SMART Recovery® is an approach to addiction treatment that allows individuals to explore their condition, learn from others, and develop rational solutions to embrace sobriety. Short for Self-Management and Recovery Training, this non-profit program has successfully helped people across the globe for more than 20 years. If you’re considering your options for overcoming drug dependence, the following questions and answers can help you become more familiar with SMART Recovery®.
What is the SMART Recovery® Approach?
The program focuses on four points to help support sobriety, including:
- Developing and sustaining motivation
- Identifying urges and healthy ways to cope with them
- Managing negative thoughts, emotions, and actions
- Living a balanced life
Group meetings are generally small and held at various locations across the country as well as internationally. Meetings are conducted by trained SMART Recovery® facilitators. They are easy to attend and informal. Instead of having people talk at you, you can expect them to give you an opportunity to share thoughts and learn from others. Beyond in-person discussions, people can also engage with others in recovery through online forums. There is no cost to attend SMART Recovery® meetings, but donations are always welcome.
Who Should Consider SMART Recovery®?
The best option for addiction treatment will ultimately depend on the nature of a person’s dependency and their overall personality. The program is ideal for any person looking for reliable support with opiate or heroin addiction, as well as other forms of addictive behavior. It is especially attractive to those who are interested in strengthening self-reliance and moving away from powerlessness.
Is SMART Recovery® Similar to AA?
While AA and SMART Recovery® both use the group meeting format, they are different in their approach. Mainly, SMART Recovery® is founded on a scientific basis, whereas AA adopts a more spiritual perspective. In addition, SMART Recovery® has no formal steps to recovery, nor does it use sponsors.
Get Started in SMART Recovery® with Brightside
People living in the Northbrook or Tinley Park, Illinois areas can attend convenient SMART Recovery® meetings at Brightside. We take pride in offering weekly meetings to anyone who needs them, regardless of whether they are Brightside Recovery patients. For upcoming meeting times and locations, visit www.smartrecovery.com for a complete list.
If you or someone you love needs help with drug dependence, contact Brightside today. Since opening in 2015, we’ve helped over 200 people a month recover from opioid addiction.
