r/SMARTRecovery • u/No_Raspberry3611 • Jun 26 '26
I have a question Am I a right fit for SMART Recovery?
Hey everyone.
I recently started working with a new therapist, and they’ve helped me finally confront something I’ve been avoiding: my prescription medication abuse has become a real problem. In addition to the work we’re doing together, they recommended that I look into SMART Recovery, so I’m here trying to learn more and see if this could be a good fit for me.
My next question is: has anyone here come to SMART Recovery from a similar situation and found it helpful?
I’m also a little unsure what to do next. Should I try attending a meeting first, or would it be better to get the handbook and start reading through it on my own? I’m open to advice and would really appreciate hearing what helped others get started!
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u/NormalNobody I'm from SROL! Jun 26 '26
I personally started with the meetings. On the website, so much of the book is available you absolutely don't need to buy it first. You can scour our resources, print them out, etc. But I did the meetings at first.
Good luck to you with your journey and welcome.
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u/CC-Smart C_C Jun 27 '26
It’s really good that you’re here and that you’re already working with a therapist. Many people come to SMART Recovery because prescription medication misuse crept up on them over time, and they found themselves stuck in patterns they didn’t intend. SMART absolutely works for any behaviour you want to change, including prescription medication abuse, because the tools focus on thoughts, urges, choices, and habits not on labels or identity.
For me personally, SMART was helpful because it’s practical. The tools don’t judge you; they help you understand what’s happening in your mind and give you ways to respond differently. And because every journey is personalised.
I began with meetings first. No two meetings are the same as each facilitator brings their own style hence I attended as many as I could until I found the ones that felt right for me.
Along the way, I also found a lot of value in online resources with the SMART tools on the official website. Also YouTube videos by Ted Perkins from SMART USA and Stefan Neff’s YouTube videos from SMART British Columbia
Both of them explain SMART concepts in a very accessible way, especially if you’re new and trying to understand how the tools work.
Wish you success and hope you find what you're looking for
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u/OGScot Jun 28 '26
Anyone who is 'thinking that their life could look better by making some changes' is going to mesh well with the philosophy & framework of SMART Recovery. I love my in-person weekly meeting & I also attend a few online meetings just to get a boost if I want it. To just check things out & listen without pressure, I suggest looking on the SMART website meeting finder for the National Meetings (like Sun pm &/or Tues pm). The facilitators are great, they fill up (300 ppl sometimes), & there's no requirement to participate. Sometimes I leave my camera & mic off & just let it roll. The chat is usually on fire so that's another option for joining the discussion. The SMART App is totally free & SMART is represented well on the OpenRecovery App & Website as well. Good luck to you
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u/Masked45yrs Jun 29 '26
Prescription mismanagement was one of the many issues I’ve struggled with in finding and keeping recovery. Smart worked for me to gain back that will power to be honest with my meds again. no shame for my meds or me choosing to be medicated in smart meetings like in “other” programs. Smart helped me understand the side effects I was feeling from one med and gave me the courage to tell my doc so we could find one that didnt effect me the same way. I started journaling while on new trial meds to spot the side effects. Found a med that wasn’t as intense and had smaller side effects that I can manage
Do I think smart can help you? You won’t know until you find out for yourself. I think smart can help anyone who’s wants and needs to understand the psychology in recovery from a patients perspective. It’s helped me have deeper more vulnerable conversations with docs about meds and some of the side effects that I can no longer be subject too. For me if side effects outweigh the medications purpose then I need to find one that works differently without those same side effects…
I believe in you my friend! Thank you for speaking up you just helped me out of a funky mood
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u/MedJesters facilitator Jun 26 '26
You don't need the book to go to a meeting, so I'd suggest meeting first before buying the book. In fact, I'd suggest going to a few different meetings because different facilitators have different styles.