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SMART Recovery Overview

Contributed by Zach Zobel

Written by Heidi M

For Delaware, DC, Maryland, and Virginia Participants

Welcome to SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery is a science-based program designed to support individuals and their loved ones who struggle with addictive behaviors. People in recovery are more successful when supported by friends, family, mental health professionals, and others striving for recovery.

What SMART Stands For:
​Self-Management and Recovery Training

SMART helps participants develop the power, conviction, and tools to abstain from harmful addictive behaviors and create a life aligned with their values.

Core Principles of SMART Recovery

Recovery Through Self-Empowerment

  • Participants take responsibility for their own recovery.

  • Fully informed about therapy options and free to choose among them.

Broad-Based Approach

  • Applicable to all addictive behaviors—substances or activities.

  • Can be used alongside professional therapy, medications, or other support groups.

Diversity

  • Open to all races, religions, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, and identities.

  • Harassment of any kind is not tolerated.

Science-Based Program

  • Draws from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT), and motivational enhancement therapy.

Dynamic Group Meetings

  • Members benefit most by sharing insights and experiences with one another.

Volunteer Leadership

  • Program led by volunteers supported by expert clinicians.

SMART 4-Point Program

SMART Recovery uses a 4-Point Program with tools, techniques, and strategies for building a healthy, balanced life.

Point 1: Building and Maintaining Motivation

Goal: Stay committed to recovery beyond the emotional “highs and lows” of crisis.
​Tools:

  • Hierarchy of Values (Three Questions)

  • Change-Plan Worksheet

  • Cost-Benefit Analysis

Point 2: Coping With Urges

Goal: Manage cravings and triggers without relapsing.
​Tools:

  • Identifying Triggers and Urge Logs

  • DEADS Strategy:

    • Deny/Delay – Don’t give into the urge

    • Escape – Remove yourself from triggers

    • Avoid – Avoid triggers when possible

    • Distract – Engage in another activity

    • Substitute – Replace addictive thinking

  • DISARM – Destructive Images and Self-talk Awareness and Refusal Method

Common Triggers:

  • Substances, people, places, times of day, emotions, stress

Point 3: Managing Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors

Goal: Identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns that lead to addictive behavior.
​Tools:

  • The ABCs of REBT (Rational-Emotive Behavioral Therapy)

  • Disputing Irrational Beliefs (DIBS)

  • Change Your Vocabulary, Change Your Feelings

  • Coping Statements

  • Five Steps of Problem Solving

  • Relapse Prevention Techniques

Principles:

  • Separate “you” from your behaviors

  • Practice unconditional self-acceptance

  • Recognize lapses as temporary setbacks

Point 4: Living a Balanced Life

Goal: Replace addictive behaviors with fulfilling, healthy activities.
​Tools:

  • The ABCs of Lifestyle Balance

  • Values, Goals, and Planning

  • Goal Setting Exercises

  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)

  • Exercise, Visualization, and Meditation Guides

  • Nutrition and Self-Care Practices

Tip: Rediscover passions and interests to create a meaningful, balanced life.

SMART Recovery Tools

SMART offers numerous worksheets and exercises to help participants apply the 4-Point Program.
​Example: Change Plan Worksheet

  1. Changes I want to make:

  2. Reasons for change:

  3. Steps to take:

  4. How others can help:

  5. How I will know my plan is working:

  6. Potential obstacles:

  7. Importance rating (0-10):

  8. Confidence rating (0-10):

Worksheets are available in the SMART Handbook and online at www.smartrecovery.org.

The Science of SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery integrates multiple psychological and social models to explain and treat addiction:

  • Bio-Psycho-Social Model:

    • Biochemical brain activity

    • Psychological beliefs and feelings

    • Social relationships

Therapies Used:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT)

  • Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)

Key Concept: People often use addictive behaviors to cope with discomfort. SMART helps participants develop healthier coping strategies.

Meetings and Online Resources

In-Person Meetings

  • Weekly group meetings provide peer support and share practical tools.

  • Meetings focus on abstinence, but participants choose their goals.

Online Resources

  • SMART Recovery Online – Meetings, message boards, chat rooms, and blogs.

  • Online library with tools, essays, and strategies

  • Podcasts and weekly updates

Family & Friends Support

  • Resources for loved ones using the CRAFT model: positive, non-confrontational strategies to influence change.

Meeting Ground Rules

  • Maintain confidentiality

  • Show respect and avoid offensive language

  • Participate actively, but allow others to share

  • Focus on abstaining from addictive behaviors

  • Donate what you can to support the nonprofit organization

Recommended Reading

  • SMART Recovery Handbook (3rd Edition)

  • Alcohol: How to Give It Up and Be Glad You Did – Philip Tate

  • Powerless No Longer: Reprogramming Your Addictive Behavior – Peter W. Soderman

  • Sex, Drugs, Gambling & Chocolate: A Workbook for Overcoming Addictions – Thomas Horvath

  • Overcoming Crystal Meth Addiction – Steven J. Lee

Full list of books available in the original PDF.

Contact Information

Central Office:
SMART Recovery, 7304 Mentor Avenue, Suite F, Mentor, OH 44060
Toll Free: 866-951-5357 | Tel: 440-951-5357 | Fax: 440-951-5358
​www.smartrecovery.org

Regional Contact:
Bill Greer, Regional Coordinator – 202.577.1664 / 202.686.1133
​bgreer17@gmail.com | www.capitalsmart.org

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