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SMART Recovery

Secular organization for recovery from addiction

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SMART is established in more than 20 countries. Meetings of SMART participants are held throughout the week, both in person and online. These meetings, which run from 60 to 90 minutes each, are confidential, free, and guided by trained volunteer or professional facilitators. Participants in various stages of recovery, or simply curious about pursuing recovery, share lessons and challenges from their own journeys, while exploring, through discussion, a suite of scientifically grounded psychology tools and techniques.

Methodology

SMART Recovery is based on scientific knowledge and is intended to evolve as scientific knowledge evolves. The program uses principles of motivational interviewing, found in motivational enhancement therapy (MET), and techniques taken from rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), as well as scientifically validated research on treatment. The SMART Recovery Program and meetings are congenial to participants who choose to use appropriately-prescribed medications, including opioid-agonist medications, as part of their recovery programs.

The organization's program emphasizes four areas, called the 4-Point Program, in the process of recovery: Building Motivation, Coping with Urges, Problem Solving, and Lifestyle Balance. The "SMART Toolbox" is a collection of various MET, CBT, and REBT methods, or "tools", which address the 4 Points.

SMART Recovery can be used as a stand-alone primary recovery support program for those seeking help recovering from addictions, but does not insist on being exclusive. The program does not use the 12 steps that make up the basis of the various "Anonymous" self-help groups (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), etc.) and is generally listed as an "Alternative to AA" or an "Alternative to the 12 Steps." SMART Recovery believes that each individual finds their own path to recovery. Though listed as an "alternative", it is also suggested as a possible "supplement" to twelve-step programs in SMART Recovery's main program publication, The SMART Recovery Handbook.

Stages of change

SMART Recovery recognizes that participants may be in one or more of various stages of change and that different exercises may be helpful at different stages.

  1. Precontemplation – At this stage, the participant may not realize that they have a problem.
  2. Contemplation – The participant evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of the addiction by performing a cost/benefit analysis.
  3. Determination/Preparation – The participant decides to pursue personal change, and may complete a Change Plan Worksheet.
  4. Action – The participant seeks out new ways of handling their addiction behavior. This can include self-help, the support of addiction help group or professional guidance.
  5. Maintenance – After a few months, the participant's behavior has been changed and now seeks to maintain their gains.
  6. Graduation/Exit – Once a participant has sustained a long period of change, they may choose to move on with their lives and "graduate" from SMART Recovery.

Side event: Lapse/Relapse – Although not inevitable, lapses and relapses are a normal part of the change cycle and if handled well, can serve as a learning experience in overcoming an addiction.

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