SMART Recovery Program in Utah
Drug & Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Midway, Utah
So you’ve heard of SMART Recovery and are curious to learn more about this addiction recovery program that’s gaining popularity. As an alternative to 12-step programs like AA, SMART Recovery focuses on self-empowerment and learning skills to overcome addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, the SMART Recovery Program in Utah may be worth exploring as an addiction therapy option for help and support.
What Is SMART Recovery?
SMART Recovery, which stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training, is a science-based, self-help addiction recovery support program. It offers an alternative to traditional 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). The primary focus of SMART Recovery is on empowering individuals to take control of their recovery journey and make positive, lasting changes in their lives.
SMART Recover programs in Utah are designed to assist in addressing various forms of addiction, including:
SMART Recovery is effective in addressing issues related to drug and alcohol abuse. It provides individuals with tools and strategies to overcome addiction and make positive changes in their lives.
For those dealing with alcohol addiction, SMART Recovery offers a science-based and empowering alternative to traditional 12-step programs. It focuses on self-empowerment, motivation, and practical skills to achieve and maintain sobriety.
Beyond substance abuse, SMART Recovery is adaptable to various behavioral addictions. This includes compulsive behaviors such as gambling, overeating, or any other patterns of behavior that individuals find challenging to control.
SMART Recovery can be beneficial for individuals with dual diagnosis, addressing both addiction and co-occurring mental health issues such as anxiety disorder. The program integrates evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage their mental health while working on recovery.
SMART Recovery is not limited to a specific substance or behavior, making it a versatile option for those facing a range of addictive challenges. It provides a framework for individuals to develop coping mechanisms, manage triggers, and maintain long-term recovery.
Meetings, online or face-to-face, are centered around open discussions where you can share your experiences with others in a judgment-free environment. No one tells you what you “should” do. Instead, you are encouraged to make your own choices and tailor the program to meet your needs. The SMART Recovery Program in Utah recognizes that individuals have different needs and preferences- participants can progress at their own pace.
Whether someone is dealing with issues related to alcohol, drugs, or other addictive behaviors, SMART Recovery provides a supportive framework for individuals seeking a practical, science-based approach to overcoming addiction.
The 3 P's of SMART Recovery
The 3 P’s of SMART Recovery stand for Philosophy, Program, and Practices. Together, they make up the core components of SMART Recovery.
SMART Recovery’s philosophy is based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational enhancement. The key ideas are that you can change self-defeating thoughts and behaviors, make better choices, and maintain motivation for change. Some of the philosophies in SMART Recovery include:
- You have the power to change. You can choose your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
- There are multiple paths to recovery. SMART Recovery provides tools and support for self-empowered change.
The SMART Recovery program uses a 4-Point Program based on the stages of change. The four points are:
- Building and Maintaining Motivation. Identify the reasons and benefits of changing.
- Coping with Urges. Learn strategies to handle cravings and avoid relapse.
- Managing Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors. Change self-defeating thoughts and behaviors.
- Living a Balanced Life. Pursue personal goals and engage in rewarding activities.
SMART Recovery meetings teach practical skills and strategies to support recovery and wellness. Some of the key practices include:
- Cost-benefit analysis. Weigh the pros and cons of substance use to strengthen motivation for change.
- ABC model. Identify activating events, beliefs, and consequences to gain awareness of thought patterns.
- Use distraction, delaying, deep breathing, etc. to cope with cravings and urges.
- Goal setting. Develop meaningful and achievable short-term and long-term goals to work towards.
- Self-acceptance. Practice self-compassion and avoid harsh self-judgments. Learn from your mistakes and move forward.
By applying the philosophy, following the program, and practicing the skills from SMART Recovery, you can overcome addiction and lead a healthy, balanced life. SMART Recovery helps people find the power within themselves to make positive change.
Does SMART Recovery Really Work?
SMART Recovery is an international non-profit organization that provides free support groups and self-help resources to help people recover from addictive behaviors. But does it really work? Studies show SMART recovery can be effective for some.
Research has found SMART Recovery to be a promising alternative to 12-step programs. Multiple studies show SMART Recovery participants reduce substance use and addictive behaviors. Surveys found over 60-90% of members reported decreased cravings, improved well-being, lifestyle balance and coping skills.
