All recovery is beneficial. Each program developed to help us recover is inspired and will help us along our recovery path. One of the best parts about having multiple programs that have been proven effective is that we get to choose the one that nearest matches who we are and what we want from our recovery. One of these plans that is very beneficial to helping us be more independent is SMART Recovery.
What is SMART Recovery?
One of the more powerful programs for the treatment of substance use is SMART Recovery. This simple 4-step program is science-based and has the goal of helping us to eventually become independent within our recovery, while also being simple and proven effective.
The idea is to use evidence-based practices and rely on scientific knowledge to help us with the most effective therapeutic methods, skills, and information to educate and empower us to manage our own recovery. The steps are neutral so that they appeal to everyone. However, we can add other practices and beliefs to the plan.
A Simplified Plan
There are only four steps to SMART Recovery. This simple plan helps us to be clear and focused on what we need to do and where we are going. The steps are easy to remember and each one contains plenty of learning and new skills to help us along the way. The four steps are:
- Building and Maintaining Motivation – We do not always need to be told what to do within our recovery process. We can learn to build and become motivated on our own to make healthy choices and do the work we have within our treatment. We become empowered to find healing for ourselves and build healthy new lives.
- Coping With Urges – One of the most difficult parts of recovery is coping with the urges we face after we leave substances behind. Within SMART Recovery, we are taught about how to manage these urges and given skills to put into practice that will help us withstand them and remain successful within our recovery.
- Managing Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviors – The primary type of therapy within SMART Recovery is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy known as Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT). This type of therapy is based on the idea that thinking creates feelings. Feelings then, in turn, motivate our behaviors. Learning to manage our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors gives us the power to then manage our actions. This is particularly helpful to be able to manage our actions in regard to substance use.
- Living a Balanced Life – Removing substance use from our lives requires a whole remodeling of our life. Finding balance involves creating new healthy behaviors and habits in our lives. By looking at our whole selves–mental, physical, and emotional–we create the opportunity for greater self-acceptance and overall well-being.
Curriculum Based in Science
One of the most beneficial points of SMART Recovery is that the program is built one hundred percent on science and evidence-based practices. Rather than rely heavily on religious or emotional-based ideas, the curriculum is entirely tested and proven to be effective in the treatment of substance use.
This curriculum is inclusive and appeals to people from all belief systems. While the program does not preclude individual beliefs or worship that for some can enhance their recovery process, it allows everyone to have the opportunity for healing in ways that are proven and effective, and they can then add their own beliefs and practices on top of the curriculum.
Promoting Self-Reliance
Another benefit of SMART Recovery is the way that it teaches us to become self-reliant. In early recovery, we need plenty of support. Recovery is very difficult. But given the right information and skills, we can slowly become more self-reliant. This takes time and hard work, but it is very worthwhile.
Rather than become dependent on the help of others or meetings or programs for the rest of our lives, we can become independent in our recovery. We can still ask for help when we need it. And we can still get involved to help others and give back to others in recovery, too. But first, we become self-reliant, then we are more capable of giving back.
Support Available
The SMART Recovery program has meetings both in-person and online that we can attend any time as needed. There is no cost, no requirement, and they are there for us as we need them. They offer extended learning and support for us whenever we need a refresher or to just be around other people who understand us. They also offer opportunities for us to get involved and help others in their recovery, but that is completely optional.
The best part about SMART Recovery is that it is a program that is flexible enough for everyone, but strong enough to help us rebuild our own lives. The program empowers us to take charge of our own recovery, which in turn helps us to become stronger and more independent.
The best way to find out if SMART Recovery is the program for you is to contact Rancho Milagro Recovery at (951) 526-4582. They will be able to answer your questions and help you decide if this is the path you want to take. This is a great opportunity to practice being independent and making your own choice