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SMART Recovery

  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Modified:
  • Reading Time: 7 minutes
  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Last Update:
  • Reading Time: 7 minutes

Learn about SMART Recovery, a self-empowered, science-based alternative to traditional 12-step addiction programs.

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A Science-Based Path to Addiction Recovery

Where Personal Development Meets Recovery

Finding treatment for addiction recovery can be a daunting task. One could easily be weighed down with so many decisions and choices to choose from.

Addiction within itself is a challenging circumstance; the last thing the individual battling it needs is more confusion and prehension while struggling to find help.

SMART Recovery understands that there is no one size fits in addiction recovery. Going the SMART Recovery way is putting your recovery and well-being into your own hands. It’s accepting that you alone have the power to change your situation by a strategic plan and method backed by scientific proof and evidence.

So, is SMART Recovery right for you? Only you can answer that, but here are the main ideas and methods behind SMART Recovery that could help you make the decision.

Table of Contents

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Levels of Care
Popular Topics
Families & Addiction

Principles & Structure

What is SMART Recovery?

(S)elf-(M)management (A)and (R)ecovery (T)raining

The S in smart recovery stands for Self; One of the critical principles in Smart recovery is that you have the power to create your own life the way you want it. Your recovery is essentially in your hands, and you have all the ability to heal from addiction (with, of course, the help of proven methods and practices).

The M stands for management; Smart recovery believes addiction is managed through a series of scientific evidence of prevention methods. Much like 12-step programs, Smart recovery has a set of its steps to recovery.

The R stands for recovery; Just like any other intervention and recovery group, recovery is the number one goal and the focused result.

The T stands for Training; The goal of any recovery group or intervention is to provide training and tools for the participant to be able to handle their addictions and cravings in the real world. SMART recovery ensures that tailored tools and training to meet the individual needs of all participants are available.

SMART Recovery is a support group and recovery program tailored to fit its attendees’ individual needs. SMART recovery aims to help its clients gain the skills and competency they need to overcome addiction and urges to use.

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Contrasting SMART Recovery with Traditional 12-Step Programs

The 12-Step Program:

SMART Recovery is secular and scientifically based. This means the methods used in dealing with addiction are nonspiritual or religious instead backed by scientific evidence. Smart recovery does not teach powerlessness like 12-step programs, nor do they teach a need for a higher power.

SMART RECOVERY puts a significant emphasis on self-reliance and self-help.

When describing attendees, you will never hear words like “addict” or “alcoholic” and other self-identifying addiction terms. Smart recovery does not consider addiction as a self-defeating aspect of a person, but rather a condition that one may find themselves in that they can be healed from.

What Is SMART Recovery’s Belief?

SMART Recovery believes that the power to cure addiction is within the attendee. Addiction is looked at through scientific lenses as a chemical imbalance, a condition that can be solved through treatment, therapy, support, and medication.

SMART Recovery does not consider its members addicts; terms like alcoholics, drug addicts, junkies, etc., are not used.

Have Questions About SMART Recovery Rolling Hills Recovery Center Is Here To Help.

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Four-Point Approach

What is SMART Recovery's Method of Treatment?

SMART Recovery is based on a 4 point treatment method:

Point 1: Building and Maintaining Motivation.

Point 2: Coping with Urges.

Point 3: Managing Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors.

Point 4: Living a Balanced Life.

Building and maintaining motivation

When you join SMART RECOVERY, you join a support system for life. SMART Recovery provides peer support groups for people suffering from addiction and their loved ones.

The people running the group sessions are volunteers who have been through the peer support groups themselves. SMART Recovery groups are always run by people with personal experience with addiction and SMART Recovery programs who desire to help others through recovery.

You are also encouraged to solicit support from other current attendees as everyone comes together to share inspiration and ideas about what has helped them through addiction.

Coping with urges

Accidents will happen as there is no perfect path to recovery. SMART Recovery focuses on preventative measures that lessen the likelihood of relapse. The peer support groups offer lessons on what to do when those desires and cravings happen and other extended support and prevention techniques.

Managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

At SMART Recovery, they believe the addiction problem starts with thoughts and feelings and then acting on them. If specific thoughts and emotions cause behaviors that lead to addiction, then managing the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors will significantly reduce the dependence itself.

Living a balanced life

Maintaining a harmonious life is needed for continued sobriety. A life that is off-centered and out of balance in any area, especially in love, relationships, finances, home, job, and support, is exposed to multiple stressors and is thus at risk of drug and alcohol abuse. SMART Recovery believes in taking a holistic approach to empowering the individual. SMART Recovery understands that for someone to be empowered truly, they should aim to be balanced in all areas of their lives.

How Can I Start SMART Recovery?

The process is quite simple. You can look up the closest location to you online. Information about their hours of operation will be available. A number and address will be there also. You do not need insurance, and SMART recovery is entirely free.

Did You KNow?

Most Major Insurance Will Help Cover the Cost of Treatment
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Our caring treatment navigators are standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to help you or your loved one. When you call Rolling Hills Recovery Center you can trust that you will find the help you need – at no cost or obligation to choose our program. Get started right now.

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We Make Getting Help Easy

Our Simple Admissions Process

Treatment Planning
Assessment

Our clinical and medical teams review your personal history and circumstances in order to determine the best treatment plan based on your needs.

Schedule Admission Date
Intake

During intake you will be asked some more questions about your background & medical history. This allows us to fully formulate your treatment plan.

Tour the Facilities
Personal Tour

One of our caring team members will take you around the clinical facilities and introduce you to the rest of our team and current community. 

Settle In
Unwind & Relax

We know that the first day of treatment can be overwhelming for anyone. We work with you to ensure you ease yourself into the treatment process.

Our Admissions Process

Evaluating Your Recovery Needs

How Do I Know SMART Recovery Is Right For Me?

If traditional faith-based programs don’t work for you, if you are looking for something more self-empowering backed and proven by science, something that just doesn’t fit the traditional recovery theme, then SMART recovery may be a better option. The only way to be 100% sure is to try a SMART RECOVERY session out for yourself.

Find a local SMART Recovery meeting near you, and take the first step towards recovery… Your life and sobriety are in your hands, and SMART Recovery can help.

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Written By:

Angel Alexander

Angel alexander pic edited
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Mental Health Writer

About Author:

Angel Alexander is certified in mental health studies and mental health coaching. Angel has over nine years of freelance writing experience and seven years in mental health and substance abuse writing. Angel is currently in her 2nd year of studies at Wallace Community College for the study of psychology.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Carl Williams, medical content reviewer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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