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A Chapter of the
American Humanist Association
and
The Council for Secular Humanism
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SMART Recovery ®
- Teaches self-empowerment and self-reliance.
- Works on addictions/compulsions as complex maladaptive behaviors with possible physiological factors.
- Teaches tools and techniques for self-directed change.
- Encourages individuals to recover and live satisfying lives.
- Meetings are educational and include open discussions.
- Advocates the appropriate use of prescribed medications and psychological treatments.
- Evolves as scientific knowledge evolves.
- Differs from Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and traditional 12-step programs.
- Stages of Change
- Change Plan Worksheet
- Cost/Benefit Analysis (Decision Making Worksheet)
- ABCs of REBT for Urge Coping
- ABCs of REBT for Emotional Upsets
- DISARM (Destructive Irrational Self-talk Awareness & Refusal Method)
- Brainstorming
- Role-playing and Rehearsing
- USA Today
Because of a generous grant from the American Humanist Association, the Humanists of Fort Worth have started sponsoring and hosting SMART Recovery meetings in Fort Worth, Texas!
We cannot change the past.
The future can be different.
But we have to start somewhere.
Get Free for Free with Evidence-Based SMART Recovery® SMART offers free face-to-face and online mutual help groups. SMART (Self-Management And Recovery Training) helps people recover from all types of addictive behaviors, including: alcoholism, drug abuse, substance abuse, drug addiction, alcohol abuse, gambling addiction, cocaine addiction, and addiction to other substances and activities. SMART is an alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.
SMART sponsors more than 300+ face-to-face meetings around the world, and 16+ online meetings per week. In addition, our online message board is an excellent forum in which to learn about SMART and seek support.
Our Purpose
To support individuals who have chosen to abstain, or are considering abstinence from any type of addictive behaviors (substances or activities), by teaching how to change self-defeating thinking, emotions, and actions; and to work towards long-term satisfactions and quality of life.
Our Approach
SMART Recovery® 4-Point Program
SMART Recovery® (Self Management And Recovery Training) helps individuals gain independence from addictive behaviors (substances or activities). Our efforts are based on scientific knowledge and evolve as scientific knowledge evolves. The program offers specific tools and techniques for each of the program points:
Point 1: Enhancing and Maintaining Motivation to Abstain
Point 2: Coping with Urges
Point 3: Problem Solving (Managing thoughts, feelings and behaviors)
Point 4: Lifestyle Balance (Balancing momentary and enduring satisfactions)
SMART Recovery® Tools & Techniques
The SMART Recovery® 4-Point ProgramSM employs a variety of tools and techniques to help individuals gain independence from addictive behaviors. Participants are encouraged to learn how to use each tool and to practice the tools and techniques as they progress toward Point 4 of the program -- achieving lifestyle balance and leading a fulfilling and healthy life. These tools include:
** To purchase SMART Recovery publications, view the suggested reading list or for descriptions of publications Click Here.
From the SMART Recovery®
Purposes and Methods Statement
1. We assume that addictive behavior can arise from both substance use (e.g., psycho-active substances of all kinds, including alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, food, illicit drugs, and prescribed medications), and involvement in activities (e.g., gambling, sexual behavior, eating, spending, relationships, exercise, etc.). We assume that there are degrees of addictive behavior, and that all individuals to some degree experience it.
For some individuals the negative consequences of addictive behavior (which can involve several substances or activities) become so great that change becomes highly desirable. To individuals who are, or think they may be, at this point, we offer our services. Our groups are free of charge (although a donation is requested). Our Internet list serve discussion group is free to those who can access it. There is a nominal charge for our publications.
2. Gaining independence from addictive behavior can involve changes that affect an individuals entire life, not just changes directly related to the addictive behavior itself. Consequently there appear to be as many roads to gaining independence from addictive behavior as there are individuals. For many the road will lead somewhere other than using our services. We recommend they follow the direction they have chosen, and we wish them well. They are always welcome to return.
Individuals who have been successful in gaining independence from addictive behavior appear to have made changes in all four areas we teach about. These four areas could also be described as maintaining motivation, coping with craving, thinking rationally, and leading a balanced lifestyle. Although we teach important information in each of these areas, ultimately it is the individual's determination and persistence to keep moving forward that will determine how much success is achieved.
Our services are provided for those who desire, or think they may desire, to achieve abstinence. Individuals unsure about whether to pursue abstinence may observe in our group discussions how abstinence can be achieved, and how it can help. Even those whose ultimate goal is moderated involvement with their substances or activities may benefit from participation in abstinence-oriented discussions. Benefit could occur if the individual aims to engage in selected periods of abstinence, or frames the goal as abstaining from over- involvement (as opposed to all involvement).
Much of the information imparted by us is drawn from the field of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and particularly from Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, as developed by Albert Ellis, Ph.D. In general, CBT views addictive behavior more as a complex maladaptive behavior than as a disease. Use of the CBT perspective allows us to use a rich and easily accessible body of ideas, techniques, and publications. Some of these publications we are able to make available directly to our participants, and others are available through bookstores and other sources.
3. What we offer is consistent with the most effective methods yet discovered for resolving emotional and behavioral problems. As scientific knowledge advances, our teachings will be modified accordingly. Individuals with religious beliefs are likely to find our program as compatible with their beliefs as other scientifically derived knowledge and applications.
4. The length of time an individual will derive help from our services is variable. For many sincere participants there will come a time when attending our groups, or participating in our other services, is more in conflict with the pursuit of their life goals than enhancing them. Although these participants will always be welcome back if they want to come, this conflict signals that the time for graduation has arrived.
One of the most enduring satisfactions in life is helping others. The individuals who have nurtured SMART Recovery® thus far have reported intense satisfaction at witnessing the positive changes our participants have experienced, and at witnessing the influence we are having on professional addictive behavior treatment. We offer to others, whether graduates of our efforts or not, the opportunity to join us in experiencing that satisfaction.
SMART vs. 12-Step Programs
At SMART we believe that each individual finds his own path to recovery. For some that may include traditional 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). While the SMART approach differs from AA and NA, it does not exclude them. Some SMART participants choose to attend AA or NA meetings when they cannot attend a SMART meeting. Some find that what they hear at AA or NA meetings helps them on their path to permanent recovery.
Alcohol Related Books
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The Humanists of Fort Worth
who believe people should have choices in their recovery.
Email Russell Elleven with questions.
LOCATION:
Westside Unitarian Universalist Church
901 Page Avenue
Fort Worth, Texas 76110
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
DAY: Tuesdays
Ft. Worth, TX