SMART Recovery® offers free (donation-requested) face-to-face and online mutual help groups. SMART (Self-Management And Recovery Training) helps people recover from all types of addictive behaviors, including: alcoholism, drug abuse, substance abuse, drug addiction, alcohol abuse, gambling addiction, cocaine addiction, and addiction to other substances and activities. SMART is not a 12-step group, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

SMART Recovery® is the leading self-empowering addiction recovery support group, and sponsors more than 600+ face-to-face meetings around the world, and 18+ online meetings per week. Please note that registration at our messageboard is required for our online meetings.

Our online message board (registration required) is an excellent forum in which to learn about SMART and seek support from other members and volunteers. Check out the Introduction to SMART Recovery Online for more information regarding our online community.

Who We Are

Watch the video “Who We Are” and learn more about SMART Recovery® and our 4-Point Program^SM.

Our Purpose

To support individuals who have chosen to abstain, or are considering abstinence from any type of addictive behaviors (substances or activities), by teaching how to change self-defeating thinking, emotions, and actions; and to work towards long-term satisfactions and quality of life.

Our Approach

* Teaches self-empowerment and self-reliance.
* Encourages individuals to recover and live satisfying lives.
* Teaches tools and techniques for self-directed change.
* Meetings are educational and include open discussions.
* Advocates the appropriate use of prescribed medications and psychological treatments.
* Evolves as scientific knowledge of addiction recovery evolves.

SMART Recovery® 4-Point Program^SM

SMART Recovery® (Self Management And Recovery Training) helps individuals gain independence from addiction (substances or activities). Our efforts are based on scientific knowledge and evolve as scientific knowledge evolves. The program offers specific tools and techniques for each of the program points:

Point 1: Enhancing and Maintaining Motivation to Abstain

Point 2: Coping with Urges

Point 3: Problem Solving (Managing thoughts, feelings and behaviors)

Point 4: Lifestyle Balance (Balancing momentary and enduring satisfactions)

SMART Recovery® Tools & Techniques

The SMART Recovery® 4-Point Program^SM employs a variety of tools and techniques to help individuals gain independence from addiction and addictive behaviors. Participants are encouraged to learn how to use each tool and to practice the tools and techniques as they progress toward Point 4 of the program — achieving lifestyle balance and leading a fulfilling and healthy life. These tools include:

– Stages of Change
– Change Plan Worksheet
– Cost/Benefit Analysis (Decision Making Worksheet)
– ABCs of REBT for Urge Coping
– ABCs of REBT for Emotional Upsets
– DISARM (Destructive Irrational Self-talk Awareness & Refusal Method)
– Brainstorming
– Role-playing and Rehearsing
– USA (Unconditional Self-Acceptance)

** To purchase SMART Recovery publications, view the Suggested Reading List for descriptions of publications.

SMART vs. 12-Step Programs

At SMART we believe that each individual finds his own path to recovery. For some participants, that may include 12-step programs, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). While the SMART approach differs from AA and NA, it does not exclude them. Some SMART participants choose to attend AA or NA meetings when they cannot attend a SMART meeting. Some find that what they hear at AA or NA meetings helps them on their path to permanent recovery.