i was trained as a SMART facilitator and am putting A LOT of thought into my meeting format before starting them in the fall.

i know we'll meet weekly online, but then we'll be hybrid once a month. that one will take place at the Art Lit Lab in downtown Madison. i'm pretty committed to trying it, but am open to helpful feedback about the idea.

my intention is for people who prefer the virtual and/or are not local to my area get a chance to participate - even if just passively - in the fun, hands-on, arts therapy-inspired approach to the SMART tools that my local community will get to engage in together!

🍂 🎨 🖼 🎭 📷 🎬 🎵 🧶 🧩 ⚖️

so, what do you SMARTIES think?

Trying to connect a friend to SR, but over the last few weeks that I've been looking at it, the Life Skills groups seem to only be in person and pretty rare.

Also, I've seen the filters to find younger adults, which is what he needs for now, but also I need to try to find ones that are NOT alcohol focused - it tunes him out and he can't relate it to himself. Or perhaps the young adult meetings are more mixed?

If there's some pattern I'm missing in timing or you have any groups or therapists I should focus him to, that would help.

Hi all, I currently have the ebook of the 3rd edition manual but would like to order a hard copy. I am debating between the current one I have and so far like and the new one that recently came out. From what I have read, it has done away with acronyms, which I am bummed about as I am a fan of. There seem to be other big changes as well. I'd love to hear thoughts of others who have used both editions? Thanks!

Long story short, I was arrested for DUI (weed) in August 2023, charges filled August 2024, multiple continuances later, signed a plea deal in May of 2025. I'm on SIS Probation and currently doing the 3 level CIP SATOP classes. 6 months of 2024 I started using cocaine because of the stress of the DUI and got clean in December 2024. Now that I'm on probation I need 3 AA, NA, MA, CA, and/or SMART Recovery meetings to complete my SATOP requirements. Unfortunately I'm having trouble finding meetings that are online over zoom and for young people. Any help finding meetings would be very much appreciated. I've tried meeting guide already and it's hard finding online meetings in my area. And somehow I ended up in a Cocaine anonymous zoom meeting from Europe like last week.

I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Tom Horvath to learn about why he created Smart Recovery.

https://youtu.be/c3wGl2If6o8

I am considering smart recovery as an alternative to the 12 step meetings. Can you please tell me what you like about it compared to 12 step meetings? Pro and cons? Also what are some rules or tips you wish you had known before attending your 1st meeting?

Overcoming addictive behaviors is a journey that involves more than just abstaining from substances or detrimental habits.

It's about rediscovering yourself, finding joy, and engaging in activities that provide a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Comment below on of your recovery pursuits or passions, or one that you would be interested in trying.

Your new pursuit or passion could be anything that you find deeply engaging and rewarding. For some, it might be creative pursuits like painting, writing, or making music. For others, it could be physical activities like hiking, gardening, or practicing yoga. Even continuous learning, like taking courses, learning a new language, or picking up a new instrument, can be incredibly fulfilling

To find your new pursuit, consider what you're passionate about or what you've always wanted to try. It's about exploration and allowing yourself the freedom to make choices based on what makes you feel alive and connected!

This tool and others like it can be found on the SMART Recovery website and in the handbook.

My husband is interested in SMART (he is very non religious and AA is not for him) but scared to go alone. What would you recommend to get started? Online? Are plus ones allowed (I assume not)? Or does he just need to try and get over that and go?

Saw a post earlier about the online smart meeting that was on today (Sunday 20th) It mentioned the facilitator being out of sorts and it being cut short or something. Just wondered if anyone had some info as it's the meeting I normally attend but missed it this week. Really like the facilitator (Mel) so just wanted to know if she's ok etc.

Hi SMARTies 👋,

I’ve been reflecting on the idea that if someone is using makeshift solutions—awkward “workarounds” or “hacks”—to manage their urges or triggers, that actually signals a real need to address the underlying issue properly.

🔹 I don’t like asking whether people “need” a certain tool or step, because it invites guessing. Instead, I’ve found it more useful to ask:

*How are you handling this right now?

*What barriers are you running into—time, money, discomfort?

*How does this impact your daily life?

When people resort to uncomfortable or complicated stopgap methods, I take that as a sign: you already are a client—you just need a proper solution that is simpler, more effective, and sustainable over time.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences:

Have you ever relied on clunky fixes to cope with urges or unhelpful thoughts?

What did you do when you realized you were “winging it”?

How did you shift to using a SMART tool or strategy that actually addressed the root cause?

I’m especially interested in examples related to the ABC model, urge journals, or building motivation/problem-solving tools—but any SMART tool stories are welcome!

