SMART Recovery Meetings

Once I had some sober time, I realized I needed a support system, as I felt adrift. My research led me to discover SMART Recovery. The acronym stands for Self Management and Recovery Training, highlighting the importance of individual responsibility in the recovery process. According to their Handbook:

SMART operates as a nonprofit, dedicated to providing free, self-empowerment groups aimed at overcoming any form of addiction.

You can easily locate a SMART Recovery meeting in nearly every community across the U.S. and in various other countries. I found my local chapter through a simple Google search.

SMART also emphasizes that recovery is not one-size-fits-all. What is effective for one person may not work for another, so they steer clear of rigid language like "must" or "should," instead offering diverse strategies that have proven helpful for many participants.

Cross-Talk and Support

During one meeting, a knowledgeable facilitator in her 30s, who had been sober for seven years, led the discussion. Each facilitator is well-trained, providing a wealth of knowledge on addiction and recovery.

One aspect I appreciated was the encouragement of "cross-talk" among participants, which is often restricted in 12-step programs. This practice allows individuals to share their experiences, offering invaluable support to others facing similar challenges, rather than relying solely on the facilitator's input.

The facilitator is there to guide when necessary, and while there are structured topics, discussions can flow naturally as needed. This program is inclusive and not based on any religious beliefs. Personally, I have faith and often pray during my recovery, but I prefer to keep that aspect private. Confidentiality is a key principle, ensuring everyone's privacy is respected.

The 4-Point Program

At the core of SMART is the 4-Point Program, which offers tools, techniques, and strategies to aid you on your recovery journey. Unlike steps, these points can be approached sequentially or independently based on individual needs.

When I first attended meetings, I was already motivated and had been alcohol-free for about a month. My primary challenge was managing cravings, especially while living with my husband, who still drank.

The four key points include:

• Building and Maintaining Motivation
• Coping with Urges
• Managing Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors
• Living a Balanced Life

Over time, as my sobriety solidified, I sought a more balanced lifestyle, and the program was instrumental in helping me achieve that.

Additional Resources

I purchased the SMART Recovery Handbook, which is packed with information and exercises tailored to various challenges faced during recovery. I found the chapter on coping with urges and identifying triggers particularly useful.

The website smartrecovery.org is a treasure trove of resources, including online meetings, chats, forums, and a shop featuring various products to support recovery, including the Handbook that I frequently reference.

One of the Handbook's advantages is its availability whenever you need a boost in motivation or strategies to resist urges. The skills learned through the 4-Point Program are valuable even after achieving full recovery, assisting you in managing future challenges and enhancing your overall satisfaction and balance in life.

While I have yet to try an online meeting, I am considering it, especially since I haven't attended an in-person session since the pandemic. I feel confident in my sobriety, but reinforcing it is always beneficial.

If you are contemplating or actively pursuing recovery from alcohol addiction, I encourage you to explore the SMART Recovery Program. It's often utilized alongside outpatient treatment or therapy.

For more information, visit smartrecovery.org for resources in the U.S. and Canada, or check out SMART Recovery International for other countries. You might be pleasantly surprised by the positive impact it can have on your journey.