Introduction to SMART® Recovery Quebec
Discover the Power of Choice!
SMART Recovery® is the leading self-empowering addiction recovery support group. It is an international community of peer support groups that aims to help people recover from addictive and problematic behaviours. SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. SMART’s approach is secular, and research based. The SMART Recovery model is built on cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing and initially developed by medical professionals seeking more effective methods to treat patients. SMART Recovery is used with a range of addictive and problematic behaviours (alcohol, drugs, gambling, overeating, internet use, etc.).
SMART Recovery is established in more than 20 countries. There are in person and online meetings held throughout the week. Meetings tend to run from 60 to 90 minutes each, are confidential, free, and guided by trained volunteer or professional facilitators. Participants in various stages of recovery, or simply curious about pursuing recovery, share lessons and challenges from their own journeys, while exploring, through discussion, a suite of scientifically grounded psychology tools and techniques.
SMART Recovery® Quebec offers weekly meetings in the Montreal NDG area open to the public looking for on-going support and help. SMART Recovery is a nonprofit organisation and offers its services for free; we appreciate any donations that help pay rent for the room, printed materials and it helps us expand our services.
How Does SMART Recovery® Help People?
Our Principle
- Self-Management – People can manage their own behaviours
- Mutual Support – There is great value in connecting with and learning from peers with similar experience
- Choice – People choose their own goals, skills and tools.
- Evidence Led – All our programs are based on scientific evidence, and we encourage their on-going evaluation
- Person Centred – People with lived experience are central in guiding what we do.
SMART Recovery® 4-Point Programme
SMART Recovery’s 4-Point Program is the organization’s flagship secular program serving those with addictive behaviours, including both substance and activity/process addictions. Trained volunteer facilitators lead effective mutual support group discussions on these topics:
Related tools consistent with evidence-based motivational and cognitive behavioural theories are also offered and discussed.
SMART’s Approach to Addiction Recovery:
* SMART teaches individuals self-empowerment and self-reliance.
* SMART encourages individuals to abstain and recover and to live satisfying lives.
* SMART has tools and techniques that teach individuals that they have the power to change.
* SMART meetings are educational, and we encourage open discussions.
* SMART advocates appropriate use of prescribed medications and psychological treatments.
* SMART evolves when psychological and scientific addiction research advances.
SMART Recovery® Tools & Techniques
The SMART Recovery® 4-Point Program has a variety of tools and techniques for each of the 4 Points. Members are encouraged to learn how to use each tool and to practise the tools and techniques as they progress — achieving lifestyle balance and leading a fulfilling, healthy and sober life. Click here to find out a sample of tools we use.
** To purchase SMART Recovery® publications, view the Suggested Reading List for descriptions of publications.
Why Sobriety Home uses SMART Recovery® vs. 12-Step
Sobriety.ca Foundation shares many of the same beliefs as SMART Recovery®. We both believe that everyone finds their own individual path. For some, this may include 12-Steps, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Even though Sobriety Home and SMART Recovery have different approaches to AA and NA, we certainly do not exclude them. There are many SMART participants that also attend 12-Step meetings. We encourage everyone to use what path that works for them. Just as addiction is personal so is their recovery journey.
