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Frequently asked questions about SMART Recovery
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Learn About SMART
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SMART Tools and
Homework
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SMART Introduction Slide Show
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CBA Tutorial Slide Show
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ABC Tutorial Slide Show
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Introduction to SMART RecoveryŽ
Welcome
Get Free for Free with Evidence-Based SMART RecoveryŽ
SMART offers free 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 an
alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.
SMART sponsors more than 300+ face-to-face meetings around the world, and
16+ online meetings per week. In addition, our online message board is an
excellent forum in which to learn about SMART and seek support.
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 evolves.
* Differs from Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and traditional
12-step programs.
SMART RecoveryŽ 4-Point ProgramSM
SMART RecoveryŽ (Self Management And Recovery Training) helps individuals
gain independence from addictive behaviors (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 RecoveryŽ Tools & Techniques
The SMART RecoveryŽ 4-Point ProgramSM employs a variety of tools and
techniques to help individuals gain independence from 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
** To purchase SMART Recovery publications, view the suggested reading
list or for descriptions of publications
Click Here.
SMART RecoveryŽ Purposes and Methods Statement
1. We help individuals gain independence from addictive behavior.
2. We teach how to
- enhance and maintain motivation to abstain
- cope with urges
- manage thoughts, feelings and behavior
- balance momentary and enduring satisfaction
3. Our efforts are based on scientific knowledge, and evolve as scientific knowledge evolves.
4. Individuals who have gained independence from addictive behavior are invited to stay involved with us, to enhance their gains and help others.
Commentary:
1. We assume that addictive behavior can arise from both substance use (e.g., psychoactive substances of all kinds, including alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, food, illicit drugs, and prescribed medications), and involvement in activities (e.g., gambling, sexual behavior, eating, spending, relationships, exercise, etc.). We assume that there are degrees of addictive behavior, and that all individuals to some degree experience it. For some individuals the negative consequences of addictive behavior (which can involve several substances or activities) become so great that change becomes highly desirable.
To individuals who are, or think they may be, at this point, we offer our services. Our groups are free of charge (although a donation is requested). Our Internet listserve discussion group is free to those who can access it. There is a nominal charge for our publications.
2. Gaining independence from addictive behavior can involve changes that
affect an individuals entire life, not just changes directly related to
the addictive behavior itself. Consequently there appear to be as many
roads to gaining independence from addictive behavior as there are
individuals. For many the road will lead somewhere other than using our
services. We recommend they follow the direction they have chosen, and we
wish them well. They are always welcome to return.
Individuals who have been successful in gaining independence from
addictive behavior appear to have made changes in all four areas we teach
about. These four areas could also be described as maintaining motivation,
coping with craving, thinking rationally, and leading a balanced
lifestyle. Although we teach important information in each of these areas,
ultimately it is the individual's determination and persistence to keep
moving forward that will determine how much success is achieved.
Our services are provided for those who desire, or think they may desire,
to achieve abstinence. Individuals unsure about whether to pursue
abstinence may observe in our group discussions how abstinence can be
achieved, and how it can help. Even those whose ultimate goal is moderated
involvement with their substances or activities may benefit from
participation in abstinence-oriented discussions. Benefit could occur if
the individual aims to engage in selected periods of abstinence, or frames
the goal as abstaining from over- involvement (as opposed to all
involvement).
Much of the information imparted by us is drawn from the field of
cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and particularly from Rational Emotive
Behavior Therapy, as developed by Albert Ellis, Ph.D. In general, CBT
views addictive behavior more as a complex maladaptive behavior than as a
disease. Use of the CBT perspective allows us to use a rich and easily
accessible body of ideas, techniques, and publications. Some of these
publications we are able to make available directly to our participants,
and others are available through bookstores and other sources.
3. What we offer is consistent with the most effective methods yet
discovered for resolving emotional and behavioral problems. As scientific
knowledge advances, our teachings will be modified accordingly.
Individuals with religious beliefs are likely to find our program as
compatible with their beliefs as other scientifically derived knowledge
and applications.
4. The length of time an individual will derive help from our services is
variable. For many sincere participants there will come a time when
attending our groups, or participating in our other services, is more in
conflict with the pursuit of their life goals than enhancing them.
Although these participants will always be welcome back if they want to
come, this conflict signals that the time for graduation has arrived.
One of the most enduring satisfactions in life is helping others. The
individuals who have nurtured SMART RecoveryŽ thus far have reported
intense satisfaction at witnessing the positive changes our participants
have experienced, and at witnessing the influence we are having on
professional addictive behavior treatment. We offer to others, whether
graduates of our efforts or not, the opportunity to join us in
experiencing that satisfaction.
SMART vs. 12-Step Programs
At SMART we believe that each individual finds his own path to recovery.
For some that may include traditional 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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