Self-management and recovery training recovery (SMART) is a type of addiction treatment that’s centered on self-empowerment to abstain from drug and alcohol use. SMART Recovery meetings are often run by volunteers who have had success with recovery through the program and want to guide others in recovery. SMART training is nationally and internationally known to help individuals with substance use disorders achieve and maintain sobriety. Keep reading to learn more about the SMART Recovery Program at our Texas recovery center can help you or a loved one.

What Is SMART Recovery?

SMART Recovery for addiction is a group-based addiction recovery model led by volunteers designed to help people use the latest scientifically based treatment methods to overcome drug and alcohol abuse. SMART Recovery welcomes people dealing with all types of substance use disorders, including addiction to drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, and more.

For years, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) were the leading self-help groups available for people seeking addiction recovery. However, not everyone was comfortable with the mention of God and spiritual principles in these groups.

Rational Recovery was founded in 1985 to give these individuals another, just as effective, option, which based self-empowerment on scientific principles and avoided the use of a higher power in its principles. Rational Recovery was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1992 and was officially founded and renamed SMART Recovery in 1994.

Nowadays, SMART Recovery is also a program that’s utilized by various facilities, like our rehab in Texas, to help people recover from addiction. There are four phases of treatment in SMART recovery groups:

  • Building and Maintaining Motivation: Having the determination to stay sober.
  • Coping With Urges: Identifying triggers and discovering the best ways to reduce them.
  • Managing Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors: Learning ways to avoid relapse, finding self-acceptance, increasing self-awareness, and learning emotional regulation.
  • Living a Balanced Life: Setting realistic expectations about a sober life and making changes to promote a successful recovery.

Each of these SMART recovery tools is achieved through the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping the individual become their own therapist by helping them move forward and develop more effective ways of coping with daily life.

How SMART Recovery Program for Addiction Works

Attending SMART Recovery meetings can be intimidating at first, but knowing what happens at a SMART Recovery meeting can make your first one smoother. SMART Recovery groups are led by volunteers who have also attended these groups before and found support in them.

Meetings follow an organized program format, with SMART Recovery topics usually focusing on understanding behaviors and developing strategies for a positive and sober lifestyle. While the program supports learning from the past, it also focuses on present-day problems and ways to make positive changes in one’s life right now.

Our SMART Recovery program in Texas includes learning to understand one’s behaviors and learning how to adjust to life without drugs or alcohol. SMART Recovery meetings are open to the public and anyone who needs support and guidance during recovery.

Our Banyan Texas treatment center also offers SMART Recovery online meetings as part of our telehealth services to offer individuals support no matter where they are. These meetings are great alternatives for those who live far from any groups or our facility, those who travel a lot, and those with busy schedules.

Is SMART Addiction Recovery for You?

SMART therapy can help you or a loved one as you recover from addiction. However, keep in mind that these meetings are not a substitute for professional drug or alcohol addiction treatment but a supplement to recovery in general.

 

If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder and needs help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact Banyan Treatment Centers today to learn more about our Texas drug and alcohol treatment.

 

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