
And the best part? It works.
We’ve seen it help parents stay engaged, employees stay employed, and anxious clients feel safe enough to stick with treatment. That’s a win in our book.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering treatment and worried about being totally cut off from your family, your job, or the world—you’re not alone.
And you don’t have to be.
At Asheville Recovery Center, we believe you can stay connected and still heal. Our structured phone policy is just one of the many ways we do things differently—because we’ve been there too.
Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or someone you love, we’re here to meet you where you are—and help you build the life you deserve.
Thinking About Getting Help?
📞 Call Asheville Recovery Center today. 828-518-6996
We’re ready to listen. Ready to help. And ready to walk this journey with you.
