SMART Recovery: A Science-Based Approach to Addiction Treatment

People participate in a recovery meeting.

Addiction is a complex brain disease that impacts millions of people in the United States. While addiction can be a devastating disease, fortunately, there are a variety of addiction treatment options available to help you safely and effectively recover and progress along your sobriety journey. In this article, you’ll learn more about the SMART recovery program, and how SMART Recovery can help you progress along your recovery journey. 

At Outpatient LA, we are a leading outpatient drug rehab committed to helping patients maintain long-lasting sobriety. Our experienced team of addiction specialists is here to help you maintain your sobriety and reduce your risk of relapse so you can lead a healthier, happier quality of life. You should never feel afraid or ashamed to ask for help– help is available! Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your unique recovery journey.

What is SMART Recovery?

SMART (self-management and recovery training) recovery is a science-based approach that helps people overcome addiction. SMART recovery focuses on using proven techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy to help patients better support their recovery journey. This includes helping patients understand how they can positively cope with triggers and ultimately reduce their risk of relapsing.  

Another positive aspect of the SMART recovery program is that it is flexible, allowing the individual to target specific goals and concerns to support their recovery journey. Trained addiction specialists can help patients understand certain negative behaviors so they can control and reduce these behaviors to ultimately support their recovery. 

People participate in a recovery meeting.

Benefits of SMART Recovery

SMART recovery offers patients a science-based, flexible approach to effectively progress along their recovery journey. Keep reading to learn more about this evidence-based approach below.

  • Evidence-Based Approach: As discussed above, SMART recovery uses evidence-based, scientific techniques, like cognitive behavioral therapy, to help patients identify negative thought patterns or behaviors that may be putting them at risk of relapsing. 
  • Personalized Approach: Next, SMART recovery provides a tailored, flexible approach by allowing patients to receive the care they need for their unique recovery needs. Some patients may struggle with negative thought patterns while other patients may struggle with certain negative behaviors that put them at risk of jeopardizing their recovery. Therefore, the aim of SMART recovery is for you to understand these challenges to better progress along your recovery journey. 
  • Supports Long-Term Recovery: While SMART recovery is not like a traditional 12 step program, it is similar in the sense of having the primary goal of helping patients achieve long-lasting sobriety. Addiction recovery is a life-long journey. And the aim of SMART is to help equip patients with practical techniques to cope when triggers, negative thoughts, or another potential obstacle in their recovery journey arises. 

Ultimately, SMART Recovery equips individuals with practical techniques and coping strategies they can use to control their negative self-talk, self-destructive behaviors, and triggers so they can maintain long-term sobriety. Not to mention, SMART recovery ensures patients can reduce their risk of falling into temptation to abuse drugs or alcohol. 

You should never feel too afraid or ashamed to ask for help when it comes to overcoming your addiction and leading a healthier, happier quality of life. SMART recovery is one of the many treatment approaches you can use to help support your recovery journey.

Help Is Available 

Now you know more about what SMART Recovery is, and how it can help support your recovery journey.  SMART Recovery is an evidence-based addiction recovery approach that uses techniques like CBT to help patients become aware of negative thought patterns and behaviors in their lives so they can work to build coping strategies to reduce their risk of relapse. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s critical to seek professional support to safely progress along your recovery so you can lead a healthier, happier life.  

At Outpatient LA, we are committed to helping patients safely and effectively achieve long-term sobriety. We offer a comprehensive range of outpatient addiction treatment to ensure you receive the best possible care to progress along your recovery journey. Gone are the days of suffering in silence with your addiction. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your unique recovery journey. 

Finding Support Groups: AA, NA, SMART Recovery

People talk in a support group.

Millions of people struggle with substance use disorders and mental illness each year. Unfortunately, many people suffer in silence with their condition. Support groups offer a safe space for individuals struggling with addiction (or another condition) to find support and people who can hold them accountable along their recovery journey. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of finding support groups, different types of support groups, and more.

 

At Outpatient LA, we offer premier outpatient treatment in Los Angeles to help individuals safely overcome addiction and lead healthier, happier lives. We understand how isolating drug addiction can be. That’s why our caring staff of addiction specialists are here to help you break free of addiction once and for all. With a range of treatment programs, we offer several treatment options to support you on your road to recovery.

 

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available! Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you take back your life. 

What Are Support Groups?

Before diving into what different types of support groups are, it’s first critical to understand what support groups are and why they can be so beneficial in the recovery process. Support groups are a safe space where individuals share experiences to gain a sense of support and accountability to overcome whatever they may be going through in their lives.

 

There are several benefits of attending support groups, which include:

  • Being surrounded by people who can relate to what you’re going through
  • Opening up in a safe space what you are struggling with
  • Seeking advice and guidance with struggles you’re going through
  • Keeping you accountable to achieve a certain “goal” (i.e. maintain sobriety)
  • Build a community of friends who will support you in this new season of life

 

Finding support groups that align with your recovery needs can be especially helpful as you transition into your everyday life from addiction treatment. This is because support groups provide that additional support system to keep you accountable and maintain your sobriety long-term. 

Different Types of Support Groups

Although support groups can be extremely beneficial to help you maintain your sobriety, it’s important you prioritize attending a support group that fits your needs. This is because there are different types of support groups which inevitably offer variability. Below are 3 popular types of support groups.

What is AA (Alcoholics Anonymous)?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a 12-step support group program specifically for individuals recovering from alcoholic abuse and addiction. During AA meetings, the goal is to help alcoholics overcome their alcohol addiction and maintain long-term sobriety. Here, you’ll not only face your drinking problem, but you’ll gain a sense of community with other alcoholics striving to achieve sobriety. 

What is NA (Narcotics Anonymous)?

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is another popular 12-step support group program; however, unlike AA which is specifically for alcoholics, NA is more open to any individuals struggling with drug addiction (including alcohol addiction). Like AA, you’ll not only gain a sense of community and accountability to help overcome your addiction and maintain your sobriety, but you’ll also be able to feel less alone in your pursuit of beating addiction. 

What is SMART (Self-Management and Recovery Training)?

SMART Recovery is another type of support group that helps recovering addicts overcome their addiction once and for all. Unlike AA and NA which use a 12-step process, SMART is not a 12-step program, but rather a process of shifting members’ mindsets from negative to positive so they can resist urges to abuse drugs, thus lowering your risk of relapsing. 

Ready to Start Your Road to Recovery 

Finding support groups right for your unique recovery needs is important. As you can see, there are several different types of support groups available; however, they are not all the same. It’s critical you research support groups near you so you can find the best support group that most aligns with your recovery needs.


At Outpatient Los Angeles, we offer premier outpatient addiction treatment in LA to help as many patients as possible achieve life-long sobriety. Using an individualized approach, we’re here to help guide you along your recovery journey so you can lead a happier, healthier life.

Contact us today to learn how you can break free of your addiction once and for all.