What is SMART Recovery : An Alternate Approach to Recovery

Renowned author and physician Gabor Mate famously said, “The question is not why the addiction…but why the pain?”. It’s a beautiful statement and a compassionate approach to addiction treatment that offers an understanding of the fact that addiction is masking a deeper wound. This wound and the resultant addiction is the manifestation of emotional pain and suffering.

Addiction Recovery is a Journey

Addiction can come in many forms: substance abuse, shopping, pornography, gambling, or disordered eating to name a few. Many who are looking to move through their addiction try and first attempt sobriety by themselves. When they realize that their addiction has far too strong of a hold upon them, they will look elsewhere for support.

Various recovery programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Cocaine Anonymous have been around for many, many years and have helped millions of people regain sobriety and have healthy support systems. These types of groups assist those in recovery through sponsorship, meetings and workshops. 

A Lesser Known Recovery Option

A lesser-known support system is Self-Management and Recovery Training - SMART Recovery. It was established in 1994 and centres its approach to recovery in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Therapy (REBT).

Its goals are to help the attendees learn how to:

1) Build and maintain motivation.

2) Cope with urges and cravings.

3) Manage thoughts, feelings and behavioures.

4) Live a balanced life.

Unlike AA, NA, or CA, SMART Recovery does not believe in sponsorship as they feel it fosters codependency. Instead, SMART Recovery takes a self-empowered approach to recovery and places the responsibility for recovery on the shoulders of the person looking to break free from the grip of addiction.

Supported Independence in Recovery

In this, they have group meetings that offer support, shared experience, and assistance, but also believe that people can mange their own addiction, recovery, and resultant behaviours such as cravings. As this approach is very client-centred, SMART Recovery also believes in personal choice and that those who are undergoing the journey can choose how they want their recovery to look. They also offer support to the friends and family of those undergoing their sobriety journey in a non-faith-based way. This is not to say that those utilizing SMART cannot integrate faith into their recovery, it is simply not one of the central components to their approach. This is also appealing to some. 

There are many SMART Recovery meetings online in the Edmonton area and around the world. If you are looking for group support, I highly recommended checking them out. It’s free to attend and completely anonymous.

Taking a Bold Step

I personally attended a women’s only meeting facilitated by Jan Folk to see what and how the group runs, and I cannot say enough about the brave women who are undergoing their journey to sobriety. The group was supportive, accepting, and overall it was a wonderful experience.

The SMART Recovery webpage also has workbooks, resources and links to various meetings. For those looking for a self-empowered approach to recovery, its worth your time to have a look. 

Regardless of the path you choose to take toward your sobriety, we want to congratulate you on making the decision to face the pain and regain your life. The team at Balance Psychological Services is so proud of you; know that we are rooting for you!

Visit the SMART Recovery Canada website for more information.

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Shift Work - How It Impacts Your Mental Health https://www.balancepsychservices.ca/post/shift-work-and-your-mental-health

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About Balance Psychological Services

Balance Psychological Services is a psychological private practice aimed toward healing, growth, and balance. Our mission is to ensure that every person who walks through our doors feels seen and accepted for exactly who they are, no matter the circumstances they are facing. With offices conveniently located in Stony Plain, Edmonton, and Beaumont, we are here and ready to help you find your balance. Book an appointment today.

Disclaimer

Information provided through Balance Psychological Services' blog posts is meant for educational purposes only. This is NOT medical or mental health advice. If you are seeking mental health advice, please contact us directly at (587) 985-3132.