The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Self-Help Network, Inc. d.b.a. SMART Recovery, is a volunteer based, non-profit, international organization which provides free self-help groups and related services for individuals desiring to abstain from any type of substance or activity addiction. The SMART Recovery program is science based, teaches self-empowerment, and uses cognitive-behavioral and motivational enhancement techniques to help participants 1) Enhance and Maintain Motivation to Abstain, 2) Cope with Urges, 3) Problem Solve (manage thoughts, feelings and behaviors), and 4) Achieve a Balanced Lifestyle. SMART Recovery advocates for choice in recovery, so that individuals in recovery are informed of the range of recovery options, and are free to choose among them.

Description and/or History:
The SMART Recovery 4-Point ProgramSM is delivered via five primary vehicles: Face-to-Face community meetings; daily online meetings; InsideOutTM Correctional Facility meetings; other correctional meetings; and discussions on the online Message Board. In addition, a number of publications which support the program concepts are available through the Central Office.


SMART® Recovery was formed in 1995 as the result of a split from Rational Recovery which became a for-profit entity. The creation of SMART® Recovery was the result of hundreds of treatment professionals and laypersons who were dissatisfied with the religious nature as well as the abdication of personal responsibility that typified addiction treatment in the United States at that time. While having a diverse background and differing opinions, the body of SMART® Recovery volunteers strive to bring evidence based recovery options to communities across America. Since it's inception, SMART® Recovery has grown to more than 300 meetings nationwide, as well as hosting an online community that provides support worldwide.

Contact people:

Jane Mattes, Communications Coordinator, (212) 628-6056, (email) Michael Abbate, Facilitator, (718) 352-8768, (email)

Address:

Albert Ellis Institute, 45 E. 65th Street New York, NY 10021 (See a map)