SMART Recovery is the leading self-empowering addiction recovery support group. Our participants learn tools for addiction recovery based on the latest scientific research and participate in a world-wide community which includes free, self-empowering, science-based mutual help groups.

The SMART Recovery 4-Point Program^® helps people recover from all types of addiction and addictive behaviors, including: drug abuse, drug addiction, substance abuse, alcohol abuse, gambling addiction, cocaine addiction, prescription drug abuse, sexual addiction, and problem addiction to other substances and activities. SMART Recovery sponsors face-to-face meetings around the world, and daily online meetings. In addition, our online message board and 24/7 chat room are excellent forums to learn about SMART Recovery and obtain addiction recovery support. If you’re new to SMART Recovery, get started with our introduction here.

SMART Recovery (Self Management And Recovery Training) is NOT a 12 Step Group like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

SMART Recovery® is based on evidence influenced, cognitive – behavioural methods, particularly Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT). SMART Recovery believes a persons religious or spiritual convictions are a personal matter that can be helpful for some, but are not discussed at SMART Recovery meetings (for inclusivity). SMART Recovery teaches people practical, proven self-management and recovery skills.

SMART Recovery 4-Point Program

SMART Recovery (Self Management And Recovery Training) helps individuals gain independence from addiction (substances or activities). Our efforts are based on scientific knowledge and evolve as scientific knowledge evolves.

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 Behaviours
Point 4: Living a Balanced Life

Our Purpose

To support individuals who have chosen to abstain, or are considering abstinence from any type of addictive behaviours (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

* Teaches self-empowerment and self-reliance.
* Encourages individuals to recover and live satisfying lives.
* Teaches tools and techniques for self-directed change.
* Meetings are educational and include open discussions.
* Advocates the appropriate use of prescribed medications and psychological treatments.
* Evolves as scientific knowledge of addiction recovery evolves.

SMART Recovery Tools & Techniques

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)

SMART Recovery British Columbia, Canada has more than 75+ meetings across B.C., click on Find a Meeting at the top of any page to see if there is a SMART Recovery BC meeting near you!

In response to the addiction epidemic – recognized as the greatest healthcare crisis of this century – SMART has quintupled in size this decade to 5,000+ groups meeting weekly in 25+ countries, including more than 2,000+ in the U.S. Many addiction treatment professionals are using our program, comprising two-thirds of the 5,000+ people who take our training. Our meetings provide self-empowering support for tens if not hundreds of thousands of people. SMART has been providing this support for 25+ years – a record of success effectiveness supported by research.

The enormity of the addiction crisis, however, requires that we must grow much more to reach the millions who are affected. In Canada, Australia, the UK, the U.S., and more:

Drug overdoses kill more than 70,000 people each year, including 50,000 from opioids.

Alcohol disorders take 90,000 lives.

Only one in ten of the 20 million people with substance use disorders receive specialized treatment and recovery support, discouraged by the stigma associate

Face-to-Face Support Meetings

SMART Recovery is a recognized resource for substance abuse and addiction recovery by the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Center for Health Care Evaluation, The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the US Department of Health and Human Services, and the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

If you or someone you love is in great distress and considering self-harm, please call 911 for immediate help, or reach out to The National Suicide Prevention Hotline @ 800-273-8255, https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

We look forward to you joining the conversation!