There are many approaches to treating alcohol addiction, and SMART Recovery is one of them. Despite being relatively new compared to other approaches, like the 12-step program, SMART has been proven effective in helping alcoholics manage their addictive behaviour, and this may also help you or your loved one.
In this article, you’ll learn more about SMART Recovery and discover its benefits in combination with other approaches to alcohol addiction treatment.
SMART Recovery Overview
Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) is a support program that teaches participants how to take charge of their addictive behaviour by concentrating on underlying emotions and thoughts. Its self-empowering methodology teaches individuals how to control their cravings and impulses over an extended period. Volunteers with training assist participants in examining particular behaviours to identify issues that require the most attention.
A popular alternative for 12-step groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, SMART Recovery is offered in more than 35 countries globally. Every week, about 3,000 SMART Recovery meetings are held all over the world to provide support in overcoming the obstacles that any addiction, such as alcoholism, causes in one’s life.
The SMART Recovery Handbook details each point in the four-point program and provides tips and exercises for staying sober. It stresses that the four-point program is not a step-by-step guide and that each point can be tackled based on needs, not order.
- Building and maintaining motivation. Achieving long-lasting recovery requires having the right kind of desire to remain sober. Participants can create a list of priorities to compare the advantages and disadvantages of using versus abstaining.
- Coping with urges. The second point looks at the causes of cravings. Participants learn how to control cravings by using strategies like distraction tactics. They also recognize and dispel illogical beliefs regarding cravings for substance use.
- Managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. In point three, it is explained how to stop relapsing by looking at the ideas, emotions, and actions that trigger alcohol use. Participants get insight into managing challenging emotions like depression, as well as self-acceptance.
- Living a balanced life. Deciding to live sober is a significant lifestyle shift, and learning how to maintain sobriety is crucial for a full recovery. Participants list the things that are important to them in point four. They are also instructed in future planning and setting reasonable goals.
Before determining whether SMART Recovery is right for you, facilitators advise attending at least five meetings. This will allow you time to learn more about the organization and determine whether it aligns with your rehabilitation schedule.
Using SMART Recovery in Alcohol Addiction Treatment
SMART Recovery is one of today’s biggest addiction and abuse support groups in the world. It offers programs in many cities worldwide, along with treatment centres, online group meetings, correctional facilities, and more.
Self-empowerment is the SMART Recovery group’s main goal. Information about staying away from alcohol cravings, maintaining motivation after treatment, and the value of leading a balanced life is available at meetings and through other support resources.
According to a report on a qualitative investigation of SMART Recovery meetings, participants place a high value on the mutual support that SMART offers because it makes learning from peers and experts possible. Additionally, they assert that the structured and useful exercises they offer at weekly meetings support their process.
The program of SMART Recovery is not based on spiritual principles or a higher power, which is one of its main differences from 12-step programs by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Rather, the emphasis is on evidence-based alcohol treatments that combine a variety of interventions, including Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Furthermore, it opposes the use of labels such as “alcoholic,” “addict,” or even “clean” to prevent stigmatizing its members.
People in SMART Recovery programs can learn to change their thought and behaviour patterns by analysing potential situations using an ABC exercise.
- A – Activating event. Every trigger begins with a particular incident that has happened. Identifying the situation that made you want to drink or revert to unhealthy behaviours is the first step. (Example: You’re at a party.)
- B – Beliefs. These are the attitudes and ideas surrounding “A.” Beliefs can be irrational, founded in wishful thinking, and self-defeating, or they can be reasonable, grounded in reality, and helpful to oneself. (Example: You think you must have a drink to relax, have fun, and not feel left out.)
- C – Consequence. Every idea and every deed has an effect. The consequence stems from “A” and “B.” (Example: You drank alcohol.)
- D – Disputes. This involves constructing counterarguments to illogical ideas and creating alternative, logical approaches to “B.” (Example: You contemplate if there’s proof that you can’t handle not drinking at a party.)
- E – Effects of disputes. The new feelings and actions that result from rational beliefs take the place of illogical ones. (Example: You feel like you can handle being here and having fun without drinking while it’s uncomfortable.)
A SMART meeting could concentrate on one or two of these topics to better analyse issues that group members have become aware of over the previous week. The group then devises a strategy to spend the following week concentrating on healthier routines and logical thought processes.
Benefits of Integrating SMART Recovery With Other Alcohol Addiction Recovery Approaches
SMART Recovery’s evidence-based practices effectively help people recover from addiction. However, it works best when combined with other alcohol addiction treatments as it amplifies some treatment effects.
According to one study, 94% of outpatient participants in the SMART program mentioned that alcohol use had improved their ability to abstain and reduce. The findings suggest that patients benefit when SMART Recovery is integrated into alcohol treatment. The results show that improved control over their alcohol consumption, health, happiness, and social connections are the main benefits of this joint treatment.
Additionally, adding SMART Recovery to treatment under the guidance of medical professionals can be a very beneficial extra layer of support. Research indicates that this group’s free and adaptable support can aid individuals in implementing and maintaining positive changes, ultimately fostering their recovery.
SMART Recovery offers comprehensive treatment for both addiction and underlying issues by coordinating care with psychological professionals for dual diagnosis. This approach aids in the treatment of alcohol addiction and co-occurring disorders. Additionally, it offers scientifically supported group exercises that are especially helpful for front-line treatment programs.
SMART Recovery and Professional Care
HARP Private Rehab combines the SMART approach to alcohol addiction treatment with the other two of the most globally relied-on theorems, the 12-Step Program and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, to create the 5I Recovery Process. The holistic recovery process has enabled the facility to help over 500 struggling individuals overcome their addictions.
Our compassionate staff will be more than happy to tell you more about our approach to alcohol addiction treatment. Call us or [Download] the guide to alcohol healing at HARP.
