More rigorous in approach than 12 step groups, the SMART Recovery program may provide more safety for participants in its facilitated and standardized approach to overcoming addiction The meetings follow a standard structure that includes both teaching and participant input. The SMART Recovery Program differs from 12 step groups, but many people choose to be involved in both groups.
SMART Recovery Program Overview
The SMART Recovery program is a community-based self-help program, which can be an alternative to, or complement to, 12 step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Cocaine Anonymous (CA).
Potential Benefits
Online meetings can be a boon to people with addictions who require ongoing support: No matter where you go, you can often find a meeting if you want to attend one. SMART Recovery meetings are facilitated, and the meetings themselves follow a standardized format. Another advantage is that SMART Recovery is based on psychological, evidence-based approaches. Some members also appreciate the fact that SMART Recovery makes no demands of participants to engage in spiritual practices.
Potential Disadvantages
While the SMART Recovery approach has some potential advantages, there are some downsides to consider. For example, some research suggests that people who chose SMART Recovery were significantly less likely to be sober than those who chose AA. SMART Recovery also does not require the leaders of groups to be currently sober. It is possible that this can have an impact on the recovery success of group members since leaders are not necessarily successful in recovery. Typically, SMART Recovery does not adhere to a disease model of alcoholism. Instead, it takes a psychological approach that views addiction as the result of bad thinking or poor habits. This is distinct from AA as well as the general scientific consensus that understands alcoholism is a disease that is genetically and biologically based. Because of the psychological approach, it often leads to a discounting of medications for treatment. This psychological approach also does not help people who experience guilt because they continue to drink. Understanding that alcoholism is a disease can help people not feel overwhelmed by a sense of inadequacy if they are unable to stop drinking.
A Word From Verywell
If you believe you have a problem with alcohol, talk to your doctor about your treatment options. SMART Recovery is one approach that people may find helpful, but there are also other options that you may want to consider. Your doctor can also prescribe medications that can help you safely manage symptoms of withdrawal, reduce cravings, and deter alcohol use such as Revia, Vivitrol (naltrexone), and Campral (acamprosate). For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
