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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Just had my first online SMART meeting… it was great!
Glad to hear it went well! How does it work? Do they use video, audio, only typing? Does a person moderate? Just wondering.
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
Very interesting. Thanks!
I didn’t realize they had meetings online! That’s for posting this I’m a big fan of their worksheets.