While SMART Recovery may not work for everyone, for many, it provides practical tools and support to overcome addictive behaviors in a way that makes them feel more in control. The evidence shows SMART Recovery can be an effective alternative, but more research is still needed. The bottom line is that recovery is a personal journey. Finding what works for you—whether SMART Recovery, 12-step programs or another approach—is the key to success.
How Does SMART Recovery Work?
SMART Recovery follows a stages-of-change model to guide individuals in overcoming addictive behaviors. The process involves five key stages:
During this initial stage, you might not be actively thinking about making a change, and your behavior may not register as problematic. SMART Recovery plays a crucial role in elevating your awareness by shedding light on the profound impacts of addiction. Through this process, SMART aims to help you acknowledge and understand the necessity for change, laying the foundation for your journey towards a healthier and more mindful lifestyle.
If you find yourself in a contemplative state, considering change but grappling with uncertainty or ambivalence, SMART Recovery steps in to guide you through a thoughtful process. The program helps you weigh the potential advantages and disadvantages of making a change, facilitating a comprehensive evaluation. This stage is pivotal, with SMART focusing on nurturing the motivation essential for the subsequent steps in your journey towards positive transformation.
Once you’ve made a commitment to change and are gearing up to take action, SMART steps in to assist in crafting a change plan. This involves preparing you for the imminent steps in your journey towards positive transformation. It’s all about getting ready for the road ahead and ensuring you’re well-equipped for the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.
During the action stage, you energetically engage in the process of changing your behavior. SMART steps up by offering practical tools and unwavering support, guiding you to reshape your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This proactive approach is geared towards fostering positive change and empowering you to take tangible steps towards a healthier and more fulfilling life. SMART’s arsenal of resources becomes instrumental in implementing the changes necessary for your personal growth and transformation.
Following the successful alteration of your behavior, the maintenance stage requires ongoing efforts to preserve these positive changes. SMART remains a steadfast source of support, facilitating this stage through meetings and the maintenance plan. By doing so, SMART aids in preventing relapse and ensuring the continuity of your progress. The ongoing assistance provided serves as a vital pillar in sustaining the positive changes achieved, contributing to the long-term success of your journey towards lasting well-being.
By following this structured approach, SMART Recovery provides a comprehensive framework to address addiction, guiding individuals through each stage of the change process and supporting them in building a healthier, more fulfilling life.
What are the Six Key Elements of a SMART Recovery Meeting?
SMART Recovery meetings follow a simple but effective format with six key elements:
Each participant has the opportunity to briefly share how they are doing and what they hope to get out of the meeting.
This helps set the right mindset and focus for the discussion.
Participants explore the link between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Recognizing these connections is key to making positive changes. The discussion focuses on how to shift thoughts and behaviors to improve well-being.
Meetings introduce practical strategies and skills for overcoming addiction and making positive life changes. Some of the key tools include cost-benefit analysis, the ABC model, and DISARM (Destructive Images, Self-talk Awareness and Refusal Method). Participants share their experiences using the tools and get advice from others.
Participants set clear and measurable goals to work towards before the next meeting. Accountability to the group helps motivate follow through. Participants also develop coping strategies and backup plans to avoid relapse.
Even small victories and milestones are acknowledged and celebrated. Positive reinforcement keeps participants motivated to continue progressing. Hearing about the successes of others also inspires hope.
In the final few minutes, participants share key takeaways from the discussion and evaluate what was most helpful. Any final thoughts or questions are addressed before closing the meeting. Participants leave feeling supported and empowered to make healthy choices.
Find the Best Support Group For You!
SMART Recovery programs bring numerous advantages to individuals in recovery and their loved ones. Take the first step on your recovery journey- contact us now and learn more about top-notch addiction programs that can help you achieve lasting recovery from your addiction!
Take the first step to transforming your life.
Dr. Pickrell is a board-certified psychiatrist with interests in addiction and psychiatry. He strives to identify the underlying cause of substance use. His understanding of addiction as the overlapping symptoms of biopsychosocial development is the foundation to his care model. He is committed to helping both patients and families understand that addiction is a treatable medical illness. He has been involved in the treatment of addiction for the last 17 years and completed his residency training at the University of Utah.
