You Can Recover Without using a 12-Step Program

To recover from addiction, you need to learn how to:

-enhance and maintain motivation to abstain
-cope with urges
-manage thoughts, feelings and behavior
-balance momentary and enduring satisfactions

We assume that addictive behavior can arise from both substance use (e.g., psychoactive substances of all kinds, including alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, food, illicit drugs, and prescribed medications), and involvement in activities (e.g., gambling, sexual behavior, eating, spending, relationships, exercise, etc.). We assume that there are degrees of addictive behavior, and that all addictive behavior (which can involve several substances or activities) become so great that change becomes highly desirable.

Gaining independence from addictive behavior can involve changes that affect an individual's entire life, not just changes directly related to the addictive behavior itself. Consequently there appear to be as many roads to gaining independence from addictive behavior as there are individuals.

Individuals who have been successful in gaining independence from addictive behavior appear to have made changes in all four areas we teach about. Although we teach important information in each of these areas, ultimately it is the individual's determination and persistence to keep moving forward that will determine how much success is achieved.

Our free services are provided for those who desire, or think they may desire, to achieve abstinence. Individuals unsure about whether to pursue abstinence may observe in our group discussions how abstinence can be achieved, and how it can help. Even those whose ultimate goal is moderated involvement with their substances or activities may benefit from participation in abstinence-oriented discussions. Benefit could occur if the individual aims to engage in selected periods of abstinence, or frames the goal as abstaining from over-involvement (as opposed to all involvement).

Much of the information imparted by us is drawn from the field of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and particularly from Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, as developed by Albert Ellis, Ph.D. In general, CBT views addictive behavior more as a complex maladaptive behavior than as a disease. Use of the CBT perspective allows us to use a rich and easily accessible body of ideas, techniques, and publications. Most of these publications we are able to make available directly to our participants for free online.

What we offer is consistent with the most effective methods yet discovered for resolving emotional and behavioral problems. As scientific knowledge advances, our teachings will be modified accordingly. Individuals with religious beliefs are likely to find our program as compatible with their beliefs as other scientifically derived knowledge and applications.

The lengths of time an individual will derive help from our services is variable. For many sincere participants there will come a time when attending our groups or participating in our online services is more in conflict with the pursuit of their life goals than enhancing them. Although these participants will always be welcome back if they want to come, this conflict signals that the time for graduation has arrived.

One of the most enduring satisfactions in life is helping others. The individuals who have nurtured SMART Recovery thus far have reported intense satisfaction at witnessing the positive changes our participants have experienced, and at witnessing the influence we are having on professional addictive behavior treatment. We offer to others, whether graduates of our efforts or not, the opportunity to join us in experiencing that satisfaction.

You don't need a higher power to get sober.

You don't need a sponsor.

You are not powerless.

You do not need to go to meetings for the rest of your life.

SMART is evidence-based, cognitive behavioral therapy and evolves as science evolves. Free face to face meetings around the bay and daily anonymous online meetings that are acceptable by the court. Everything you need is online, including a supportive 24/7 chat room full of friendly, funny helpful people with a wide range of addictions and other maladaptive behaviors.

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