SMART Recovery is an abstinence-oriented, not-for-profit organization for individuals with addictive problems. Self-empowering, free mutual support meetings focused on ideas and techniques to help you change your life from one that is self-destructive and unhappy to one that is constructive and satisfying. SMART Recovery does not use labels like “addict” or “alcoholic.” SMART teaches scientifically validated methods designed to empower you to change and to develop a more positive lifestyle.
Addictive behaviors can serve a purpose — to cope with life’s problems and emotional upsets. There can be drawbacks, however: while addictive behaviors may be effective coping methods in the short term, but they may cause harmful problems in the long term.
SMART focuses on learning coping skills that work well short- and long-term. Based on what addiction science has shown to be effective, SMART has adapted tools for change. Not much concerned with the past, except to learn from it. Focused on present-day events and the causes of self-destructive behaviors. SMART concentrates on what to do about them to achieve a positive lifestyle change, especially in the areas of our lives that are related to harmful addictive behavior.
