SMART Recovery for Substance Abuse Treatment

What is SMART Recovery?

SMART Recovery is a group-based, volunteer led recovery model offering support meetings, skill learning, and scientifically based treatments to help participants overcome addiction.¹  The SMART in SMART Recovery stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. Founded in 1994, SMART recovery, is a nationwide, nonprofit organization serving as a non-spiritual alternative to AA and NA groups.^2,3

SMART Recovery Uses & Goals

SMART recovery offers online and in-person meetings to help those suffering from substance based (alcoholism, marijuana, opioids, etc.) as well as behavioral based addictions (eating disorders, gambling, sex addiction). SMART recovery was built around a 4-point program around recovery through self-empowerment and evidence-based practices which includes:⁴

1. Building and maintain the motivation to change.
2. Coping with urges to use.
3. Managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in an effective way without addictive behaviors.
4. Living a balanced, positive, and healthy life.

Information taught through SMART recovery is heavily drawn from behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), which focus on behavioral changes in order to help treat addiction.⁵

How to Find a SMART Recovery Meeting

Many of our facilities offer SMART recovery meetings. Explore our nationwide rehab facilities below.

Sources

1. SMART Recovery. About SMART Recovery.
2. SMART Recovery. History of SMART Recovery.
3. SMART Recovery. Frequently Asked Questions.
4. SMART Recovery. Our Approach.
5. SMART Recovery. Purposes & Methods.