SMART Recovery
” Discover the Power of Choice!”.
SMART Recovery is the primary self-empowering addiction recovery support system that offers growing alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous. Individuals find tools for addiction recovery based upon the current clinical research study and take part in a global neighborhood that includes complimentary, self-empowering, science-based shared assistance groups. What does SMART in Smart recovery stand for? It stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training.
The SMART Recovery 4-Point Program helps individuals recover from many types of addictions and addicting behavior, these consist of:
– Substance abuse
– Drug addiction
– Drug abuse
– Alcohol abuse
– Gambling addiction
– Cocaine addiction
– Prescription substance abuse
– Sexual addiction
– Problem addiction to other substances and activities
How Does SMART Work?
SMART Recovery sponsors face meetings around the world, and daily online meetings. In contrast to 12-step programs that need people to confess powerlessness over their practice, SMART considers itself a self-empowering program. Trained volunteers help individuals take a look at particular behavior that gets down to the issues that require the most attention.
Individuals are then taught self-reliance to manage their addicting behavior. SMART uses techniques from cognitive behavioral and inspirational improvement treatments to teach these skills. Individuals learn these skills by following a 4-point program.
The 4-Point Program
The SMART Recovery Handbook details each point in the 4-point program. It supplies suggestions and workouts to preserve a sober life.
The 4-point program is not a step program. Individuals can take on a particular point in any order based upon their needs.
– Building and preserving inspiration. Having the right determination to remain sober is a vital part of reaching long term recovery. Individuals might make a list of concerns and weigh the costs and advantages of using versus being sober.
– Coping with advises. The second point examines exactly what triggers a craving. Individuals discover the best way to reduce cravings through approaches like diversion strategies. They recognize and get rid of illogical beliefs about prompts to use.
– Managing ideas, sensations and behavior. Point three teaches ways to avoid relapse by taking a look at ideas, feelings and behavior that causes substance abuse. Individuals find self-acceptance and ways to handle challenging feelings like anxiety.
– Living a well-balanced life. Choosing to be sober is an extreme way of life change. Knowing ways to live a sober life is essential for an effective recovery. In point four, individuals take inventory of exactly what’s crucial to them. They are taught realistic goal setting and planning for the future.
What is the Difference between 12-Step and SMART Recovery?
There are many options for alcohol and drug addiction meetings, however is 12-Step, SMART or some other type of recovery meeting better for me?
– 12-step recovery programs for alcohol and drug addiction are popular. It is definitely an effective way for many to recover, however there are alternatives, such as SMART Recovery.
– SMART Recovery is an international non-profit company that offers help to people looking for abstinence from addicting behavior. As stated previously, SMART Recovery’s 4-Point Program helps individuals recover from many types of addicting behavior (alcohol addiction, drug addiction, gambling addiction and addiction to other substances and activities). The program is based upon Albert Ellis’ Rational-Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), which concentrates on altering unfavorable and unhealthy ideas into favorable alternatives.
Tools and techniques are taught for each of the following program points:
– Building and Maintaining Motivation
– Coping with Temptation
– Managing Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviors
– Living a Balanced Life
The SMART Recovery tool helps motivate individuals to map out their own path to recovery. This program shifts people ‘locus of control’ to an internal position, for that reason permitting them to form their own fate. 12-step programs encourage individuals to look for the help of a Higher Power.
The main differences between these programs are:
- Self-empowerment is chosen over the powerlessness technique that 12-step programs use.
- SMART has a scientific foundation rather than spiritual foundation.
- SMART is totally nonreligious whereas 12-step programs demand the need for a Higher Power.
- SMART does not think in a “one size fits all” way to recovery whereas 12-step programs do.
- In SMART recovery, people are not identified as helpless nor are they asked to confess their addiction in front of the remainder of the group.
- SMART considers that once an addict remains in recovery, the addiction no longer exists. 12-step programs mention that an addict is always an addict for the rest of their lives.
- Unlike 12-step programs, SMART allows cross-talk amongst individuals.
- In SMART, individuals talk with each other, instead of at each other.
- SMART does not have a main text such as AA’s “Big Book.”
SMART Recovery is a recognized choice for drug abuse and addiction recovery by the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Center for Health Care Evaluation, The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), United States Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the American Society of Addiction Medicine.
SMART Recovery Meetings
What are SMART Recovery meetings? These meetings happen throughout the world and online, and are open to anybody. The program is incredibly useful to not only individuals in recovery, but also useful to family members and good friends. While there is no cost to participate in SMART Recovery meetings, many groups accept donations for the cost of materials and use volunteer opportunities.
Facilitators recommend going to a minimum of 5 meetings prior to choosing whether SMART Recovery is best for you. This will offer you adequate time to find out more about the organization in order to see how it fits within your recovery plan.
Even though SMART Recovery meetings can supply an individual with the essential resources for long-term sobriety, it will depend on each individual to practice and use what they discover in meetings. Alcohol addiction supports systems, like SMART Recovery, which can refrain from doing the legwork for you. Support systems provide help for conquering urges and keeping sobriety. This permits individuals to take complete responsibility for their own recovery and success.
How SMART Recovery Meetings Help Family Members and Friends
There are no requirements when going to SMART Recovery meetings. Many SMART Recovery programs open their doors to the family and friends who are impacted by a loved one’s alcohol addiction. Some people who participate in meetings have loved ones who are presently looking for treatment at an alcohol rehab facility. Others might go to SMART Recovery programs to get recommendations on handling a loved one’s drinking problem.
Alcohol addiction can impact a loved one’s expert and individual life, in addition to their overall well-being. SMART Recovery programs teach these loved ones ways to interact and support somebody struggling with a drinking problem. They will find ways to provide support and inspiration without enabling the individual’s drinking behavior.
Family and friends can go to SMART Recovery meetings for as long as they want. Even if it’s been many months or years, loved ones are always welcome to check back in with the group, provide updates, and find support for difficulties that emerge.
When Meetings Are Not Enough
Smart Recovery and the 12-Steps both help individuals recover from addiction. However, in some cases the obsession to use is too strong for meetings alone. If you are suffering and scared of relapse, or have fallen back, call The Recover now. Addiction professionals can help you enlist in a 90-day program developed to help you detox and get strong in recovery prior to going back to local meetings.
