SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery is an international community of peer support groups that help people recover from addictive and problematic behaviors, using a self-empowering and evidence-informed program. SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. The SMART approach is secular and research-based. SMART has a global reach, with a presence established in more than 30 countries. SMART Recovery is effective with a range of addictive and problematic behaviors (alcohol, drugs, gambling, overeating, internet use etc.)

Meetings of SMART participants are held throughout the week, both in person and online. These meetings, which tend to run from 60 to 90 minutes each, are confidential, free, and guided by trained facilitators. Facilitators can be volunteers or professionals. Participants in various stages of recovery, or simply curious about pursuing recovery, share lessons and challenges from their own journeys, while exploring, through discussion, a suite of scientifically grounded psychology tools and techniques.

The SMART approach is built on the belief that freedom from substance use disorders and behavioral addictions fundamentally requires the exercise of personal choice. The SMART model is built on psychological tools of cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. SMART was initially developed by medical professionals seeking more effective methods to treat patients. At the same time, SMART acknowledges that certain individuals can benefit from a blend of approaches, and does not discourage people from using other methods whilst attending SMART meetings. SMART endeavors to be inclusive for all participants.

The organization’s methods and meetings are congenial to participants who choose treatment with appropriately prescribed medications. SMART recognizes some participants may be seeking to regulate behaviors whilst others may choose abstinence. Throughout its global network of affiliates can be found both large scale SMART Recovery meetings and specific meetings tailored to prison inmates, military personnel, the LBGTQIA+ communities, young adults and family & friends of people engaged in or trying to achieve independence from addictive and problematic behaviors.