Overcoming Addiction
SMART
RecoveryŽ
Self Management and Recovery Training
The Scientific Recovery Program
SMART RecoveryŽ
is a nationwide network of over 250 free self-help groups for
overcoming addictive behavior based on
Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy. It can be an alternative
choice for people who do not do well with or object to
traditional twelve-step based programs. It can also be a
complement to AA attendance, offering additional tools for
achieving permanent abstinence and full recovery. In SMART
RecoveryŽ, one's spirituality, or lack thereof, is left a
personal matter that doesn't necessarily have to be an issue
in recovery, although it certainly can be if that is
important to a person. SMART RecoveryŽ helps people learn how
to manage themselves so they can not only achieve sobriety,
but mental and physical well being as well as the ability to
cope reasonably effectively with life without using
intoxicants. We believe SMART RecoveryŽ can be helpful to
many people, but no one program is right for everyone,
including SMART RecoveryŽ. Thus, we advocate free choice and
encourage the development of many alternative modes of
treatment.
What is
SMART RecoveryŽ?
SMART RecoveryŽ
is a free self-help program for recovery from chemical
dependency. Most groups meet once or twice
weekly, led by a lay coordinator. Most also have a volunteer
advisor, who is a mental health professional.
How is SMART RecoveryŽ different?
SMART RecoveryŽ is a scientific approach based on modern
cognitive/behavioral methods, particularly Rational-Emotive
Behavior Therapy (REBT). SMART RecoveryŽ teaches people
practical, proven self-management and recovery skills.
Does SMART RecoveryŽ work?
Yes, if you are willing to help yourself. Recovery takes
determination, time and work, but the tools offered in SMART
RecoveryŽ can help you make your efforts more productive.
These methods have not only been proven to be effective, but
often produce results quickly. That means being recovered,
not in prolonged recovering.
What's it like?
SMART RecoveryŽ groups are small, allowing for cross-talk,
discussion and practice of many specific methods. The focus
is on learning how to increase your motivation to quit,
handling urges without acting on them, developing new ways of
coping with problems and creating a healthy, positive
lifestyle .
Can I use
socially?
We believe a permanent abstinence decision is the most
rational, easiest, hassle-free solution. With the right tools
and skills, most people can quit and make it stick, without
life-long struggle or substitute dependency on the group.
However, we view sobriety as a personal choice and relapse as
a learning opportunity.
Is SMART RecoveryŽ something new?
The idea that we largely cause our own feelings and behavior
was known to ancient Greek philosophers. In 1955, Dr. Albert
Ellis used this idea as the founding principle of Rational
Emotive Behavior Therapy. Much research and clinical
experience since then has proven the effectiveness of REBT.
SMART RecoveryŽ brings these powerful psychological
principles and practices to a self-help group format.
How can I learn more?
The best way is to go to a few meetings and see for yourself!
We also recommend: "When AA Doesn't Work: Rational Steps
to Quitting Alcohol", by Albert Ellis; "Alcohol: How to Give
It Up and Be Glad You Did", by Philip Tate; "Addiction,
Change
and Choice: The New View of Alcoholism", by Vince Fox; and
"Sex, Drugs, Gambling & Chocolate", by A. Thomas Horvath.
These and other materials can be ordered from SMART
Recovery. Contact information is listed below.
How much does it cost?
SMART RecoveryŽ is free. Your time and effort are the only
costs, although we do pass the hat to help with expenses.
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SMART RecoveryŽ Š is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.
To contact the national office:
Snail-Mail: 7537 Mentor Avenue, Suite 306, Mentor, OH 44060
Phone: 440 951-5357 Fax: 440 951-5358
E-mail: SRMail1@aol.com
web site: http://www.SmartRecovery.org
For more information, join the SMARTREC (As in SMART RECoveryŽ) mailing list.
This is the place for online discussion of recovery issues and it is also the official
internet mail list for SMART RecoveryŽ.
There are also live online SMART RecoveryŽ meetings.
Go to www.SmartRecovery.org
to sign up for a free online meeting and/or for the SMARTREC
mailing list.
For SMART RecoveryŽ meetings in Houston,
click HOUSTON MEETINGS.
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