SMART Recovery is an international non-profit organization that provides assistance to individuals who seek abstinence from addiction. SMART is an acronym for Self Management and Recovery Training . The SMART approach is secular and scientific based on the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and non-confrontational motivational methods.
SMART Recovery presents itself as an alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other twelve-step programs. SMART differs from AA by not encouraging individuals to recognize helplessness over addiction, not using the concept of "Higher Power", and rejecting the theory of alcoholism. Addiction is seen by organizations as a dysfunctional habit, not a disease, while allowing that it is possible that certain people have a tendency toward addictive behavior.
Video SMART Recovery
History
Founded in 1992 as the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Network ( ADASHN ), the organization began operating under the name SMART Recovery in 1994.
The general operation was overseen by the board of directors of volunteers, who initially included Dr. Marc Kern. Local groups are run by volunteers known as "facilitators" with the help of volunteer recovery professionals called "volunteer advisors". The headquarters is currently maintained in Mentor, Ohio.
SMART Recovery offers its services for free. Donations are encouraged, and publications are sold.
Maps SMART Recovery
Methodology
The SMART recovery is based on scientific knowledge and is intended to develop as scientific knowledge grows. The program uses motivational interview principles found in motivational enhancement therapy (MET) and techniques derived from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), especially in versions called rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT), as well as validated scientific research on treatment.
The organizational program emphasizes four areas, called the 4-Point Program, in the recovery process: Building Motivation, Overcoming Pressure, Problem Solving, and Balanced Lifestyle. "SMART Toolbox" is a collection of various methods of MET, CBT and REBT, or "tools", which discuss 4 Points.
SMART Recovery can be used as a stand-alone primary recovery support program for those seeking help recovering from addiction but not insisting on being exclusive. The program does not use the twelve steps that form the basis of various Anonymous self-help groups (eg, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA) etc.) and is generally listed as "Alternative to AA" or "Alternative for the Twelve Steps. "SMART Recovery believes that every individual finds himself and his own path to recovery. Although listed as an "alternative", it is also suggested as a possible "supplement" for the twelve-step program in the publication of SMART Recovery's main program, The SMART Recovery Handbook .
Stages of change
SMART Recovery recognizes that participants may be in one or more of the different stages of change and that different exercises can help at different stages.
- Precontemplation - At this stage, participants may not realize they have a problem.
- Contemplation - Participants evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of addiction by performing a cost/benefit analysis.
- Determination/Preparation - Participants decide to pursue personal changes, and can complete the Plan Change Worksheet.
- Action - Participants look for new ways to handle their addiction behavior. This can include self-help, addiction support group support, or professional guidance.
- Treatment - After several months, the behavior of the participants has changed and is now trying to maintain its earnings.
- Graduation/Exit - Once a participant has a long period of change, they can choose to continue their life and "graduate" from SMART Recovery.
Side event: Relapse - While inevitable, relapse is a normal part of the change cycle and if handled properly, it can serve as a learning experience in overcoming addiction.
Meeting
Meetings are free of charge for all who wish to attend and are meant to provide information and support. More than 1500 weekly group meetings led by volunteer facilitators are held around the world. In addition, organizations provide online resources and support to volunteers and those attending the group and one or more daily online meetings.
The meetings are also held in penitentiaries in many countries including: Arizona, California, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Family & amp; SMART; Friends
SMART Family & amp; A friend is an online or face-to-face support group for Others Who Care (CSO) of people who are struggling with addiction. The group started in September 2010. The goal is to address the specific problems faced when a family member or friend tries to reach out and help the loved one and it comes from the work of Robert Meyers' community strengthening approach and family training (CRAFT) program, which differ significantly from Al-Anon because it is a behavioral program that advocates that CSOs can have a positive impact on the substance. The CRAFT program has been shown in the Meyers study to be more effective than Johnson-Johnson or Al-Anon type interventions, with fewer side effects and better outcomes, whether substance abuse enters treatment or not.
Effectiveness
A longitudinal study of 2018 compares the success of self-reported SMART Recovery, LifeRing Secular Recovery, Women For Sobriety, and Alcoholics Anonymous. After normalization for incomes and other demographic factors, the study saw that SMART Recovery fared worse throughout the results of alcohol abstinence, alcohol abuse, and total abstinence, compared to Alcoholics Anonymous. However, after normalization for medicinal purposes, SMART Recovery members who pursue abstinence also perform all three of these factors as AA members. In other words, among AA members and SMART Recovery members who wish to abstain, both programs have similar success rates.
Recognition
SMART is recognized by the American Academy of Family Physicians, as well as the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). NIDA and NIAAA are National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the US Department of Health and Human Services.
See also
References
Further reading
External links
- Intelligent Recovery Website
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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