SMART Recovery Meetings at Bedrock

For people experiencing substance abuse or addiction, Self-Management and Recovery Training, or SMART Recovery, offers a constructive and evidence-based path to change.

Whether someone is looking for an alternative to traditional 12-step programs or seeking a complementary approach, SMART Recovery can be a valuable resource.

What Is SMART Recovery?

SMART Recovery is a global, non-profit organization that provides support for people who want to overcome various types of addictive behaviors, including drug abuse and alcohol abuse.

The SMART Recovery program is founded on an evidence-based approach, incorporating elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT).

The 4-point SMART program centers around four main objectives, which are:

• enhancing and maintaining the desire to abstain from addictive behavior
• developing skills to cope with urges and cravings
• learning how to manage thoughts and emotions that may contribute to addictive behavior
• creating a balanced and fulfilling life that does not revolve around addictive behavior

SMART Recovery helps people find their motivation for recovery through goal-setting while promoting a balanced lifestyle.

Self-Empowering

SMART Recovery is designed to be self-empowering by emphasizing individual responsibility, personal choice, and the development of self-management skills.

Participants are encouraged to recognize that they have the ability to make choices and take actions that can lead to positive change in their lives.

The program doesn’t teach the same strategies to everyone. Rather, SMART Recovery provides participants with a variety of tools, allowing them to choose the strategies that work best for them.

By acquiring and honing skills taught in SMART, participants gain a sense of competence and empowerment in dealing with the complexities of addiction and recovery.

Evidence-Based

SMART Recovery is based on cognitive behavioral principles, which have been proven effective in the treatment of various mental health issues, including substance abuse and addiction.

It also incorporates elements of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), which is a form of therapy that emphasizes the role of irrational beliefs in emotional distress and dysfunctional behaviors.

While SMART Recovery itself has been subject to fewer formal research studies compared to some other treatments, the underlying techniques have been studied and validated in various contexts.

For example, both CBT and REBT have a solid foundation in empirical research.

Overall, SMART Recovery is recognized and supported by mental health professionals, addiction counselors, and organizations involved in the treatment of substance use disorders.

How Are SMART Recovery Meetings Structured At Bedrock?

At Bedrock, our SMART Recovery meetings are structured to provide an interactive environment where people can learn the principles and tools of the SMART Recovery program.

Meetings are done in a group setting. The group dynamic allows people to share their experiences, challenges, and successes with others who are facing similar issues.

It also helps reduce feelings of isolation, provides a level of accountability, and fosters a sense of community.

During SMART Recovery meetings, members participate in exercises and discussions focused on building specific skills to manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Group members can engage in role-playing, problem-solving, and other activities that further enhance their skill set, helping each other through the program.

Attendee Participation And Peer Support

Attendee participation and peer support both play important roles in SMART Recovery meetings, contributing to the effectiveness of the program.

During meetings, participants share personal experiences related to addiction, recovery challenges, and successes. This sharing allows people to learn from one another.

Attendee participation also creates an environment where people feel understood, reducing feelings of isolation and stigma.

During open SMART Recovery meetings, facilitators encourage problem-solving. People can receive input and suggestions from peers, leading to a collective effort to find practical solutions.

Peer support can help normalize the process of recovery and reduce feelings of shame, helping others see that the journey to recovery is a shared experience with ups and downs.

The Benefits Of SMART Recovery Groups

Participation in SMART Recovery groups can offer a range of benefits for people seeking to overcome addictive behaviors.

Some of the key benefits associated with SMART Recovery groups includes:

• an emphasis on self-empowerment and balanced life
• access to science-based approaches
• flexibility in one’s own recovery process
• cognitive-behavioral skills training
• access to mutual-support groups
• the choice between in-person or online meetings (SMART Recovery Online)
• skills that can be applied to real-life situations
• positive reinforcement and celebration from peers
• accountability from more than just family members or health care providers
• non-judgmental environment
• normalization of struggles
• an emphasis on personal growth and wellness
• accessible support for people with different schedules
• SMART meetings held in multiple languages, including Spanish
• daily or weekly group meetings and recovery support

Overall, participating in SMART Recovery groups can be a valuable complement to an person’s recovery journey, providing support, education, and practical tools for sustainable behavior change.

Ask About Group Therapy At Bedrock Recovery Center

If you or a loved one is experiencing addiction and is interested in group therapy options such as SMART Recovery, we can help. Contact Bedrock Recovery Center today.