SMART RECOVERY *

Self-Management and Recovery Training

I am excited to announce the opening of a new SMART recovery meeting in the Reading/Berks area being held each Wednesday evening from 7:30 – 8:30 with an introductory session to the SMART tools from 7:00 – 7:30.  Meetings are being held downstairs in the social room at Unity of Reading  4443 10th Avenue Temple PA.  For more information, please contact facilitator Nancy Clark at 610-944-9990.

SMART, an acronym for Self-Management and Recovery Training is a support program for people with addictions and behavioral disorders. It teaches people how to control their addictive behavior by focusing on underlying thoughts and feelings. Participants in SMART learn skills to not only manage their cravings and urges for the long term but also learn skills for coping with stress and strategies for living a happier life.

SMART teaches science based techniques such as those used in CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and continuously updates its methods based on emerging scientific evidence in addiction recovery.  SMART is dedicated to providing strategies that researchers have found most effective.

Organizations such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse, SAMHSA and the American Academy of Family Physicians, have recognized SMART as an effective tool for overcoming addictive behaviors.

The 4-point program used by SMART is not a step program. Participants can tackle a specific point in any order based on their needs.  The following is a brief explanation of the 4-point program:

  • Building and maintaining motivation. Having the proper willingness to stay sober and create a different life style is an important part of reaching long-lasting recovery. Participants may make a list of priorities and weigh the costs and benefits of using versus being sober (or the costs and benefits of continuing current destructive behaviors and attitudes versus adopting a more advantageous outlook on life).
  • Coping with urges. The second point examines what triggers a craving. Participants learn how to suppress cravings through methods such as distraction techniques. They also identify and overcome irrational beliefs about urges to use.
  • Managing thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Point three teaches how to prevent relapse and simply live a happier life by examining thoughts, feelings and behaviors that lead to drug use or self-destructive behaviors. Participants learn self-acceptance and how to manage difficult feelings like depression.
  • Living a balanced life. Deciding to be sober and take charge of one’s own life is a drastic lifestyle change. Learning how to live a sober life is important for a successful recovery. In point four, participants take an inventory of what’s important to them. They are also taught realistic goal setting and planning for the future.

The SMART Recovery Handbook details each point in the 4-point program and will be available to purchase at meetings. It also provides tips and exercises to maintain a sober life.

We look forward to having anyone attend who is interested in freeing themselves of current self-destructive behaviors and maintaining a happier, healthier lifestyle!

 

When
October 10th, 2018 from  7:00 PM to  8:30 PM
Location
4443 10th Avenue
downstairs social room
Temple, PA 19560
United States
Show large map
Contact
Phone: 6109291990