SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery
AbbreviationSMART
Formation1994 (1994)
TypeSecular peer support organization
PurposePeer support for recovery from addictive and other problematic behaviors
Headquarters7304 Mentor Avenue
Suite F
Mentor, Ohio 44060
Region
International (meetings in 36 countries; materials in 16 languages)
ServicesIn-person and online mutual-aid meetings; meetings in correctional facilities; online resources for participants and facilitators
MethodsMotivational interviewing/MET; CBT; REBT
Official language
16 languages (program materials/meetings)
Parent organization
SMART Recovery International (est. 2017)
Websitewww.smartrecovery.org

SMART Recovery is an international community of peer support groups that aims to help people recover from addictive and problematic behaviors. SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. The SMART approach is secular and research-based. The SMART model is built on psychological tools of cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing, and was initially developed by medical professionals seeking more effective methods to treat patients. SMART Recovery is used with a range of addictive and problematic behaviors (alcohol, drugs, gambling, overeating, internet use, etc.).

SMART is established in more than 20 countries. Meetings of SMART participants are held throughout the week, both in person and online. These meetings, which tend to run from 60 to 90 minutes each, are confidential, free, and guided by trained volunteer or professional facilitators. Participants in various stages of recovery, or simply curious about pursuing recovery, share lessons and challenges from their own journeys, while exploring, through discussion, a suite of scientifically grounded psychology tools and techniques.