SMART Recovery is an abstinence oriented support program that helps individuals who suffer from substance use disorders. It is helpful for some individuals to utilize this adaptation of recovery after or during treatment. Its main objective is to help you become confident and self-empowered. Your substance use disorder does not define you and in fact, SMART recovery does not use labels like “addict” or “alcoholic” to identify you.
It provides global support and meetings for anyone that may be struggling with substance usage. It uses a scientific 4 point program to help you become independent of your substance usage.
Their model is based on a four-point program in behavioral change. This includes, building and maintaining the motivation to change, coping with urges to use, managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in an effective way without addictive behaviors, and living a balanced, positive, and healthy life.
The motivation they use is the awareness that we all have human problems. We don’t want to experience pain and we want to experience happiness as much as possible. Our substance use minds want this, yet do not see the long term effects. We are impulsive and mainly focus on short term goals that can sabotage us in the long run.
Belief Systems
We have many different belief systems including how we view our substance use. Our heads are filled with negative self-talk. We say things like ” I always fail”, or “I need alcohol and drugs to cope”. This constant negative self-talk actually propels us into doing the very thing we don’t want to do.
It is imperative that we become aware of these thoughts and behaviors. Then we can break them down and choose other forms of coping. We are able to replace this negative self-talk with positive thoughts and hopeful ideas instead.
Emotions
Emotions can be difficult to figure out. We may not even know why we continuously seek out alcohol to feel better. We are overwhelmed with sadness, shame, guilt, and anger. SMART recovery focuses on teaching you how to become aware of the emotion and diminish the intensity of them. This helps increase self-acceptance and provides you with a better strategy on how to deal with said emotions when they come up.
Healthy Coping Mechanisms
We can replace our negative behaviors with healthy coping mechanisms. We can do this by journaling, meditating, exercising, and engaging in activities that are beneficial.
Avalon Malibu tailors the recovery process to the individual and what they are suffering from. They have various methods they use and can provide different strategies in combating substance use disorders. If you are struggling with staying sober try calling Avalon Malibu for help at (844) 857-5992.
