SMART Recovery: Support Groups for Addiction Help

What Is SMART Recovery?

You can participate in SMART Recovery for any addictive behavior. Addiction can be defined as a behavior that is habitual, compulsive, and continued despite problematic cognitive, behavioral, and/or physiological consequences. The SMART Recovery program incorporates two different techniques to promote positive change for addictive behaviors: motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

Motivational Interviewing

Your SMART Recovery group will be led by a facilitator who utilizes motivational interviewing. This means they will use questions to guide conversations in the group toward the identification, examination, and resolution of obstacles to change.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

The facilitator will also use CBT principles to help guide the group towards positive change. Some of the CBT approaches include:

Identifying the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
Challenging unhelpful thoughts and beliefs
Using positive behavioral strategies
Undertaking homework activities between sessions, commonly referred to as “seven-day action plans” in SMART Recovery

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What is the 4-Point Program?

The SMART Recovery 4-Point Program is centered around teaching participants how to:

Build and maintain the motivation to change
Cope with urges to use
Manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviors effectively without addictive behaviors
Live a balanced, positive, and healthy life

The 4-Point Program uses a myriad of techniques and strategies to help people recover from substance addiction or other addictive behaviors. Members have access to these tools, which they can practice as they progress through this program. These tools include worksheets, instructions, role-playing, and more.

What Do SMART Recovery Meetings Entail?

If you attend a SMART Recovery online meeting or in-person, you can expect the group to be led by a facilitator who has been trained in the program. They will utilize the program principles to help you change your behavior and refrain from using drugs or alcohol. Some facilitators have struggled with addiction, and others have not.

The meetings are serious but often fun, and they focus on the present and future rather than discussing past circumstances. The meeting discussions focus on how you can apply SMART’s tools for change so that you can go on to lead a more productive and connected life. Near the end of the meeting, a hat is typically passed around for donations, which are encouraged but not required.

How to Find SMART Recovery Meetings

SMART Recovery meetings are held all over the world. Currently, more than 3,000 in-person meetings and more than 50 online meetings are available. Their website has a search function where you can look up locations for in-person meetings as well as online groups.

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Online SMART Recovery Meetings

You may find it difficult to attend an in-person meeting for a variety of reasons. You might live in a rural area, or you may not have transportation to drive to a nearby meeting location. If you are a parent, it can be difficult to find childcare so you can leave the house. You may also have an inflexible schedule and can’t find a meeting time that suits your needs.

The virtual option offers more accessibility for you to regularly attend a SMART Recovery online meeting. You can visit the same SMART Recovery site mentioned above to find meeting times. There is also an online 24/7 chat forum available. The group options offer times for your friends and family to join various meetings as well.

How Is SMART Recovery Different From 12-Step Programs?

Several 12-step programs like AA and NA also offer group support for those recovering from addiction. As referenced in their group names, AA is for people recovering from alcohol addiction, while NA is for those recovering from a narcotics addiction. SMART Recovery groups offer support for a range of problematic behaviors, including alcohol misuse, substance misuse, and other addictive behaviors (i.e., gambling, pornography).

Most twelve-step programs have a foundation in spirituality, with several of the steps in recovery involving a “higher power” and connection to spirituality. SMART Recovery is different in that it claims a scientific foundation, not a spiritual one. It also teaches increasing self-reliance rather than powerlessness. A few other differences between these two approaches include:

SMART Recovery meetings are often more discussion-based
SMART Recovery encourages attendance for months to years, but not always a lifetime like 12-step programs.
There are no sponsors in SMART Recovery as there are in the 12-step approach.
SMART Recovery discourages the use of labels such as “alcoholic” or “addict.”

How Effective Is SMART Recovery for Addiction?

Ongoing evidence is being collected that suggests SMART Recovery programs may be just as helpful in maintaining alcohol abstinence over a six-month window as a 12-step program. One February 2025 study found the program to be especially helpful for individuals recovering from methamphetamine addiction. This is especially important, as researchers found that around 75% of people who complete residential treatment for meth adiction will eventually relapse and continue using the substance again. Offering aftercare services like connections to local SMART Recovery groups could help lower this number.

SMART Recovery is an effective treatment alternative to a 12-step program. If you or someone you know struggles with a substance addiction, you can call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) to speak to a specialist about inpatient rehabs that utilize support group meetings.

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