What is SMART Recovery and how does it help people overcome addiction? Learn about the principles and tools of SMART Recovery and how it differs from other addiction recovery programs.
SMART Recovery is not a 12-step group. SMART Recovery International is a support group for individuals, their loved ones, and family and friends who have chosen to abstain, or are considering abstinence from any type of addiction issue. That could include alcohol and drug addiction, eating disorders, behavioral addictions and other problematic behavior.
The goal of SMART Recovery is teaching how to manage self-defeating thinking, emotions, and actions; and to work towards long-term satisfaction and quality of life.
What Is Smart Recovery?
SMART stands for Self Management and Recovery Training. SMART is a free, abstinence-based, self-empowering support group that helps people break free from addictive behavior. SMART believes that there are many pathways to recovery and that each individual has the power to change behaviors. The SMART Recovery handbook serves as a guide for those in the program.
SMART is based on cognitive behavior therapy, rational-emotive behavior therapy, and stages of change therapy. It can be done as a stand-alone support system or in combination with the 12-step program run by our licensed therapists. SCBH offers the most extensive SMART Recovery Training in the country, where, if you choose, you can learn how to lead and start your SMART Meeting. We offer regular SMART meetings and groups at all our substance abuse and dual diagnosis treatment facilities. We can also help you find sober living homes following treatment.
Our inpatient rehab and outpatient drug and alcohol treatment center can help you attend your first SMART international meeting. Our alcohol abuse and drug addiction programs can help you grow in your recovery journey. Drug and alcohol abuse is no way to go through life. We have a variety of types of therapy to help you overcome addiction and move on to a brighter future.
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Smart Recovery Vs. 12-Step Programs
SMART Recovery is not the same as other 12-step programs for sobriety, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. While all of these programs have the overall goal of helping people overcome addiction, they have different focuses and approaches that make them unique from one another.
Here are some of the main differences between SMART Recovery and other 12-step programs:
- 12-step programs incorporate a spiritual component and often involve belief in a higher power
- 12-step programs emphasize admitting powerlessness over addiction
- SMART Recovery meetings are facilitated by a trained supervisor rather than being led by peers
- 12-step programs stress following the steps exactly, SMART Recovery programs allow more flexibility for everyone to find their own path to recovery
- 12-step programs emphasize making amends to those who were hurt by your drinking or drug use
- SMART programs use evidence-based treatments like CBT and REBT to facilitate recovery
Choosing between SMART Recovery and a 12-step program comes down to personal preferences and beliefs. Which approach resonates more depends on your or your loved one’s unique situation and needs. Both kinds of programs have helped countless others reach and maintain sobriety.
What Are the Principals of Smart Recovery?
SMART Recovery is based on five unique principles. These principles form the foundation for a successful recovery and long-term sobriety. These principles are emphasized during a smart recovery meeting.
The five principles of SMART Recovery are:
- Self-management: You are in control of your own behaviors
- Support: Connecting with peers and learning from similar experiences
- Evidence-based: SMART is based on proven recovery therapies and methods
- Person-centered: Personal experience guides the recovery process
- Choice: You can develop the goals, tools, and skills that YOU want
These principles make SMART Recovery a more flexible option compared to other recovery programs. It allows for someone to grow and develop important skills for the future. These skills are key in achieving sobriety and maintaining it in the long term.
Discover the Power of Choice
SMART Recovery emphasizes FOUR POINTS:
- Building and Maintaining Motivation
- Coping with Urges
- Managing Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviors
- Living a Balanced Life
SMART Recovery is based on four well researched theories:
- Stages of Change
- Motivational Enhancement Theory
- Cognitive Behavioral Theory
- Rational Emotive Behavior Theory
- Abstinence based
- No spiritual component (seen as personal choice)
- Self Empowerment emphasized
- Many pathways to recovery
- Welcomes professionals, non-professionals, recovering people and people not in recovery as volunteers
Join The SMART Program Today!
Find a Smart Recovery Program Near Me
Since 1994, SMART Recovery has been a leading option for addiction recovery. There are more than 2,500 groups around the world so you’re never far from a meeting. To locate a meeting, visit the official SMART Recovery website and use their “Find a Meeting” tool, which allows you to search by location, meeting type, and date. The website provides a comprehensive list of available meetings, including those that are face-to-face, online, and even through phone or chat formats. For in-person meetings, entering your city, state, or postal code will generate a list of nearby sessions, complete with times and contact information. Online meetings are particularly convenient, offering flexibility for those with busy schedules or limited access to local meetings.
You can also reach out to the team at South Coast Behavioral Health to learn more about support recovery groups and aftercare options following drug and alcohol treatment.
