SMART Addiction Recovery Programs

The SMART Recovery approach to addiction teaches the individual self-empowerment and self-reliance. No one can recover for you, so it’s important to gain the skills and strength you need for your recovery and lasting sobriety. You are also responsible for your own actions, and this program teaches you to be accountable for managing your thoughts and behaviors during recovery. No one is immune to relapse, and it’s important to learn new ways to prevent it from happening. The SMART method uses a range of techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational enhancement therapies to teach these skills. This program, alongside one of our other unique programs and therapies, can help you or someone you know successfully recover from addiction. 

Stages of the SMART Recovery Method 

Our SMART Recovery Program recognizes that patients may be in different stages of recovery that require different stages of help. 

The stages of SMART Recovery are: 

1. Precontemplation – At this stage, the individual may be unaware of their problem. 
2. Contemplation – The participant evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of addiction by creating a cost/benefit analysis. 
3. Determination/Preparation – The participant decides to pursue personal changes and may complete a Change Plan Worksheet. 
4. Action – The participant seeks out new ways of managing their addiction behavior. This can include self-help, the support of help groups, or professional guidance. 
5. Maintenance – After a few months, the participant’s behavior has changed, and they now seek to maintain their achievements. 
6. Graduation/Exit – Once a participant has sustained a long period of change, they may choose to move on with their lives and “graduate” from the SMART Recovery Program. 
7. Side event: Relapse – Although they’re not inevitable, relapses are a normal part of the change participants undergo and if handled well, can serve as a learning experience in the recovery process. 

What Are the Six Basic Elements of a Smart Recovery Meeting? 

 The six basic elements of a SMART Recovery meeting are: 

• Check-In: 

• • Participants share their experiences, challenges, and successes since the last meeting. 

• • This helps create a supportive atmosphere and allows individuals to connect with others in the group. 

• Setting the Agenda: 

• • The meeting facilitator collaboratively establishes the meeting agenda based on the needs and interests of the participants. 

• • Topics may include specific tools and strategies from the SMART Recovery program. 

• Presentations and Discussions: 

• • The meeting may include presentations or discussions on various topics related to addiction recovery. 

• • These discussions often revolve around applying SMART tools, problem-solving, and sharing practical strategies. 

• Check-Out: 

• • Participants have an opportunity to reflect on the meeting, share any additional thoughts, and discuss plans for applying what they've learned. 

• • This promotes accountability and goal-setting for the period until the next meeting. 

• Homework Review: 

• • SMART Recovery often involves participants engaging in specific exercises or tasks between meetings. 

• • Meetings may include a review of homework assignments, providing an opportunity for participants to share insights and challenges. 

• Use of the SMART Toolbox: 

• • The SMART Recovery program provides a toolbox of evidence-based tools and techniques. 

• • Meetings focus on how to use these tools, which include aspects of cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement, and rational emotive behavior therapy. 

These elements create a structured and collaborative environment where individuals in recovery can share their experiences, learn practical strategies, and receive support from their peers.  

What Are the Benefits of the Smart Recovery Program?  

The program requires a different vocabulary while working with substance users. Professionals steer clear of terms like “addict” or “alcoholic,” so motivation is not undermined. Instead, addiction is seen as a behavioral problem that can be corrected, especially through dedication and desire to recover from the patient. Establishing a support group is vital in the process, and individuals will express themselves while hearing others' way of life and struggles.   

Along with peer support, the benefits of SMART Recovery for addiction include: 

• Initiating or pushing forward progress 

• Increasing self-awareness 

• Creating more self-control 

• Helping people take responsibility for their actions and behaviors 

• Reducing the risk of relapse 

Benefits of SMART Recovery meetings include: 

• Self-empowerment: This program urges people to actively participate in their recovery process. Participants in the program have a sense of empowerment and control over their habits and decisions thanks to the program's focus on self-management. 

• Supportive community: Enrolling in SMART Recovery groups links people with a community of people who share similar values. Participants can share their experiences, get new perspectives, and get advice from peers and skilled facilitators by attending meetings. 

• Personalized recovery plan: These programs assist people in creating a customized recovery plan that caters to their unique requirements and objectives. This strategy acts as a road map, offering guidance and emphasis throughout the healing process. 

• Goal setting and accountability: SMART Recovery stresses the significance of establishing realistic goals and monitoring development. Participants can celebrate accomplishments and maintain their commitment to their recovery thanks to this method, which encourages accountability and motivation. 

• Practical life skills: SMART rehabilitation provides people with useful life skills in addition to addiction rehabilitation. Participants pick up helpful coping skills, problem-solving techniques, and wholesome techniques for controlling thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. 

The main benefits include maintaining motivation, reducing relapse risks, being able to practice self-control or management, and being able to enjoy a balanced lifestyle. When cravings are conquered, and triggers are noticed, then a person can work to grow their mental, emotional, physical, and even spiritual strength. 

SMART Recovery vs. AA 

SMART Recovery and AA both aim to help people recover from addiction but differ significantly in their approaches. AA is structured around a 12-step program that emphasizes admitting powerlessness over addiction, surrendering to a higher power, and regularly attending meetings for support. This approach integrates spirituality, often requiring belief in a higher power as a central element of the recovery process. 

In contrast, SMART Recovery is grounded in cognitive-behavioral therapy principles, focusing on enhancing self-reliance, self-management, and personal responsibility. It offers tools and techniques to help individuals manage their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions without necessitating any spiritual beliefs or practices. This makes SMART Recovery a more secular and science-based approach, catering to those who prefer a non-spiritual pathway to recovery. 

Finally, the structure of the two programs also differs. AA meetings are typically led by volunteers who have completed the 12-step program themselves and follow a set format, including the sharing of personal stories and readings from AA literature. SMART Recovery meetings, on the other hand, are facilitated by trained professionals who use evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing to help participants develop the skills and strategies needed to overcome addiction. SMART Recovery also offers a variety of online resources and tools, including an online forum and a 24/7 chat room, which can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. 

Recovery at Our Drug and Alcohol Rehab   

Our treatment centers are supervised by our experienced medical staff, who prepare a clean and secure environment for you to efficiently overcome the adverse withdrawal symptoms. Whether you need to conquer alcoholism or drug addiction treatment, we have the methods and resources necessary for recovery. Plus, our family program offers the ability to mend relationships that were broken due to substance abuse.   

Don’t wait. Contact us now! To speak to a specialist at Banyan by calling (888) 981-7763 and asking about our residential treatment program to get started on the path to SMART recovery today! 

Not all programs are available at all locations. Please contact the location for availability.