What is Smart Recovery?

SMART Recovery’s 4-Point Program® helps people recover from all types of addictive behaviors, including: alcoholism, drug abuse, substance abuse, drug addiction, alcohol abuse, gambling addiction, cocaine addiction, and addiction to other substances and activities.
Smart Recovery’s purpose is to support individuals who have chosen to abstain, or are considering abstinence from any type of addictive behaviors (substances or activities), by teaching how to change self-defeating thinking, emotions, and actions; and to work towards long-term satisfactions and quality of life.

  • Teaches self-empowerment and self-reliance.
  • Encourages individuals to recover and live satisfying lives.
  • Teaches tools and techniques for self-directed change.
  • Meetings are educational and include open discussions.
  • Advocates the appropriate use of prescribed medications and psychological treatments.
  • Evolves as scientific knowledge of addiction recovery evolves SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) helps individuals gain independence from addiction (substances or activities). Our efforts are based on scientific knowledge and evolve as scientific knowledge evolves.
    The 4-Point Program offers specific tools and techniques for each of the program points:
    Point 1: Building and Maintaining Motivation
    Point 2: Coping with Urges
    Point 3: Managing Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviors
    Point 4: Living a Balanced Life
    The SMART Recovery 4-Point Program employs a variety of tools and techniques to help individuals gain independence from addiction and addictive behaviors. Participants are encouraged to learn how to use each tool and to practice the tools and techniques as they progress toward Point 4 of our program — achieving lifestyle balance and leading a fulfilling and healthy life. These tools include:- Stages of Change – Change Plan Worksheet Cost/Benefit Analysis (Decision Making Worksheet)- ABCs of REBT for Urge Coping – ABCs of REBT for Emotional Upsets
  • DISARM (Destructive Images and Self-talk Awareness & Refusal Method)- Hierarchy of Values- Brainstorming- Role-playing and Rehearsing- USA (Unconditional Self-Acceptance).