SMART Recovery

Recovering from addiction can be a challenging process. However, it can be made easier with the assistance of aftercare programs. SMART Recovery (Self Management for Addiction Recovery Training) is used in recovery programs to help people with addiction. It has been proven effective in treating drug and alcohol abuse and addiction since 1994. Many treatment centers hold SMART meetings as part of comprehensive rehab.

Participants discuss controlling and abstaining from drugs or alcohol and other types of addictive behavior, such as gambling, shopping, gaming, compulsive eating and other compulsions. Each person regards recovery as his or her own personal journey and uses self-empowerment as the means to control abuse or abstinence. SMART Recovery approves of using a 12-step program, as this is a self-directed and self-empowering choice.

To learn more about this recovery program, seek out Danbury alcohol treatment.

The Four Points

The SMART Recovery 4-Point Program lists four focus points which tools and techniques will help improve as:

1 - Build and maintain motivation

2 -Learning how to cope with urges

3 - Learn how to manage thoughts, feelings and behaviors

4 - Living a balanced life

SMART teaches self-directed and self-empowering attitudes including:

• Teaching to find one's own self-power and grow self-reliance.
• Attending educational, supportive and discussion sessions.
• Encourages people to have satisfying lives.
• Educates on methods for directing change from within.
• Supports the use of approved psychological treatments.
• Supports legally prescribed psychiatric and addiction medication.
• Considers abuse and addiction as complex maladaptive behaviors with possible physiological factors involved.
• Scientific research in addiction recovery is incorporated as it is revealed.

SMART Recovery Tools & Techniques

The SMART Recovery 4-Point Program teaches addicts to use and practice each tool, with the goal of reaching Point 4 which is obtaining lifestyle balance to live a satisfying and healthy life.

The "SMART Toolbox" is a collection of various methods, called tools, which address the 4-Points.

The specific tools are:

• How change advances as stages progress
• A worksheet to plan the changes
• A worksheet to guide the decision making process
• Learning how to use behavioral tools to use to cope with urges
• Learning how to use behavioral tools to use to cope with emotional distress
• DISARM (Destructive Images and Self-talk Awareness & Refusal Method)
• Establishing a priority of values
• Anticipating scenarios that may occur
• Exercises to practice responses and reactions to these scenarios
• Unconditionally accepting oneself at all times, no exceptions

SMART Recovery can make overcoming addiction easier and less painful. Drug rehab centers in Danbury can help you find treatment centers. Call one today.