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Introduction to SMART Recovery®
Discover the Power of Choice!
SMART Recovery® offers free (donation-requested) face-to-face and online mutual help groups. SMART
(Self-Management And Recovery Training) helps people recover from all
types of addictive behaviors, including: alcoholism, drug abuse, substance
abuse, drug addiction, alcohol abuse, gambling addiction, cocaine
addiction, and addiction to other substances and activities. SMART is not a 12-step group, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
SMART Recovery® is the leading self-empowering addiction recovery support group, and sponsors more than 500+ face-to-face meetings around the world, and
16+ online meetings per week. Please note that registration at our messageboard is required for our online meetings.
Our online message board (registration required) is an
excellent forum in which to learn about SMART and seek support from other members and volunteers. Check out the Introduction to SMART Recovery Online for more information regarding our online community.
Who We Are
Watch the video "Who We Are" and learn more about SMART Recovery® and our 4-Point ProgramSM.
Our Purpose
To support individuals who have chosen to abstain, or are considering
abstinence from any type of addictive behaviors (substances or
activities), by teaching how to change self-defeating thinking, emotions,
and actions; and to work towards long-term satisfactions and quality of
life.
Our Approach
* Teaches self-empowerment and self-reliance.
* Works on addictions/compulsions as complex maladaptive behaviors with
possible physiological factors.
* Teaches tools and techniques for self-directed change.
* Encourages individuals to recover and live satisfying lives.
* Meetings are educational and include open discussions.
* Advocates the appropriate use of prescribed medications and
psychological treatments.
* Evolves as scientific knowledge of addiction recovery evolves.
* Differs from Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and other 12-step programs.
SMART Recovery® 4-Point ProgramSM
SMART Recovery® (Self Management And Recovery Training) helps individuals
gain independence from addiction (substances or activities). Our
efforts are based on scientific knowledge and evolve as scientific
knowledge evolves. The program offers specific tools and techniques for
each of the program points:
Point 1: Enhancing and Maintaining Motivation to Abstain
Point 2: Coping with Urges
Point 3: Problem Solving (Managing thoughts, feelings and behaviors)
Point 4: Lifestyle Balance (Balancing momentary and enduring
satisfactions)
SMART Recovery® Tools & Techniques
The SMART Recovery® 4-Point ProgramSM employs a variety of tools and
techniques to help individuals gain independence from addiction and addictive behaviors.
Participants are encouraged to learn how to use each tool and to practice
the tools and techniques as they progress toward Point 4 of the program --
achieving lifestyle balance and leading a fulfilling and healthy life.
These tools include:
- Stages of Change
- Change Plan Worksheet
- Cost/Benefit Analysis (Decision Making Worksheet)
- ABCs of REBT for Urge Coping
- ABCs of REBT for Emotional Upsets
- DISARM (Destructive Irrational Self-talk Awareness & Refusal Method)
- Brainstorming
- Role-playing and Rehearsing
- USA (Unconditional Self-Acceptance)
** To purchase SMART Recovery publications, view the Suggested Reading
List for descriptions of publications.
SMART vs. 12-Step Programs
At SMART we believe that each individual finds his own path to recovery.
For some participants, that may include 12-step programs, like Alcoholics
Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). While the SMART approach
differs from AA and NA, it does not exclude them. Some SMART participants
choose to attend AA or NA meetings when they cannot attend a SMART
meeting. Some find that what they hear at AA or NA meetings helps them on
their path to permanent recovery.
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