SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) is not a 12-step group, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Its purpose is to support individuals who have chosen to abstain or are considering abstinence from any type of addictive behaviours (substances or activities), by teaching them how to change self-defeating thinking, emotions and actions, and instead, work towards long-term satisfaction and quality of life.

The 4-Point Program offers specific tools and techniques for each of the program points:

  • Point 1: Building and Maintaining Motivation
  • Point 2: Coping with Urges
  • Point 3: Managing Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviors
  • Point 4: Living a Balanced Life

The SMART Recovery 4-Point Program employs a variety of tools and techniques to help individuals gain independence from addiction and addictive behaviours. Participants are encouraged to learn how to use each tool and to practice the tools and techniques as they progress toward Point 4 of our program — achieving lifestyle balance and leading a fulfilling and healthy life.

These tools include:

  • 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 Images and Self-talk Awareness & Refusal Method)
  • Hierarchy of Values
  • Brainstorming
  • Role-playing and Rehearsing
  • USA (Unconditional Self-Acceptance)