What is SMART Recovery?
SMART Recovery is just one of many peer-led support groups available for those who are struggling with a substance addiction. SMART is an evidenced-informed recovery method whose goal is to recognize self-empowerment when it comes to recovery from substance and alcohol addiction. It helps people learn to change maladaptive behaviors through scientific research, which is constantly evolving and changing as new research and studies are discovered and adapted into the program.
It was created as an alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and other types of 12-step programs in which members believe their recovery lies in a higher power other than themselves. SMART Recovery has an estimated 2500 support groups globally in about 23 or more countries. The National Institute on Drug Abuse and the American Academy of Family Physicians recognize SMART as a highly effective tool for helping people overcome substance addiction.
What is SMART Recovery?
SMART Recovery is an acronym for Self Management And Recovery Training. It is a program for people with substance addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders and teaches people how to control their addiction-related behaviors by focusing on treating underlying thoughts and feelings. The addiction recovery support group follows four main points: build and maintain motivation, cope with urges and cravings, manage thoughts, feelings and behaviors and live a balanced life.
- Building and maintaining motivation. SMART’s goal is to help its members develop a willingness to stay sober and make it a top priority and seeing its benefits of being sober outweigh the alternative.
- Coping with urges and cravings. SMART members will learn how to suppress cravings through various evidenced-proven methods such as distraction techniques and identifying and overcoming irrational beliefs.
- Management of feelings, thoughts and behaviors. The support group helps people to examine their thoughts, feelings and behaviors associated with their addiction and drug use.
- Living a balanced life. SMART participants learn to live a happy and meaningful sober life in which they learn what is more important to them and how to set realistic goals for their new life in sobriety.
The program was established in 1994 and offers mutual support meetings online and in person. It is centered on allowing members to create their recovery plan for a more balanced, purposeful and meaningful life. SMART recovery practices self-management where participants are expected to learn how to effectively manage their own behaviors and take responsibility for their own recovery.
The support group provides value in fostering mutual support by providing a connection with peers who may have similar experiences. SMART values choice and the choice of members to create their own goals with provided skills, tools and resources. All programs are based on scientifically proven treatments that are constantly being updated as new studies in addiction recovery emerge.
Organizational Values of SMART Recovery
- Empowerment. SMART is committed to advocating for the power of choice and self-empowerment. The program offers stigma-free tools, resources and communities for people to turn to as they progress through their set goals.
- Equity. SMART Recovery helps to identify recovery barriers and is dedicated to helping its members overcome these obstacles.
- Inclusion. SMART Recovery is accepting and appreciative of the various ways to support those struggling with a substance addiction through respect, encouragement and compassion.
- Integrity. SMART Recovery is committed to transparency and honesty.
- Accountability. SMART Recovery strives to have a meaningful impact on the world and encourage innovation and progress to help people struggling with substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions.
The benefits of Peer Support Groups such as SMART Recovery
- Peer groups can provide compassion and emotional support. Connecting with others who may have similar experiences can help remind you that you are not alone and reduce feelings of shame and isolation. These groups provide strength and encouragement through socialization with peers who understand your struggles.
- Peer groups can help provide you with the education and resources you may need to help in your recovery. Support groups can teach you new skills to help you manage your recovery journey.
- You can practice and improve your coping skills as well as develop a sense of self-understanding as to what triggers to avoid.
- Peer groups help you maintain your momentum in recovery. Your peers help to keep you accountable on your sobriety journey.
- Peer groups can help foster inspiration for yourself and others.
- Peer groups provide a safe space to be vulnerable and to experiment.
- Peer support meetings help foster self-acceptance and give you strength as you continue through your sobriety journey.
- Peer support groups help put things into perspective to remind you of the consequences of substance abuse, how it affects you and others, and how you can avoid it.
- Peer support groups can help you create sober friendships.
- Peer support groups can help prevent relapse.
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SMART vs 12-Step
SMART recovery and the 12-step recovery are both popular addiction support programs. They help people struggling with substance abuse and addiction and are private in keeping the member’s ID within the program meeting. Both programs have successfully helped many people overcome and manage their addictions.
The most popular 12-step program is Alcoholics Anonymous. Programs that follow the 12-step method focus on the member admitting to being powerless and submitting to a higher power. The program believes that recovery is a process that should be treated every day.
The SMART program believes recovery is not a lifelong process and participants have the ability to graduate from recovery into a healthier new life. SMART encourages self-empowerment and members to take control of their recovery through self-directed change and accountability. The SMART Recovery program also supports the use of prescription medications that can help support members in their recovery. Treatment medications such as methadone, suboxone and naltrexone are not usually encouraged within the 12-step program.
Peer Support Groups vs Group Therapy
In a peer support group like SMART Recovery, group meetings are led by people who have struggled with addiction or have had similar life experiences to those in recovery. It is an informal peer-guided session where members can freely share and engage with like-minded peers and leaders. In group therapy or counseling sessions, meetings are led by professional mental health, therapists, counselors or psychiatrists. These people might not necessarily understand addiction from a client’s point of view and will be accessed through a science-based approach.
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We specialize in treating addiction and other co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD. Our Admissions specialists are available to walk you through the best options for treating your addiction.
Treatment for Substance and Alcohol Addiction
Addiction recovery support groups play a significant role in the recovery from a substance addiction and co-occurring mental health disorder. These informal programs such as SMART and other 12-step programs provide its members with the emotional support and resources they need in order to recover from their addiction. Such groups include Narcotics Anonymous, Dual Recovery Anonymous and Secular Organization for Recovery. All of these peer-led support groups have been found to be highly beneficial for those struggling with a substance addiction. Another resource for recovery is through a behavioral health program such as Hotel California by the Sea.
Our program provides detox, inpatient residential and outpatient support for anyone struggling with a substance and alcohol addiction. We utilize evidence-based treatment methods such as CBT, DBT and EMDR therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping people from all areas of treatment to foster a safe and supportive community in which they will be able to overcome their addiction and live a healthier new life.
References:
https://smartrecovery.org/what-is-smart-recovery
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/na-and-other-peer-support-groups-for-drug-addiction.htm
https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/smart-recovery/
https://www.addictions.com/addiction-support-groups/what-is-smart-recovery/
https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/support-groups/
https://www.addictions.com/blog/14-benefits-of-addiction-support-groups/