An Interview with Edward, the Founder of SoberProof

Edward, the founder of Soberproof, shares his personal journey with alcohol and how it led him to create a unique app designed to help relationships recover from the effects of alcohol and rebuild trust.

Q - Tell us about your personal experience with alcohol and how it led you to create SoberProof.

It is no secret that I have had my own battles with alcohol. Over time, the impact of my relationship with alcohol became painfully clear ... it was not just affecting my health and well-being, it was damaging the important relationships in my life.

Even as I made positive changes rebuilding trust and connection with those closest to me was a slow and delicate process. We found ourselves in a 'grey area' - a fragile space where past hurts and anxieties could easily resurface, making it difficult to move forward.

I felt there had to be a better way to navigate this challenging terrain and accelerate the healing process for everyone involved. With my background in technology and app design I imagined a tool that could provide the structure, accountability and support that both sides of the relationship needed to reconnect and heal. That is how the idea for SoberProof was born.

Q - How does SoberProof accelerate the healing process?

SoberProof accelerates the healing process in relationships affected by alcohol by focusing on the rebuilding of trust. Trust is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship and it is often the first casualty when alcohol becomes a problem. Rebuilding trust is crucial for healing but it can be a slow and challenging process.

Trust is not an emotion itself but it has many emotions attached to it. When trust is intact it fosters positive emotions like love, security and joy. But when trust is broken it can trigger a flood of negative emotions like anxiety, fear and anger.

SoberProof is designed to address this challenge head-on. Our core philosophy is that trust is rebuilt one day at a time, or as we like to say ... one 'check-in' at a time.

Q - Can you explain what a SoberProof check-in is?

A SoberProof check-in is the core feature of our app and the way we put our philosophy into action. It is a simple yet powerful way for members and their companions to connect, demonstrating commitment to agreed-upon goals and building trust through consistent communication. A check-in takes just 30 seconds for a member to complete.

Soberproof check-ins are randomised and their frequency can be tailored to the unique needs and dynamics of each relationship. These regular check-ins act as the building blocks of trust. They create a reliable pattern of communication and accountability, reducing uncertainty and anxiety. Over time these small consistent actions can lead to significant positive shifts in the relationship dynamic, creating a deeper sense of connection, understanding and mutual support.

Q - You mentioned members and companions. Could you elaborate on these roles?

The app is designed for two people to use together - each with a distinct role to play:

• Member: An individual taking action to change their relationship with alcohol and to rebuild trust with a Companion.

• Companion: An individual willing to support a Member change their relationship with alcohol and the rebuilding of trust between them

A companion can be a partner, family member, friend or anyone else who cares about the member and wants to support them on this journey. SoberProof is designed with the needs of both member and companion in mind. It provides personalised tools and features to help them both navigate the challenges of alcohol and the affect it has on their relationship.

Q - Does SoberProof only work for people who are trying to quit drinking completely?

No, SoberProof is designed to help anyone whose relationship is being affected by alcohol regardless of their specific goals. Whether you are aiming for sobriety, moderation or simply want to improve communication and trust SoberProof provides a supportive framework for positive change.

Q - I see you've also developed an Ai chatbot named Alf to provide additional support. Can you tell us more about that?

A: Yes, Alf is our 24/7 Ai companion. He's designed to be your personal source of Alcohol intelligence (Ai), specialising in the impact of alcohol on relationships. Whether you are a member working towards your goals or a companion offering support, Alf is there to provide information, guidance and encouragement whenever you need it

I am incredibly excited about the potential of Alf to make a real difference in people's lives. As more people use him the better he gets at understanding the nuances of these challenges, making him an even more valuable resource for relationship recovery.

Q - What gaps did you see in existing recovery solutions that led you to create Soberproof?

While many valuable resources exist for individuals struggling with alcohol they often overlook the ripple effects on loved ones and the broader relationship dynamics. Challenges like communication breakdowns, loss of trust and increased conflict are common but often unaddressed. SoberProof is designed to bridge that gap by providing a structured yet flexible tool that empowers both individuals to actively participate in the healing process.

By focusing on the building blocks of trust – communication, consistency, and shared experiences – SoberProof helps create a more stable, positive and ultimately fulfilling relationship.

Q - You have mentioned that SoberProof was a collaborative effort. Can you tell us more about that?

Throughout the development of SoberProof my mum was my sounding board and collaborator. She's been affected firsthand by my struggles with alcohol; her insights were invaluable in shaping the app's features and functionality. Even now as I continue my journey she remains my Companion on SoberProof and we both benefit from the daily check-ins.

Q - In addition to the serious aspects of recovery SoberProof also incorporates some lighthearted features. Can you tell us more about those?

We recognise the importance of celebrating milestones and injecting moments of joy into the recovery journey. SoberProof includes features that allow you to celebrate successes together, offer surprise rewards and share lighthearted moments.

👍👍The SoberProof team have enjoyed testing and developing these features. More will be revealed as we get closer to launch but trust us, they are designed to bring a smile to your face and strengthen your connection.

Q - What is your ultimate vision for SoberProof?

We are just getting started but I believe SoberProof, with its innovative integration of Ai support, has the potential to make a considerable contribution to the way we approach the repair and recovery of relationships affected by alcohol ... one check-in at a time.

Join the SoberProof waitlist today and be among the first to experience this pioneering approach to tackling alcohol's impact on your relationships.