http://www.portlandhumanists.org/smart.htm
http://www.smartrecovery.org
Portland, OR area
4550 SW Kruse Way, Suite 225
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
503-635-2489 (Hank
Robb, M.D.)
note: when the message
starts,
push the "#" key
and then the "1" key
Finding a Local Meeting
http://www.smartrecovery.org/face2face.htm
What is SMART Recovery®?
SMART Recovery® is a free self-help
program for recovery from addictive behavior. Groups meet once
or twice weekly, led by a lay coordinator. Most
also have a volunteer advisor who is a mental health professional.
How
is SMART different?
SMART Recovery® is not
a twelve step program. It is based on modern cognitive/behavioral
methods, particularly Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT).
We think a person's religious or spiritual convictions are
a personal matter that can be helpful, but are not a part
of the SMART Recovery® program. SMART Recovery® teaches people
practical, proven self-management and recovery skills.
Does SMART work?
Yes, if you are willing to help yourself.
Recovery takes time, patience and work, but the tools offered
in SMART Recovery® can help you make your efforts more productive.
These methods have been proven effective and they often produce
results faster than other methods. The best way
to prove it for your self is to try it!
What's it like?
SMART Recovery® groups are small,
allowing for cross-talk, discussion and practice of many specific
methods. The focus is on learning how to increase
your motivation to quit, handling urges without acting on them,
developing new ways of coping with problems and creating a
healthy, positive lifestyle.
Is it an abstinence program?
SMART Recovery® is a group for people
who have chosen or are considering abstinence. With the right
tools and skills, most people can quit and make
it stick, without lifelong struggle and dependency on the group.
However, we view sobriety as a personal choice and relapse
as a learning opportunity.
Is SMART something new?
The idea that we largely cause our
own feelings and behavior was known to ancient Greek philosophers.
In 1955, Dr. Albert Ellis used this idea as a
founding principle of Rational- Emotive Behavior Therapy. Much
research and clinical experience since then has proven the
effectiveness of REBT. SMART Recovery® brings these powerful
psychological principles and practices to a self-help group
format.
How can I learn more?
To see if SMART Recovery® will work
for you, plan to attend several meetings because the ideas
and methods may take a while to sink in. Our
reading list includes: The SMART Recovery Member's Manual;
SMART Recovery: A Sensible Primer by William Knaus;
When AA Doesn't Work for You: Rational Steps to Quitting
Alcohol, by Albert Ellis; and Alcohol: How to Give
It Up and Be Glad You Did, by Philip Tate.
How Much Will It Cost?
SMART Recovery® is free. Your time
and effort are the only costs, although we do pass the hat
to cover expenses.
SMART Recovery® Ideas
I'm not "powerless" over alcohol or
drugs, or other addictive behavior. I can certainly use some
help, but I believe I can beat this problem,
like millions of other people have.
Booze and other drugs don't jump into my body. I
choose to use them, so I can choose not to and make it stick.
My
substance use hurts me and others. I may feel good for a
short time, but I suffer more in the long run. It
is the "buy now -- pay later" plan of life.
SMART
Recovery® can help me achieve my goal of permanent
sobriety, but I gain power by accepting personal responsibility
for my life and for what I put into my body.
Getting drunk or high
is a way of indulging myself and trying to cope with stress,
frustration, and anger. It's just not worth it!
There are better ways
of coping with life than intoxicating myself. Once I learn
these, I will be willing to give up my chemical dependency
permanently.
It makes sense to seek
help to learn new approaches because whatever I've been doing
hasn't been working.
I can learn from others
and enjoy their support without depending on the group for
the rest of my life.
Once I have mastered
the proven methods of self management offered by SMART, I
can recover, graduate from the program, and get on with my
life.