Smart Recovery

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Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART Recovery) is a non-profit organization (Alcohol & Drug Abuse Self-Help Network, Inc.) whose goal is to help its members obtain sobriety. It differs from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in that it does not use religion or spirituality in its approach. It differs from most other secular self-help groups in that it views alcohol dependence as a dysfunctional habit and attempts to use principles based on cognitive behavior therapy, specifically Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and scientific research on treatment effectiveness to break that habit.

1 About SmartRecovery
2 Purpose
3 Approach
4 SMART Recovery® 4-Point Program
5 SMART Recovery® Tools & Techniques
6 External links

[edit] About SmartRecovery

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.

Rational Recovery (RR) movement is an off shoot of SMART, which also billed itself as "an alternative to 12 step programs".  That organization still exists, but only as a website.  There aren't anymore RR meetings available for people to attend so they can get help.

On the SMART Online (SOL) message boards, there are numerous entries and postings put up by members. However, there is nothing contrary allowed. Everything must be positive in its nature. The message boards are continuously monitored around the clock by SMART volunteers who keep a close eye out for disparaging remarks which might not agree with the SMART point of view that could "confuse" other members.

The SMART Online (SOL) director is Jonathan Von Breton.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] SMART Recovery® 4-Point Program

SMART Recovery® (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)

[edit] SMART Recovery® Tools & Techniques

The SMART Recovery® 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 (Unconditional Self Acceptance), UOA (Unconditional Other Acceptance), and ULA (Unconditional Life Acceptance)