Our purpose is to help individuals seeking abstinence from addictive behaviours to gain independence, achieve recovery and lead meaningful and satisfying lives.

The approach is secular and science based; using motivational, behavioral and cognitive methods.  We view substance/activity dependence as a dysfunctional habit, while recognising that it is possible that certain people have a predisposition towards addictive behaviour.

Our self empowering, 4-point recovery programme consists of:

·         Point 1: Enhancing and Maintaining Motivation to Abstain

·         Point 2: Coping with Urges

·         Point 3: Problem Solving (Managing thoughts, feelings and behaviours)

·         Point 4: Lifestyle Balance (Balancing momentary and enduring satisfactions)

Our programme is supported by a toolbox using methods derived from Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy.

Our programme is mainly delivered through trained volunteers who come from diverse backgrounds.  These may be people who experience addictive behaviour; people affected by someone else’s addictive behaviour; professionals working in addictions-related sectors; or lay people who simply want to help people with addictive behaviours.  Individuals who have gained independence from addictive behaviour through participation in the SMART Recovery programme are invited to stay involved with us, enhance their gains and help others.  These participants can become group facilitators if they and the facilitator believe this is appropriate; subject to suitability and training.  Our programme is primarily delivered via facilitated mutual help meetings in community and residential settings such as community centres and treatment services.  We also provide support via our Central Office and this website: www.smartrecovery.org.uk 

We assume that addictive behaviour can arise from both substance use (e.g., psychoactive substances of all kinds, including alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, food, illicit drugs, and prescribed medications), and involvement in activities (e.g., gambling, sexual behaviour, eating, spending, relationships, exercise, etc.).  We assume that there are degrees of addictive behaviour, and that all individuals to some degree experience it.  For some individuals, the negative consequences of addictive behaviour, which can involve several substances or activities, become so great that change becomes highly desirable.

Gaining independence from addictive behaviour can involve changes that affect an individual's entire life, not just changes directly related to the addictive behaviour itself.  Consequently, there appear to be as many roads to gaining independence from addictive behaviour as there are individuals.  For many, the road will lead somewhere other than using our services.  We recommend they follow the direction they have chosen, and we wish them well.  They are always welcome to return.

Individuals who have been successful in gaining independence from addictive behaviour appear to have made changes in all four areas we teach about.  These four areas could also be described as maintaining motivation, coping with craving, thinking rationally, and leading a balanced lifestyle.  Although we teach important information in each of these areas, ultimately it is the individual's determination and persistence to keep moving forward that will determine how much success is achieved