I joined SMART recovery online yesterday and after watching the introduction videos and reading some material I am considering going to a meeting on Monday. I have never considered going to recovery meetings of any kind but I like that the positive mindset structure that was talked about in the videos. I’m realizing how simply trying to abstain and keeping busy are not enough for me. I need to change the way I think and process my thoughts.
Has anyone found success with SMART Recovery? How are the meetings? I’m afraid to go and run into someone I know being from a small community… man pride is a big pill to swallow 
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I’m going to try one of the online meetings this evening:)
I feel good about putting more psychological work into my recovery… it’s just what I need to fill in the spots where pure determination just isn’t enough.
I love the 4 points and how doing the work leads to living with balance and emotionally healing from the spell alcohol has on my brain. For the first time in a while I feel some relief headed my way.
I love my SMART meeting. The facilitator is a cognitive behavioral therapist and brings a lot of great energy and focus to the meetings. It’s like free therapy for me. Of course every meeting/facilitator will be different but I’d expect a very warm and welcoming atmosphere.
This will give you a good outline of what to expect:
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Thank you, @kiki. I’m excited to go and learn ways to be actively working on what triggers me to drink so I can change my thinking. Today is a little rough… not cravings… but emotional wreck today. Coming off the relapse train has me depressed and going through the motions all over again. I know it’s from the alcohol… but it’s still hard.
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I did a SMARTrecovery workbook about 2 years ago, and went on a forum at the time. Never attended a meeting. It all made sense, but I never put too much of it into action. Honestly, I think I wasn’t really ready to quit at the time.
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I got my workbook over a year ago and didn’t start til about 4 months ago. You definitely have to be ready and want to do the work. Now that I’ve committed I’m exploring/using as many different tools and programs that can help me even a little. I want as much help as I can get.
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Is the workbook helpful? I thought about ordering it but figured they have links to everything and so many printables I thought I’d give those a try before buying the handbook.
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Just had my first online SMART meeting… it was great!
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Glad to hear it went well! How does it work? Do they use video, audio, only typing? Does a person moderate? Just wondering.
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There is a facilitator who leads the meeting. Most everyone typed on a sidebar but some chose to wear a microphone. There was a slide show board in the center where they would out up information of topic. I chose to type and still felt very included. Everyone was very nice and respectful. I really enjoyed it and plan to attend more
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Very interesting. Thanks!
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I didn’t realize they had meetings online! That’s for posting this 
I’m a big fan of their worksheets.
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