First Impression of SMART Recovery

Tonight I attended my very first SMART recovery meeting. SMART stands for self-management and recovery training. It was an online meeting. I’ve been wanting to attend one ever since my Therapist recommended it to me over two years ago. I actually attempted to get certified in it once but quit halfway through. I also wanted to try it because of my degree focus, I would love the opportunity to try all the recovery options out there to have experience with them firsthand. I am a believer that from every program whatever it is for, there is something different you can probably take away from each one. I found the meeting really enjoyable. Here are the things I learned from my first meeting:

• You can discuss any addiction issue you are seeking help on. Whether it be alcohol, sex, drugs, gambling, shopping, eating…etc.
• There is a facilitator but the people in the meeting really run it by the questions they ask and responses they provide.
• Cross-talk is very much welcomed. Although most still spoke from their own experience when answering or speaking to a question.
• They have a handbook but it isn’t required.
• The facilitator encouraged you to attend a 12-step recovery, chose recovery, or see a therapist. She said all are welcome in SMART recovery and we encourage you to attend any other recovery program that is beneficial to you.
• They openly talk about relapse and moderation. They also talk about how relapse doesn’t mean you have to start anything over.
• The focus definitely seems to be on motivation and behavior change.

There really wasn’t a topic. People just brought up questions they had and other people talked about it. The facilitator would encourage participation and/or provide her own feedback. At the end of the meeting, she went around the room and had everyone share something they learned from the meeting which I thought was cool.

I am grateful that the meeting is open to helping with any addiction issue. I have found over the years that when I am not drinking my habits tend to lean on spending and eating. I am hoping to change my relationship with those things. I ordered their handbook online tonight. I look forward to seeing what types of exercises are in it. I am going to begin incorporating this into my weekly recovery program if possible. Changing any behavior requires doing something different. And to keep trying until you find something that works. This could be “the something” different that changes my relationship with food and money for good. Or it could not. Won’t know unless I try. I like trying new things. You never know who you’ll meet or what kind of roads it will lead you down. Here is to new roads! I hope you all had a great day!

Cover: Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash