Understanding the SMART Recovery Program

Written by Lara on June 20, 2024. Posted in Recovery.

SMART Recovery is a secular, evidence-based peer support program for people who are trying to end their use of addictive substances and curtail other compulsive behaviors. It is one of the more popular alternatives to the 12-Step model that is central to organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

What is SMART Recovery?

The “SMART” in SMART Recovery stands for Self-Management And Recovery Training.

According to the organization’s website, this acronym represents “a transformative method of moving from addictive substances and negative behaviors to a life of positive self-regard and willingness to change.”

Features of SMART Recovery include:

Incorporating the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) to help people live healthier lives.
Emphasizing personal choice, self-management, and mutual support.
Holding meetings led by trained volunteer facilitators, many (but not all) of whom have personal histories of addictions or compulsive behaviors.
Sponsoring Family & Friends to help the loved ones of individuals who have become dependent on alcohol or other drugs.

SMART Recovery USA is a 501(c)(3) organization, meaning the U.S. government has approved it as a tax-exempt non-profit. It is led by a national executive team and a board of directors.

The History of SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery officially began in 1994, though its roots extend further back:

SMART Recovery originally began as part of Rational Recovery Systems, a for-profit company owned by Jack Trimpey.
During this time, it was known as the Rational Recovery Self-Help Network.
In 1994, the Rational Recovery Self-Help Network separated from Rational Recovery Systems and changed its name to SMART Recovery.

Today, SMART Recovery reports that it has a presence in more than 23 nations and hosts more than 2,500 regular meetings throughout the world.

In 2018, SMART Recovery International was established to coordinate the efforts of groups in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America.

How Does it Work?

SMART Recovery works by combining peer support with time-tested therapeutic principles. By attending meetings, participating in volunteer training sessions, and reviewing handbooks and other printed materials, participants improve their skills in areas such as:

Managing their thoughts and behaviors
Making healthy and productive choices
Sharing support with others who are working toward similar goals

While SMART Recovery and the 12-Step model both offer structured support to help people overcome the urge to use addictive drugs, there are a few key differences between the two approaches. For example:

Unlike the 12-Step model, SMART Recovery does not have a spiritual element. Also, it does not require you to acknowledge any type of higher power.
The 12-Step model directs participants to admit that they are powerless over alcohol and other drugs. SMART Recovery does not call for any such admission.
The 12-Step model emphasizes complete abstinence from all addictive substances. It encourages abstinence, but it allows participants to define success as they see fit.
Some 12-Step groups do not view individuals as being in recovery if they use methadone, Suboxone, or other MAT medications. Lastly, it welcomes participants who are taking medications as directed by a doctor to help them stay sober.

The 4-Point Recovery Model

SMART Recovery is structured around a four-point program designed to help people achieve the following goals:

Build and maintain motivation: This point helps participants find the drive to make significant changes and stay committed to their sobriety.
Cope with urges and cravings: Drug cravings and other unhealthy urges are common among people in recovery. Learning to process these emotions without resorting to substance abuse can be vital for long-term success.
Manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviors: SMART Recovery uses CBT and REBT to help participants change harmful beliefs and behaviors.
Live a balanced life: Balance and moderation are key attributes of a healthy life in recovery. SMART Recovery helps participants find productive and satisfying ways to replace the time once spent on alcohol and drug use.

SMART Recovery Meetings

As we noted earlier in this post, meetings are led by trained volunteer facilitators. We never charge for attending meetings, which we conduct both in person and online.

We design meetings as safe and supportive spaces where participants gain recovery information, share their thoughts, and learn from others’ insights and experiences.

The contributions of participants understandably influence the content and focus of each meeting. In general, though, most meetings adhere to the following structure:

Check-in: Participants share current milestones or challenges and highlight successes and setbacks from the previous week.
Discussion: The meeting primarily features a facilitator-led discussion on topics related to the four-point program. These discussions often incorporate the principles of CBT or REBT. Though the facilitator plays an important role, this section of the meeting is a discussion, not a lecture. All participants are encouraged to ask questions, provide feedback, and stay actively engaged.
Checkout: As the meeting nears its end, participants have the opportunity to highlight a lesson they learned, or a discussion point that particularly interested them.

A typical meeting lasts 60-90 minutes.

Contact Sanctuary Treatment Center to Learn About Using SMART Recovery During Treatment

At Sanctuary Treatment Center, we are committed to providing the personalized services that reflect each patient’s unique needs, goals, and preferences. This includes recognizing that there are many valid pathways to successful, long-term recovery.

We do not host on-site meetings at our rehab facility in Southern California, but we do support patients who wish to explore the benefits of this approach. We offer cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, both of which are research-supported approaches that align with our philosophy.

To learn more about SMART Recovery and other support methods at Sanctuary Treatment Center, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.