Some addicts/alcoholics in Recovery may never accept the concepts of “Powerlessness and “Higher Power”. The spiritual/religious connotations of the Twelve Steps put some people off. (As previously stated, however, the concept of a Higher Power need not be a supernatural entity). Be that as it may, I can understand that the constant reference to “God” may be off-putting to some.
S.M.A.R.T. Recovery may be an alternative for addicts/alcoholics with these reservations. S.M.A.R.T. Recovery (Self Management And Recovery Training) is an international organization which provides assistance to individuals seeking abstinence from addiction/alcoholism. It is entirely secular and does not promote the idea of powerlessness. The emphasis is on behaviour modification, not on the disease concept of addiction.
One of the central concepts of S.M.A.R.T. Recovery is that addiction is a maladaptive behaviour stemming from irrational beliefs and cognition. Therefore a lot of S.M.A.R.T. Recovery’s treatment is based on the principles of cognitive-behavioural therapy (C.B.T.), using non-confrontational motivational methods. The moderators are trained in the techniques of C.B.T. and a handbook is available on Kindle.
Unlike 12-Step meetings, S.M.A.R.T. Recovery generally does not recommend life-long involvement and participation: after success has been achieved in this program, it is seen as healthy and normal to move on.
It is a good alternative for people who are uncomfortable discussing spirituality.
Some of the potential pitfalls (only my personal opinion and not intended to dissuade):
- S.M.A.R.T. Recovery does not have a sponsor-sponsee system.
- It does not have the equivalent of Al-Anon, Ala-teen or Nar-Anon to help the family members of alcoholics/addicts.
- Friendships with other participants may not have an opportunity to develop quite as easily as in the Twelve-Step fellowships. I do not actually know this to be true. It is merely a concern.
- The reduced emphasis on the Disease Concept of Addiction and Alcoholism is problematic and flies in the face of overwhelming scientific evidence in favour of the Disease Concept.
To summarize: one could say that in S.M.A.R.T. Recovery, there is less emphasis on Spirituality (FEELING one’s way into Recovery) and more emphasis on Intellect/Cognition (THINKING one’s way into Recovery).
In conclusion: with diligent work, using the tools of this alternative method, Recovery is certainly achievable. Connection with others in this program is not only possible but in my opinion, essential. S.M.A.R.T. Recovery is an entirely valid alternative for those seeking a secular, non-spiritually-based methodology with an emphasis on behavioural/cognitive techniques of rehabilitation.
I also know of successful recovering addicts and alcoholics who use both the 12-Steps AND S.M.A.R.T. Recovery. These treatment options are NOT mutually exclusive.
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