What Is Smart Program?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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SMART stands for

Self-Management and Training

. The SMART approach is secular and science-based, using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and non-confrontational motivational methods. SMART Recovery is an alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other twelve-step programs.

What does Smart stand for in addiction recovery?

SMART stands for

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound

. Let's go deeper. Specific – A goal should be specific.

What are smart programs?

SMART stands for

Self-Management and Recovery Training

. The SMART approach is secular and science-based, using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and non-confrontational motivational methods. SMART Recovery is an alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other twelve-step programs.

What can I do instead of AA?

  • Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) Recovery.
  • Women for Sobriety.
  • Secular Organizations for Sobriety (S.O.S.)
  • LifeRing Secular Recovery.
  • Moderation Management.

What is the most popular program for recovering alcoholics?


Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.)

, arguably the most well-known alcohol recovery program, is based on a set of spiritual principles that provide tools for living sober.

What is the recovery program?

Inpatient or residential recovery programs are able to offer a relatively intensive, immersive treatment experience for those seeking to recover from addiction. Inpatient programs strive to provide a safe, supportive environment for patients while giving them the tools they need to achieve long-term abstinence.

What is the Disarm method?

SMART Recovery Tool: Destructive Images and Self-Talk Awareness and Refusal Method (DISARM) DISARM is

a tool that helps us see the self-talk and images that tell us to use as lies, excuses, and rationalizations

.

What is a smart goal example?

Example goal before “measurable” criteria: “

I will increase my typing speed

.” Example goal after “measurable” criteria: “I would like to increase my typing speed from 50 words per minute to 65 words per minute, and I can measure my progress by taking timed tests that show the increase in my typing speed.”

What are the four goals of drug therapy?

The four strategic goals are: GOAL 1

: Identify the biological, environmental, behavioral, and social causes and consequences of drug use and addiction across the lifespan

. GOAL 2: Develop new and improved strategies to prevent drug use and its consequences.

Does SMART Recovery have a buddy system?


No sponsorship or buddy system exists in SMART Recovery

(though these can be found in other groups). In our opinion, practicing what you learn at meetings on a daily basis and following through on self-imposed assignments best supports recovery.

Is moderation better than abstinence?

When is abstinence a better choice? Although moderation may be a good starting point for many drinkers, it is not the best approach for everyone with a drinking problem. People with severe drinking problems generally find moderation difficult to maintain and

often do better with abstinence

.

Is AA a good program?

AA shines. Most of the studies that measured abstinence found AA was significantly better than other interventions or no intervention. In one study, it was found to be

60% more effective

. None of the studies found AA to be less effective.

What's the alternative to drinking alcohol?

An alcohol-free beer, cider, wine or spirit can make us feel part of the occasion, especially at parties and celebrations. And really, next to water an alcohol-free beer is just about the healthiest thing you can drink in the pub – although I've been pleasantly surprised to start finding

kombucha

in many pubs.

What age group is at the highest risk for all substance use disorders?

The majority of those who have a substance use disorder started using before age 18 and developed their disorder by age 20. The likelihood of developing a substance use disorder is greatest for those who begin use

in their early teens

.

What are the stages of recovery?

There are six main stages of change in addiction recovery:

precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance and termination

. Although people can move through these stages in order, it's also common for people to go between stages, forward and backward, or be in more than one stage at a time.

How long does it take to get through the 12 steps?

However, most 12-step programs, including those for people addicted to drugs, encourage new members to commit to those

90 meetings in 90 days

. You need that commitment and that focus as you are fighting for your sobriety during the most challenging time of your recovery, when you are most vulnerable to relapse.

Ahmed Ali
Author
Ahmed Ali
Ahmed Ali is a financial analyst with over 15 years of experience in the finance industry. He has worked for major banks and investment firms, and has a wealth of knowledge on investing, real estate, and tax planning. Ahmed is also an advocate for financial literacy and education.