Exploring SMART Recovery: A modern approach to overcoming addiction  

What is SMART?  

As an alternative to a traditional 12 step program, SMART is centred around the individual using practical tools to overcome addiction and is cemented on the principal that everyone has the power within them to recover.  If you need 24 hour addiction help, want free clinician addiction advice to find a rehab then call and speak to a clinician in complete confidence, without charge. By exploring SMART recovery for addiction you could be on the road to a life free of dependency on drugs and alcohol.

Exploring SMART recovery for addiction

There are 4 key elements to SMART in the way individuals are aided to overcome urges, manage thoughts of relapse and alter behaviors.  

What is different about SMART?  

12 step programs have, and continue, to help those caught up in addiction. Millions of people, over the last century, have overcome addiction using a 12-step approach: There is no question that it works.  

With anything in life, there are new discoveries, new approaches and scientific development.  SMART uses science-based approaches which are centered around empowering an individual to overcome their difficulties with drugs and alcohol. It stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. The major difference is that, unlike 12 step programs, SMART does not focus on the concept of a higher power, instead it focuses on educating individuals to rely on their inner strengths by introducing new strategies to manage. SMART is based around Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and a lesser-known process known as Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) which is all about helping people to change behaviors and thoughts.  

Research has shown that SMART can be particularly useful for those experiencing:  

• Alcohol and drug dependency 

• Overeating 

• Shopping addiction  

• Gambling addiction  

What are the four elements of SMART?  

Each of the four elements focuses on a specific area of recovery. While these are separated, they are all interlinked. To achieve abstinence and sobriety all four elements needs to be addressed and taken on board.  

• Building and maintaining motivation  

When people enter into a rehab center their motivation levels are, generally, very high. SMART works on this by helping the individual to explore the positives of being abstinent and sober. It helps the person to define and set goals which can be things like strengthening family relationships, improving physical health and fitness and achieving career or personal goals.  

• Coping with urges 

          Withdrawal, even with a supervised detox in a rehab centre can be difficult.    

Even those for whom detox is a smooth process, cravings can be common and very difficult to manage. Learning effective ways to manage these triggers through mindfulness, seeking out healthy distractions is a key component of this element. Individuals are aided to manage cravings and how to replace destructive habits with more positive ones.  

• Managing Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviors 

Negative emotions and a downward spiral of negative thoughts are often the lightning rod for addiction. By using CBT techniques, SMART helps people to recognize these destructive patters and replace them with more positive responses. How to manage anxiety, the frustration that often underpins addiction and addressing stress responses are essential components within this element. In time, with support and practice, they become second nature.  

• Balance  

Leaving a rehab center is just the beginning of the trajectory of recovery. Addiction often dulls creativity, motivation and hope. SMART moves people to explore different routines, social activities and strengthen relationships. The philosophy being that if a person leads a balanced life the chance of relapse is lower.  

If you need 24 hour addiction help, want free clinician addiction advice to find a rehab then call and speak to a clinician in complete confidence, without charge.

How do SMART meetings run?  

On leaving a rehab center, SMART meetings can be accessed, either in person, or on-line. During a meeting, attendees discuss progress, challenges and strategies for managing addiction. A trained/experienced group leader leads the discussion and peers support each other.  

Exploring SMART recovery for addiction

Should I choose SMART or 12 steps?  

Both are aimed at one thing: Recovery. The end of the trajectory is the same, it is merely how you get there that is different. Both are very effective, and some centres use an eclectic mix containing elements of both. There are differences between the two, such as:  

• Empowerment Vs Higher Power: 12 steps emphasize a higher power as a source of power, whereas SMART focuses on the power of the individual. 

• 12 steps use spiritual principles whereas SMART uses evidence based scientific approaches such as CBT.   

• SMART does not use terms such as addict whereas a 12-step approach looks to the individual to take ownership by identifying with their addiction.  

• 12 step meetings are channeled into alcohol groups, drug addiction groups and are restricted to those in recovery. SMART is open to anyone, even those not in recovery and no religious affiliation is necessary. 

If you need 24 hour addiction help, want free clinician addiction advice to find a rehab then call and speak to a clinician in complete confidence, without charge.

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