Has anyone used SMART recovery. If so what were your thoughts?
6 Likes
I liked it. It’s very similar to group therapy, if you’ve ever done that. There’s not nearly enough in person meetings though where I’m at. The closest one is about an hour away.
3 Likes
Thanks. Have you done the online training?
2 Likes
I’ve done the online meetings and I ordered the workbook, which has a lot of helpful exercises in it. The online meetings are okay. There’s really nothing better than being in an in person meeting in my opinion though. If you can find one near you definitely check it out.
2 Likes
I read in your post that you relapsed after a couple months and it’s about the third time. I had a problem with relapsing after a few months also. I went to an 8 week IOP program which really helped me get going the right way I believe. It might be something worth looking into. Just suggestions. Wishing you luck. Let me know if you find a Smart meeting in your area. 
2 Likes
Hey @Jimbob1980 I personally found SMART to be the method that has helped me the most.
I will be going through not only the facilitator training soon but the main training for professionals as well, as I am also a counsellor.
I like that they have the option to attend either online or in person meetings all over.
1 Like
Thanks, I have found a meeting but am going to try online first and see how that goes then will look at the workbook and online training. I have tried AA in the past but wasn’t for me, and my periods of sobriety have gone well…but then a voice says just one won’t hurt and before I know it I am sinking bottles of vodka
2 Likes
If I can suggest to start looking at the tools that Smart has and watching the videos. That’ll prepare you for the way the meetings work.
If you’re not ready, no pressure. It is also completely respected if you just go to listen. You never have to actually partake if you’re uncomfortable
If you find the magnifying glass above on the main page you can search Smart recovery and many topics will come up and would likely help answer some questions.
2 Likes
I liked it. It had a very different feel from the SA meetings I’ve attended; the SMART program has a lot more CBT / psychology language in it. I like both systems - the SMART system and the twelve-step one - but I chose the twelve step one because I have some contacts there and it was working for me.
2 Likes
Thanks! I attended an online meeting last night and it really resonated with me…the tools seemed easy to remember etc so think I will continue. I have ordered the workbook, so looking forward to that arriving and will start the online training. Really want to make sobriety stick this time, the periods between the relapses are great and I do all the right things… exercise, meditation, seeing family and friends but I think maybe the thing missing is a regular reflection about my alcohol use and how to stay sober…after that four month period I think I start to think in am “normal” and can handle a drink then stop but that never happens
4 Likes
Thanks @Soberbilly I did like the approach, and the tools just from that first meeting. I did try AA but didn’t really gel with it, especially after reading the book. Although admittedly I didn’t have a sponsor or do the twelve steps
2 Likes
I’m a big fan of SMART recovery, for the group discussion, and I like that their workbook can be used for other issues beyond sobriety. I really disliked AA since I am an atheist and it was mostly a call and response type vibe which creeps me out. I like SMART because it asks you to take personal responsibility which I find very empowering!
3 Likes
@Soberbilly is Refuge Recovery the Buddhist based Recovery? If so, I looked for that in the UK but seems to be only US based
1 Like
Thanks @Soberbilly so are the online meetings worldwide? I was looking for in-person face to face in the UK but didn’t find anything 
Oh great that’s ideal then as assumed they were US only for some reason. Might try and get on an online one then. I visit my local Buddhist centre quite often and am very into meditation and learning about Buddhism, so this sounds great for me alongside smart