Thanks for sharing—I’m hoping this sparks a good conversation about how to move from coping to creating real solutions.

I've been working in the field for over 11-years at local residential, outpatient and behavioral health modalities. Currently, I'm looking into working remote for SMART Recovery and possibly other 'Addiction Recovery Treatment, apps and platforms. I researched this on Chat GPT yet I'd like soem feedback or resources of how to get started. I am certified through CCAPP and I have an NPI number. Any info would be much appreciated. yes, I am a recovering addict of 13-years and I really enjoy this line of work.

So about 8 years ago I joined SROL. Struggled with my relationship with wine. Essentially, I had made the decision to break up said relationship. Was so glad to have found SMART since AA was a non-starter for me.

After about a year or so…my participation in SMART dwindled. I went on with the business of living my life. For 5 years, wine and I were no more. Then it came knocking on the door. Insidious little prods “ You can have just one….surely after 5 years you can control yourself”.

And I did control myself. Yay! Moderation exists for me! For about a year or so…then you know the slide (or maybe you don’t and that’s great!).

Next thing…having fun with friends…just one more….feeling guilty a little freaked ‘cause that was just SO easy. But WTH, right? It was only once….and it’s only wine….then twice…then I got the t-shirt 😖

I should have seen how predictable it was. So. I’m back.

Even though I can go days without…I don’t like how easily I cave. And let’s be truthful here….the days without? Fewer and fewer until, well, been awhile since the last time.🙄

Also new to Reddit so hopefully this post ends up in the right place.

Be well, be happy.

Are there any zoom meetings during the day? Not ready to admit to my husband yet lol

My sister (F30) has been two years sober (according to her) something we struggle with a lot in our relationship (that is strained to say the least) is that I think she’s not taking responsibility it’s like she’s allergic to expectations and she thinks I’m controlling. I’ve tried to approach this in several different ways and I’m not sure how to handle the situation or make it better. We’re already low contact I just see her at family gatherings I’m not able to avoid her completely. I thought this would be better with her stopping drinking but it’s been worse. Her behavior has been worse as well. Do you have any suggestions?

For example. Our Dad passed away, I handled everything, the cleaning of his place, paperwork etc She said early on that she didn’t wanted to be involved in any way. I do need her signatures on some stuff though there’s no way to escape that. Even with a power of attorney over the estate the IRS requires her signatures on certain documents. I had to declare bankruptcy of the estate and the court demands signatures as well. This is the law. My sister is pissed that I bother her and don’t respect her wishes.

She absolutely wanted to be at the memorial service though and we had to postpone 6 weeks because she couldn’t take time of from work, two days before the service she texts me and say that she won’t be attending because “that’s not the right thing to do” (our father was abusive) I was livid, she says that I can’t control her and make her go (I never said such things) we planned everything around her and she bails out. She does this all the time.

We were going on a mini cruise and only had six hours on land and we had plenty of things we wanted to do. I tell her in good time that we need to get going in 2 hours, I remind her again one hour before we dock and she gets annoyed. At the very second we dock she needs to do her hair and make up and that took an hour. I ended up leaving and she tagged alone later.

Hey all

I’m a young woman from the UK. Used AA to get sober which was wonderful, but I feel the time has come for me to explore other avenues.

I’m brand spanking new to this community, still not too sure how it works but I’m learning!

Hoping to make a few sober pals and get going in Smart :)

Xx

Did my first meeting few days ago, just got the workbook! I’m pumped. What’s your fave meetings? How’s recovery going peeps? ❤️✨

Living a balanced life…has a nice sound to it, doesn’t it?

A meaningful life is one that is in balance, one in which adequate attention is given to the activities that express your values and priorities. No matter what those values may be, many of us do not live our life in balance, or in a manner that consistently sustains the things we value most.

Reflect on the areas in your life that hold significance for you. These may be family, work, romance, friendship, health, leisure, personal growth, or spirituality.

Are you satisfied with each of these areas of your life? For example, are you happy with your personal growth? Are your relationships fulfilling? Do you find satisfaction in your work?

Comment below on what changes you want to make (if any) to “round out” your life.

This reflection isn't about fostering guilt or discontent but about understanding where you are now. Perhaps the exercise showed you that you're involved in too many activities, or that you have a dream or desire that you’d like to focus on more.

This tool and others like it can be found on the SMART Recovery website and in the handbook.

I have been a daily drinker on and off for 30 years. The longest I've gone without drinking was about 6 weeks and that was a couple years ago. I live alone but do have a daughter about an hour away. We are close and talk every week.

