Getting Started2 min readEasyUpdated Apr 27, 2026

Getting started

Platform overview

A short tour of what Daybreak gives you — Dawn AI, the Focus extension, Time Vault, check-ins, and the journal.

Quick answer

Daybreak combines an AI companion (Dawn), a content-blocking browser extension, daily check-ins, and Time Vault scheduling — all built around evidence-based behavior change.
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This page is a map. If you're trying to set things up, start with the Quick start guide instead.

Dawn AI

Your conversation partner. Dawn is grounded in motivational interviewing and CBT, remembers context across sessions, and surfaces crisis resources when it detects you're struggling.

  • Daily conversations from the dashboard.
  • Companion memory carries goals, triggers, and milestones forward.
  • Free accounts get 15 messages per day; paid plans unlock more.

Read Getting started with Dawn to learn what to talk about first.

Daybreak Focus extension

A browser extension for Chrome, Edge, and Safari that blocks distracting or triggering content.

  • Focus modes — switchable profiles (e.g. "Deep Work" vs "Relaxed") with their own block lists.
  • Custom block lists — block specific sites and keywords.
  • Strict mode — adds a cooldown so you can't impulsively disable blocking mid-session.
  • Privacy — all blocking happens locally; browsing data never leaves your device.

See Browser extension setup to install it.

Time Vault

Lock distracting apps and websites behind scheduled access windows.

  • Daily, weekly, or custom unlock schedules.
  • Optional accountability partner who can approve early unlocks.
  • Useful for the recurring time sinks you can't trust yourself with at certain hours.

Daily check-ins

A 30-second self-assessment: mood, craving level, triggers you encountered, coping strategies you used, sleep quality. This is the data behind your progress charts and Dawn's personalization.

See Your first check-in for what to expect.

Journal

A private space for longer reflection. Entries are encrypted and only visible to you.

Recovery plans

Personalized plans generated from your triggers, coping strategies, and goals. Includes daily routines, an emergency plan for high-craving moments, and longer-term objectives.

Progress tracking

Charts for streaks, mood trends, craving patterns, and trigger frequency over time. The free tier gives you 30 days of history; paid plans give you the full record.

What's not included

  • A medical diagnosis or treatment. Daybreak is a support tool, not a replacement for therapy or clinical care.
  • Real-time human support. Use the Crisis resources page for that — 988, Crisis Text Line, and international hotlines are linked there.

Next steps

Still need help?

Pick whichever way of getting help works best for you.

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