There are different recovery options for people overcoming alcohol use disorder (AUD) and co-occurring alcohol addiction and mental health disorders. One such option is SMART Recovery as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Finding out more about what SMART Recovery is can help you determine if it could be beneficial for you or a loved one as part of your personalized recovery plan.
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What Does SMART Recovery Stand For?
SMART Recovery is short for Self-management and Recovery Training, which is a specialized support program for people recovering from addiction and co-occurring disorders. Its principles help teach participants how they can take control of their behaviors, emotions, feelings, and thoughts to address their addiction or mental health issues. People in SMART Recovery learn how to develop effective coping strategies and skills to manage triggers and cravings to help them achieve long-term sobriety.
SMART Recovery vs. AA
While SMART Recovery is one option to help overcome AUD, another option is AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). However, there are some significant differences between these two support options.
SMART Recovery
- The focus is on self-empowerment
- Evidences-based
- Four Principle program
- Purpose is based on an individual’s recovery goals and objectives
- Participants learn motivational methods using a non-confrontational approach to manage their recovery
- Does not say participants have a disease or are addicts
- Supports the idea that addiction can be recovered from and is not a lifelong process
AA
- Focus is on acceptance and powerlessness
- Spiritual-based
- 12-Step program
- Purpose is to teach abstinence
- Participants should admit they are powerless over alcohol and turn to a higher power for assistance through meditation and prayer
- Participants can be called recovering addicts or say they have a disease
- Supports the concept that addiction recovery is a lifelong process
While there are many differences between SMART Recovery and AA, there are also some similarities:
- Both programs welcome people recovering from AUD and substance use disorders (SUDs)
- Both programs maintain the anonymity and privacy of participants
- People have been successful in recovery with both programs
- People can find peer support in both programs
What Are the Four Principles of SMART Recovery?
SMART Recovery uses four principles as part of the program. It is important to stress that the four principles are not a step program. Instead, people can tackle the different principles in any order they desire based on their unique needs and recovery goals and objectives.
The four principles are:
- Building and maintaining motivation: Motivation is developed by creating a list of various pros and cons of maintaining one’s sobriety versus turning to using alcohol or other substances. The purpose of this principle is to help people develop the willingness to maintain their recovery through continued motivation.
- Coping with urges: The next principle covers dealing with cravings and identifying triggers. People learn how to use different coping strategies to address carvings. Evidence-based therapies, such as CBT and DBT, are used to help people uncover their triggers.
- Managing behaviors, thoughts, and feelings: Part of recovery is being able to identify one’s behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that led to alcohol and substance use. By recognizing these and learning how to accept and transform them into positive responses, it teaches people how to avoid relapse.
- Living a balanced life: Maintaining one’s recovery requires making changes to one’s life and lifestyle. This principle helps people learn how to develop healthier habits, like exercise and eating nutritious and well-balanced meals. It also teaches them how to set realistic and attainable short-term and long-term goals for realistic planning.
What Are SMART Recovery Meetings?
SMART Recovery meetings are for people in recovery, as well as those struggling with behavioral issues, such as smoking, eating disorders, gambling, and more. Meetings are free and are led by SMART-trained facilitators. SMART recovery meetings are considered peer support groups where people are there to help themselves with their recovery while providing support and help for others.
SMART meeting sessions usually last about an hour and a half without any breaks and follow a similar format. There is a check-in process at the beginning of the meeting just to see how the previous week has been for everyone. Next, there is an open discussion between individuals, or they can learn a SMART Recovery tool they can use and practice using during the meeting. The meeting concludes with people discussing their plans and objectives for the coming week.
When Can I Start SMART Recovery Meetings?
SMART Recovery meetings can be started at just about any time during detox and addiction treatment. Some treatment facilities host SMART Recovery meetings so people can begin as soon as they want. Additionally, they can even include the meetings as part of their personalized and comprehensive addiction treatment and care plan.
SMART Recovery at Phoenix Rising
When you want to gain control over your addiction and find the path to a better future free from substances, help is available at Phoenix Rising Recovery. In addition, our Southern California treatment facility provides access to a full range of detox and addiction treatment programs tailored to your specific needs. Furthermore, we also host SMART Recovery meetings at our facility. Contact us now for further information about our addiction treatment programs and SMART Recovery meetings.
Published: 3/10/2025