Smart Recovery
Self-Management And Recovery Training (SMART) differs from the traditional 12-step program like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). This program focuses on helping people recover from many types of addictive behaviors like alcoholism, drug abuse, substance abuse, drug addiction, cocaine addiction, gambling, smoking, and other addictive activities.
The SMART program helps by supporting people on the road to abstinence or those who are considering a drug- and alcohol-free existence. The program is based on the belief of showing addicts how to change their self-defeating thinking, emotions, and actions by working towards the goal of having a quality of life and health for the long-term. They work with addicted individuals face to face in the form of meetings, as well as online forums and chat rooms 24/7 to help with addiction support recovery.
SMART methods include self-empowerment and self-reliance, encouragement towards a recovery, and a satisfying life. Also, the counselors teach techniques for change through educational meeting and discussions. The advisers advocate for the correct use of prescribed medication and psychological treatments. Their approach changes and evolves as scientific understanding of addictions change.
Four-Point Approach of SMART
With the SMART program, there are several tools and techniques used to help the individual gain there freedom from addictive behaviors and addiction. The counselors show the addict how to use each tool and practice techniques as they move through the four point program to live a healthy addiction-free life. Some of the tools used in the SMART program include stages of change, planning worksheets, brainstorming, and roleplaying, just to name a few. The four-point approach includes:
- ● Building and Maintaining Motivation
- ● Coping with Urges
- ● Heart disease and hardening of the arteries
- ● Managing Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviors
- ● Living a Balanced Life
The program officials understand that the path from addiction to sobriety is an individual path that a person must follow. Sometimes, the addict may require other groups for support, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Secular Organizations of Sobriety (SOS), and others. Some participants use these other groups when they can’t attend SMART programs.
SMART for Teens, Family Members, and Friends
SMART is a non-secular scientific-based program that is different from Al-Anon and Johnson intervention. It is modeled after CRAFT (Community Reinforcement Approach And Family Training) and is designed to give tools and resources of those families affected by a loved one’s addictions and behavioral problems.
The Teen SMART program works just like the adult program and uses the four-point method. In step one, the teen will find the motivation to change and continue with recovery. With step two, the addict concentrates on why he or she has the urges and how to deal with them. Step three is where the counselor shows you other ways of dealing with your feeling instead of using drugs or alcohol. This includes setting goals, finding other interests, and learning to maintain sobriety. SMART’s online discussions and youth meetings are open forums where the teen asks questions and discusses topics brought up by others. This is facilitated by addiction professionals who set the tone for discussion while the teens work on their recovery.