Question 1

How does Refrain.ing work?

Accepted Answer

Sia, your AI recovery companion, calls you daily at your chosen time. You simply answer the phone and have a natural conversation about your day, challenges, and progress. Each call is personalised based on previous conversations.

Question 2

Is this a replacement for therapy or support groups?

Accepted Answer

No. Refrain.ing is designed to complement—not replace—professional treatment, therapy, and support groups like AA or NA. We encourage you to continue working with care professionals and attending meetings.

Question 3

How long are the calls?

Accepted Answer

Calls usually last 5–15 minutes, but you're in control. You can talk longer if needed, or keep it short if you're busy. There is no strict time limit.

Question 4

What if I miss a call?

Accepted Answer

No problem! You can adjust your schedule anytime via your dashboard. And if you miss a call, you can always initiate one yourself when you need support.

Question 5

Is my information confidential?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Your calls are fully encrypted and confidential. We never share your data with third parties without your explicit consent. You control who receives call summaries.

Question 6

Can family members receive updates?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can choose to have call summaries sent to selected family or friends. This gives them peace of mind while maintaining your privacy.

Question 7

What if I'm in crisis?

Accepted Answer

Refrain.ing is not designed for crisis situations. If you are in crisis, please contact the Suicide Hotline at 90101 or call emergency services at 112.

Question 8

Can I change my call schedule?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You have full flexibility to adjust your call times, frequency, or pause the service. All changes are made through your dashboard.

Question 9

What types of addiction does Refrain.ing support?

Accepted Answer

Refrain.ing supports recovery from all types of substance use disorders, including alcohol, opioids, stimulants, and others. Sia adapts to your specific situation and needs.

Question 10

Do I need any special equipment?

Accepted Answer

No! All you need is a phone. Sia calls your regular number—no app or special device required.

Question 11

Can I cancel anytime?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can cancel your subscription anytime without penalties or fees. You retain access until the end of your billing period.

Question 12

Is there a free trial?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer a 7-day free trial so you can try the service before committing. No credit card required.

Question 13

How is this different from a crisis hotline?

Accepted Answer

Crisis hotlines are for emergencies. Refrain.ing provides consistent, daily support to help you stay on track with long-term recovery. We are here for everyday challenges, not crisis intervention.

Question 14

Can I use Refrain.ing if I'm still in treatment?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Many people use Refrain.ing alongside outpatient care, inpatient treatment, or therapy. It provides additional support between sessions.

Question 15

What if I don't like talking on the phone?

Accepted Answer

We understand phone calls aren't for everyone. While calls are currently our primary format, we are working on adding text-based support options. Let us know your preferences!

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