Addiction has long been described as a disease of loneliness. The cycles of isolation and disconnection can reinforce substance use, making recovery not just a personal journey but a communal one. At hūmNET, we believe that real-time human connection--no matter how brief--can provide the kind of support that changes lives.

When we introduced hūmNET to the team at a local recovery center, one of their staff members immediately saw the need, not just for the people they serve, but for themselves:

"Can I use hūmNET for when I've been to the emergency room four times in a day with clients and I'm rattled.  But I still need to sit at my desk and find a way to write up all the reports and provide service. Could I have a humn for that?“

That moment reinforced what we already knew--recovery is not just about those struggling with addiction. It's about the whole ecosystem of people who support them.

hūmNET Use Cases in Recovery

Guided humns for Early Sobriety

Many recovery programs, like AA, emphasize attending a meeting every day for the first 30 days of sobriety. But what about those in-between moments--the ones where someone feels the urge to use, but their next meeting is hours away?

hūmNET can partner with experts in various recovery modalities to create a library of guided humns for these critical first 30 days. Whether it's a mindfulness check-in, a structured reflection, or a simple moment of shared presence, these humns can provide real-time reinforcement when it’s needed most.

Supporting Others on Their Journey

The recovery process is not just about receiving support--it’s about giving it, too. The simple act of showing up for someone else can reinforce a person’s own commitment to sobriety.

hūmNET offers a low-barrier way for people in recovery to do this. Whether you're 30 days or 10 years sober, you can join a “support humn”--a space where someone in need can feel seen, heard, and understood in real-time.

The “Buddy System” for Crisis Moments

One of the most powerful potential applications of hūmNET in recovery is a “humn buddy system.” Imagine a group of people—whether peers in early sobriety, a sponsor-sponsee duo, or a network of friends—who can set up real-time alerts when someone is struggling.

If a member of the group feels triggered, they can send out a humn request, and their buddies will be notified immediately. They don’t need to call anyone or explain themselves. They just open hūmNET and know that someone will be there, holding space for them.

Beyond the Individual: Supporting the Helpers

Recovery is not just about those in treatment—it’s about the caseworkers, sponsors, family members, and recovery professionals who dedicate themselves to this work every day.

For someone who has been to the emergency room four times in one day with clients, holding space for others can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Yet, the job isn’t done—they still have reports to write, responsibilities to fulfill.

hūmNET offers a way for these professionals to recharge in real time—to take a moment to sit, breathe, and be held by their community.

“I’m 25 years sober...When I came in, I could have used a humn, probably every hour! ~ Marc G.

Building a Future of Connection

If addiction is a disease of loneliness, then human connection is the antidote. By making real-time presence accessible to anyone -- anywhere, at any time -- hūmNET is helping to reshape the way we approach recovery.

We’re not replacing existing programs. We’re augmenting them -- bridging the gaps between meetings, between therapy sessions, between moments of crisis and moments of clarity.

Recovery is a journey that no one should have to walk alone. And with hūmNET, they won’t have to.

About hūmNET

Loneliness is a staggering issue affecting millions. Amid our rapid technological advancements, individuals are more isolated than ever. Enter hūmNET -- a beacon of human connection. This isn't just an app, it's a platform that transforms isolation and emotional distress into connection, shared empathy and healing.

THE PROBLEM: In the US alone, the cost of loneliness is a staggering $106 Billion annually. Yet pervasive loneliness remains unaddressed. How is it that in one of the wealthiest nations on Earth, we still find ourselves disconnected and yearning for connection? It's time to confront this empathy deficit head-on.

THE SOLUTION: hūmNET offers hope by transforming solitude into solidarity. Through real-time, purpose-driven gatherings--humns--that become glowing beacons of connection, hūmNET empowers you to weave a world-wide web of empathy.