What Is SMART Recovery?
SMART Recovery is an abstinence-based program for people having problems with using substance and engaging in self-destructive behaviors. The program offers scientifically-proven and evidence-based tools, ideas, and methods for addiction recovery which help people shift to lead more constructive and satisfying lives. This program is not a spin-off of Alcoholics Anonymous and is not based on your religion or spirituality. To learn more about this self-management and recovery, visit http://www.smartrecovery.org.
How Does It Work?
SMART Recovery 4-Point programs consists of:
- Building and Maintaining Motivation
- Coping with Urges
- Managing Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviors
- Living a Balanced Life
and includes tools for accomplishing each of these points.
SMART Recovery Tools
Here are examples of tools that individuals learn to use and apply in therapy or in meetings:
- Change plan worksheet
- Cost-benefit analysis
- The ABC’s to identify our irrational beliefs
- DISARM (Destructive Imagery and Self-talk Awareness and Refusal Method)
- Brainstorming
- The urges log
Local Meetings
To find local meetings, visit https://www.smartrecoverytest.org/local/.
How Elaine Can Help
Counseling with SMART Recovery principles involves cognitive behavioral psychotherapy and makes a connection between your thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and behaviors. By getting in touch with your deep-held beliefs and emotions that result in self-destructive behaviors, you can empower yourself to make a change. The primary focus is on the present-day events and on the causes of self-destructive behaviors, with the goal of learning what to do about these behaviors to achieve a positive lifestyle shift.
For Internet-addiction related issues, visit Internet Addiction.
To learn about an alternative way to treat addiction, visit Brainspotting for Addiction.