Big life changes can be overwhelming. Many individuals often learn both the physical and emotional stress associated with a change can be more imposing than the actual change itself. For someone entering a recovery addiction treatment program, the change they are looking for may seem unattainable. Fortunately, research has led to ever more successful treatment programs. Gains have been made in medicine-assisted treatment, holistic programs, and even digital solutions. But science has also aided in improving mutual-support programs. SMART Recovery addiction treatment is one such program that continues to help thousands of individuals suffering from the grips of alcohol and drug addiction.
SMART Recovery Addiction Treatment
For over 25 years, SMART1 (Self-Management and Recovery Training) has grown year after year. Within a year of its incorporation in 1994, SMART was supporting 90 recovery meetings. Today, SMART is an international organization with meetings held in Denmark, online meetings in Mandarin, and handbooks written in Vietnamese.
SMART Recovery groups offer support for many problematic behaviors, including alcohol, substance and/or other addictive behaviors. SMART Recovery focuses on self-empowerment and implements key principles and therapeutic approaches shown to be effective in promoting recovery from addiction2.
At its core, SMART takes a scientific approach to increasing self-reliance and self-empowerment. Used as a standalone program or in combination with other treatments, SMART recovery addiction treatment helps set goals that are:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Realistic
- Timely
These guidelines make recovery a lot less scary. Rather than seeing your entire life as sober and not-sober, you’ll learn how to take individual steps that lead to a healthier, drug-free life. There are also many additional benefits to approaching recovery this way.
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Rebuild Relationships
SMART family therapy helps you get closer to your family. Addiction’s strain on the most important relationships in your life may feel irreparable. It can be difficult to put your emotions aside. Understanding the anger, pain, and frustration your family might harbor towards you leads to actionable steps to repair broken relationships.
With SMART addiction recovery, you’ll learn how to establish, assert, and respect boundaries. You and your family will also be able to improve your communication, resolve conflict peacefully, and grow closer together as you work through your addiction. As relationships strengthen, so too does your support network. This can increase the chances of long-term recovery success.
Build Important Life Skills
Learning how to set goals is a crucial life skill. Knowing how to track their progress, make adjustments, and bounce back from failure is even more important. Things don’t always go as planned, but that’s okay. Having the right plan in place can help you refocus and regain traction in the path toward recovery.
SMART goals give you the best framework for setting goals that align with your current abilities. You will learn how to differentiate your wants from needs, develop discipline, and build resilience. All these skills carry over into other aspects of your life, from relationships to work performance.
Greater Self-Awareness
Several important tools used in SMART recovery programs help you understand who you are and what you want most out of life. Good addiction treatment doesn’t just focus on detox. You need therapy that helps you plan for the future. Reducing anxiety and feeling confident about your sobriety and everything it opens up for you.
During SMART recovery, you’ll develop a hierarchy of values and a personalized change plan. These lay the framework for your entire post-rehab life. The best part is that you can return to them and revise as you go. Needs and values change as people grow. Knowing who you are today makes identifying opportunities for future growth easier.
Relapse Prevention
One of the greatest benefits of SMART recovery is that it can be applied long after you’ve completed treatment. Learning how to use SMART goals sticks with you for life. This includes helping you develop a relapse prevention plan. Even if you have no intention of ever using again, things happen, and it’s important to prepare for when they do.
SMART goals will give you a sense of direction after rehab. Rather than hoping for the best, you’ll have definitive steps to take. You’ll be able to develop the ability to devise a plan when you face triggers or even experience a relapse.
Recovering from Addiction
With the SMART program, this isn’t a lifelong commitment. Instead, those struggling with addiction may choose when they themselves determine it is time to move on. Each program will be tailored to your individual needs. The program recognizes that the individual is truly the expert in their recovery.
If you or a loved one is suffering from opioid addiction, contact your nearest hospital or one of our Clear Life Recovery professionals. Reaching out for help is the best choice you can make for yourself today.
Sources:
1. https://www.smartrecovery.org/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4885378/
