ICADD Tuesday, May 13, 2014 1:15pm to 3:00pm, Jordan C SMART Recovery (Part A): The Leading Self-empowering Mutual Help Group By Tom Horvath, Ph.D. Handout SMART Recovery is an international non-profit with over 1,100 mutual help groups worldwide. These free, self-empowering, science-based groups support individuals choosing to abstain from any addiction, or considering abstinence. Part A of the presentation will present the organization, the recovery approach, the context in which SMART Recovery emerged (including the diversity of recovery, other mutual help groups, relevant scientific findings, and relevant court decisions), the SMART Recovery Tools for Recovery and the meeting format. Two take home messages Recovery is diverse. As many paths as there are individuals. Our role: Help find the path. SMART Recovery offers self-empowerment path Self Management And Recovery Training Discover the Power of Choice Organizational Overview Non-profit Almost entirely volunteer operated (in US) Primarily US (but spans the globe) 1100+ free mutual help groups community, correctional, online related services (training, publications) Supports choice in recovery Program Overview Abstinence groups for any addictive behavior Tools for recovery (disease or not) Science based (belief in God or not) Focus on self reliance Discussion meetings ( cross-talk ) Months to years typical attendance No sponsors, labels
The intersection of Self-empowerment Evidence-based treatment What will work in a mutual help group The Serenity Prayer The Courage Intention Locus of Control What do I expect going forward? Is life based on what happens, or what I do? Attribution theory: What explains the past? Is it about me, or the situation? Self-empowering language I drink too much (vs. alcoholic) The costs exceed the benefits (vs. disease) I choose to change (vs. I have to) I can cope during the transition (vs. recovery for life) Context for the Emergence of SMART Recovery Diversity in recovery Other groups Scientific findings Legal decisions Diversity in Recovery vs. Recoveryism Degree of natural recovery Involvement goal (abstinence, near abstinence, moderation, reduction, greater safety) Treatment approach (12-step/disease, other religious, CBT, energy methods) Motivation enhancement vs. skill building vs. passive change Motivation (avoid pain, seek pleasure) Levels of problems, or other disorders Level of life transformation needed Social support received Mutual help group attendance Speed of change Medical/Complementary assistance The Recovery Bill of Rights, Faces and Voices of Recovery Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the approach Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the organization
Alternative Support Groups Women for Sobriety Secular Organizations for Sobriety (Rational Recovery ) SMART Recovery Moderation Management LifeRing Secular Recovery HAMS San Diego Treatment Provider Survey, Fall 1998 (N=38) Scientific findings Recovery based on choices, situation Co-occurring disorders Efficacious treatment Natural recovery Empirically support treatment Handbook of Alcoholism Treatment Approaches: Effective Alternatives (3 rd ed.), edited by Hester, RK. & Miller, WR Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-based Guide (3 rd ed.) National Institute on Drug Abuse Efficacious treatments Behavioral couples therapy CBT (including relapse prevention) Contingency management Motivational interviewing Chemical counter-conditioning Medications (12-step facilitation) SMART vs. 12-step day tx Choosing a support group Improvement regardless of group Hi religious preferred AA, WFS Lo religious, SOS SMART, unrelated Religiosity and Participation in Mutual-Aid Support Groups for Addiction; RG Atkins, JE Hawdon; J Subst Abuse Tx, 2007 Oct 33(3): 321-331 Legal Decisions Overturning Government Mandated 12-step Attendance, Since 1996 4 (of 11) US Circuit Courts of Appeal rulings (2 nd, 3 rd, 7 th, 9 th ) 9/07 ruling removed qualified immunity
Implications of current context SMART Recovery Purposes and Methods 1. We help individuals gain independence from addictive behavior. 2. We support -enhancing and maintaining motivation -coping with urges -managing thoughts, feelings, and behavior -living a balanced life 3. Our efforts are based on scientific knowledge, and evolve as scientific knowledge evolves. 4. Individuals who have gained independence from addictive behavior are invited to stay involved with us, to enhance their gains and help others. SMART Recovery Tools -Stages of Change -Change Plan Worksheet -ABCs of REBT for Urge Coping -DISARM (Destructive Imagery & Self-talk Awareness & Refusal Method) -Brainstorming -Role-playing and Rehearsing -Cost/Benefit Analysis (Decision Making Worksheet) -ABCs of REBT for Emotional Upsets -USA -HOV Irrational post-trauma beliefs Basic Meeting Outline (60 minutes) Welcome....5 min Check-in........10 min Agenda setting.. 5 min Working time..25 min Pass the hat, pass the brochure....5 min Checkout..10 min Close SMART Recovery History SMART Recovery Structure & Operations SMART Recovery Board of Directors, 2014 SMART Recovery International Advisory Council SMART Recovery Publications
SMART Recovery : The Program s Future The ethical presentation about recovery options Contact info: Tom Horvath 858-546-1100 x222 Tom.Horvath@practicalrecovery.com www.practicalrecovery.com SMART Recovery Central Office 7304 Mentor Avenue, Suite F Mentor, OH 44060 440-951-5357 Fax 951-5358 information@smartrecovery.org www.smartrecovery.org