What is SMART Recovery?

A global community of 3000 mutual-support groups in which participants meet weekly to help each other overcome the life challenges caused by any addiction (to drugs, alcohol and behaviours such as gambling). Using SMART (Self-Management and Recovery Training), they find the power within themselves to change and lead fulfilling and balanced lives guided by a science-based and sensible 4-Point Program®.

SMART Recovery International is a global organisation. We recognize that different countries favor different language around addiction. For the sake of consistency, on this site we employ the language used by the World Health Organization and the Global Commission on Drug Policy.  However, our program is designed to support people whatever their recovery journey, and whatever language they use.

The 4-Point Program®

1. Build and maintain motivation

2. Cope with urges and cravings

3. Manage thoughts, feelings and behaviour

4. Lead a balanced life

The Format

• Free weekly group meetings (face-to-face and online)

• Run by a trained facilitator

• Focus on behaviour, not substance

• Practical and evidence-based recovery tools

The Outcome

• Recovery journey defined by you

• Healthy, happy and meaningful life

• Deeper relationships with yourself, family and friends

About SMART Recovery International

As addiction has grown into a global epidemic, SMART Recovery has expanded into 35 countries offering meetings and a program to help individuals seeking to recover and families with loved ones needing support. SMART Recovery International was formed in 2018 to Grow, Connect & Support and Unlock Potential across the global SMART Recovery community.

Our Mission

To make SMART Recovery available to people of every culture and place in life who want freedom from addiction using the power within themselves and support from a caring global community. To ensure that the SMART program always combines the best science and experience of recovery through training, instruction and technology, wherever we hold meetings, be they online, in cities, villages or rural communities.

Our Vision

An addiction-free world where people strive together to lead the best life for themselves, their families and their communities.

Our Values

• Empowerment: Everyone has the power of choice and can choose to change unhelpful or harmful behaviours.

• Acceptance: People are not their behaviours so stigmatising language like ‘addict’ and ‘alcoholic’ is not used.

• Accessibility: People seeking recovery are empowered to choose what works best for them from a ‘tool box’ of methods demonstrated in meetings and also available on line and in manuals.

• Openness: People are free to engage with other services or groups, there is no one path to recovery.

• Liberation: People are free to move on and pursue other goals in life once a balanced lifestyle is achieved.