SMART Recovery for Substance Abuse Treatment

1 min read · 3 sections

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.


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