Knowing What Smart Is
A popular alternative just like Alcoholics Anonymous which is a 12 step group is SMART. People with other mental health problems such as depression and anxiety can also benefit from SMART.
Self-Management And Recovery Training [SMART] are a support system for people who are dealing with addictions and behavioural disorders. Getting a connection to your inner feelings is what the program advocates for when someone is trying to stop addiction.
People are taught skills and to manage their cravings and urges for the long-term to those who decide to participate in SMART.
If there is a new method that can improve the treatment, SMART may update the methods that are used.
This means that in SMART you will find methods being used that have been shown to be more effective.
Reputable organizations like the American Academy of Family Physicians and the National Institute on Drug Abuse recognize SMART as an effective strategy for those who are surmounting drug addiction.
Smart And The Features
SMART is a self-empowering program which is quite different from the 12-step program where the participants have to admit that they have no power over their addiction. Well-trained voluntary servants help participants examine particular behaviours to find weak spots which need special attention. The patients then learn how to take mastery over those negative habits. Psychology and self motivation is mostly used in the treatment when using SMART program. A 4-point program is taught to aid in mastering these skills.
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The 4 Part Programme
SMART has a Recovery Handbook that explains each of the 4 points in its program The Handbook also contains ideas and exercises to help one keep off the substance abuse.
These are not stages that are followed. Participants have the option of tackling a specific point in any order depending upon the needs they have.
If a 12-Step program does not appeal to you or a loved one, give SMART a chance. Contact us to help you identify a SMART facility near you call .
- Getting And Remaining Interested
- Willing to stay sober is an important factor of success in reaching continuous recovery.
- This may involve the addict taking a look at the disadvantages of using the drug versus the advantages of staying sober.
- Dealing With Cravings
- The causes for the desires to use the drugs are also explained on the second point of the program.
- Using methods that help refocus attention, patients are taught how to control the cravings.
- The myths about the desires to use the drugs are also eliminated.
- Controlling Actions, Reactions And Reflections
- This point shows the recovering user how to check their own thoughts, emotions and actions to keep them from falling back into addiction.
- Managing difficult feelings like depression and self-acceptance are also learned by the participants.
- Living A Fulfilling Life
- It requires commitment in order for the addict to get back to living a normal kind of life.
- It is, therefore, essential that one learns how to live a fulfilling life that is also drug-free.
- Understanding what matters to you is also very key and this is stated on the fourth point.
- The future is approached realistically by setting out attainable goals and milestones.
Similarities And Differences Between 12 Step Programme And Smart
The SMART 4-Point and the 12-Step programs do share some similar approaches. Overcoming the addiction is the main objective of the two types of programs. In both cases, the identity of the participants is kept secret. People attending any of the programs have been able to beat the addictions and stay sober.
Dissimilar Approaches Between SMART and the 12-Step Programs.
The people that are dependant on the drugs are not said to be "addicts" in the SMART program. SMART views these "labels" as demeaning and not productive. Another difference is that unlike 12-step, recovery is not an ongoing process in SMART. After successfully completing the program, members go on to start a new life devoid of addictions and baggage.
The 12-step program is not considered voluntarily by many people because they do not prefer to believe that they are powerless against their addiction or giving themselves away to a higher power. It is the willingness of a person to overcome the dependence that is used in the SMART program.
There is always help for participants in both the programs. The individual has the option of determining what is best for him or her. As it has been wisely pointed out within the SMART Recovery Handbook "a solution which works on an individual in a particular situation may not be suitable to the other in a similar situation."
Recovery Completion
Graduation from recovery is one of the special aspects of SMART. The chances of a person going back to the drugs is minimal when the are on the SMART program.
According to SMART, the participants don't feel the urge to use at the end of the program and they have total control over their lives.
Once the SMART participants come to the last step, they have all necessary skills to live a sober life.
Will Smart Suit You
All types of dependence on drugs can be completely eliminated using this program. People with other compulsive behaviours such as eating disorders and gambling can also benefit from this program. Those with secondary problems stemming from drug or substance abuse such as mental sickness and emotional problems will also find help at a SMART centre.