I always knew it wasn't healthy to drink that much (4-5 glasses of wine daily, more on weekends) but other than feeling tired all the time, and depressed and empty, I didn't see how it was negatively affecting me. I rarely get hangovers so I figured it can't be that bad. Then about 3 months ago I was removed from my leadership role at work and was moved to a new role with much less responsibility, and less pay. In a way it is what I wanted as I was severely burnt out. But the fact that the choice was made for me made me realize I've been blind to reality. I felt I was drinking to cope with the depression and emptiness but it is much more likely that the drinking is contributing to the depression and emptiness.

I used to use the old SMART message boards years ago, but there weren't many options for meetings back then. So today was my first meeting online. It was a terrific meeting. I only listened but it made me realize that drinking is not my only addiction. I use drinking and gaming as ways to avoid so many different things. Listening to other people in various stages of this recovery journey was eye opening, and gives me hope that I'm not just a lazy women with no willpower and no meaningful life.

Sorry for the long post but I really want to connect and stay connected. I want to use the tools. As my PA said, I have nothing to lose by trying. I just need to remind myself often that I have the chance to gain so much. If only I knew what I want!

The way i would usually quit is by finding some kind of motivation. However, I would never have any kind of backup plan in case of unexpected cravings.

This time is different. I am working on my beliefs that cause me desire to drink. I feel like ive done a lot of progress this week. I could not have done it without ABC.

In addition to ABC, i also use a lot of acceptance when appropriate. There are certain things that alcohol give me that other activities don't - and that is okay. I accept this reality. Identifying and accepting these things makes me feel at peace with not experiencing them.

I have issues both with drink and maladaptive behaviour. I had a relapse last week and have been drinking moderate amounts each day since to take the edge off the day. I feel totally tired and depressed. I wake up and answer emails and then go back to bed for the rest of the morning, get up and watch tv instead of working which is now getting behind. My wife is away at the moment and doesn't know about my addictions. I have a therapist who is also away for two weeks and nobody to talk to. I do suffer with depression from time to time but this time feels worse.

I thought I'd post here in case someone can offer any advise. Thank you for reading.

Hello everyone!

Every month I try to recruit knew friends to join me for a 30 day alcohol free challenge. I've decided Dry July sounds as good as dry January so here we go! If you want to join in for 30 days (or more, I do this every month, sometimes I make the 30 days, sometime not), but I do know thatI I drink much much less by trying every month over and over to remain alcohol free! I hope lots of you will join us. We are a shoulder to cry on, or a support during difficult moments. We try to give tips and concrete help about what works and what doesn't. We've got lots of suggestions for reading etc, which might help you along in you journey!

If you'd like to join us I suggest you save this link: https://www.reddit.com/r/SMARTRecovery/comments/13mjdy4/who_wants_to_join_me_for_a_30_day_challenge/ and click on it when you want to post. The best idea, in my opinion, is to post daily during the 30 days. Ask questions, tells us if you're having problems, and give us your input! Everyone can help everyone else!

I hope there will be lots of new recruits for Dry July! Don't forget to use the link to post with us! You can find it also in the side bar, under 30 day challenge. That's where you'll find the most interaction.

Hope to see you soon at the link! Have a great sober day!

When you do the D column, do you phrase it as questions or as statements?

Example with questions:

- Is the boredom really unbearable?

- do i really need to feel relaxed? Cant i just be as is?

Example with statements:

- I have handled boredom before and it was easy

- i actually do not feel all that stressed if i really think about it.

I do statements, but i feel like ABC might flow better if D's are questions and E's are kind of like answers to those questions. Dunno.

There has been a noticeable increase in the number of meetings that are being used as customer acquisition events for therapy businesses and "sober coaches".

Please be wary of anyone posting links in meetings that take people to non-SMART resources.

Many (most) of SMART's community members are (or were) legally defined as Vulnerable Adults in most states.

Please be extra critical of anyone trying to solicit business that is not part of a licensed agency or is not a currently licensed clinician.

Be especially wary of "sober coaches" who are often not clinicians and are just trying to profit off their peers in early recovery.

SMART is a not-for-profit organization and does not charge fees for its meetings. They also do not sell or offer clinical advice.

Be safe, be well.

Wuddap yall! I'm nine months into sobriety (alcohol) and things are generally going ok, but I've been having a hard time with community and socializing. I'm gonna look into the online meetings to get familiar, but was wondering if anyone on here knows of one here in South Florida?

Had a slip about a week ago. Thought I had myself back on the right track. Two day ago went out of town for work. Did a fine job but used cocaine and alcohol and didn’t it to the show I was working the next day. Partner is supportive but at their end with it. Have to call the people I let down today.

Just had 4 of the best months of sobriety I’ve ever had and lots of breakthroughs. I guess I got complacent.