Most rehab programs encourage you to seek out peer support during and after your stay. In fact, they often integrate a peer support recovery program as part of your therapy process. Some rehab programs opt for SMART Recovery vs 12 Step Recovery and vice versa. While both approaches do help people, they are substantially different.
SMART Recovery
The SMART Recovery program is a relatively new approach to peer support recovery. It focuses on self-empowerment with the end goal of living a satisfying life. It blocks out four main areas for people to work through:
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Motivation
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Dealing with urges
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Management of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
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Maintaining a balanced life
The program borrows from several therapeutic approaches, such as CBT and rational emotive behavior therapy. It puts a strong emphasis on meetings but takes advantage of modern technology. Meetings can happen in person or online, which makes support more accessible if you travel often.
12 Step Recovery
12 step recovery programs are the original peer support programs. A few of the better-known examples include Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. As the name states, the program includes 12 individual steps that you work through. The steps include both internal and external actions, such as taking a moral inventory and making amends. A 12 step program doesn’t borrow from any specific therapeutic method. Instead, it focuses on admitting your lack of power over your addiction and asking a higher power to intervene. These programs also make use of sponsors. Sponsors are people in the program who maintain longer-term sobriety and act as guides.
SMART Recovery vs 12 Step Recovery Comparison
Making a choice between SMART Recovery vs step recovery depends on you and your worldview. 12 step programs place a lot of emphasis on a higher power. They also encourage you to rely on that higher power. As such, they work better for those who believe in a higher power. Specifically, SMART Recovery uses a science-based method that’s meant to evolve over time. As new therapies develop, SMART Recovery will incorporate the ones that show the most promise. It also focuses on self-reliance and personal empowerment. Those who don’t believe in a higher power may find this approach more palatable or effective. Both SMART Recovery vs 12 Step Recovery work best when initially paired with a rehab program. Those programs can include a wide range of therapies, such as:
You can ask which peer support approach is available during the rehab admissions process. If you don’t know which you prefer, one of our therapists can help you pick. At Acqua Recovery, we make sure your treatment plan works best for you. You will receive individualized treatment for your addiction, to ensure you make a full recovery.
Acqua Recovery
Acqua Recovery offers several addiction treatment programs, including alcohol and opioid rehab. In fact, we use a combination of evidence-based and holistic treatments. Acqua Recovery is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. You can get out from beneath addiction’s shadow with SMART Recovery vs 12 Step Recovery options. A high-quality rehab program can help you overcome your addiction. Call 866.830.4628 and see how Acqua Recovery can help.
