Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

03 Sep 2015

Programs and projects

Self Management and Recovery Training (SMART Recovery) is a community based, not for profit charity, set up to promote and support the provision of the SMART Recovery program in the community. The program is delivered via self-help groups in which people learn and practice skills derived from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy in order to manage and overcome their addictive behaviours.

The SMART Recovery program is made up of 4 key components:

Enhancing and maintaining motivation
Coping with urges
Problem solving
Lifestyle balance

SMART Recovery offers an alternative to the 12-step programs (such as Alcoholic Anonymous) in the community. SMART Recovery is based on well researched cognitive behavioural practices. The focus is on the persons thinking and behaviour – not on the substance. The emphasis is on self management and learning practical skills in order to gain and maintain abstinence.

The program can be adapted to fit specific populations, and SMART Recovery is wanting to work with more Indigenous populations to adapt the program accordingly. The program is run in all correctional facilities in New South Wales and Tasmania.

Rekindling the Spirit – an Aboriginal community organisation in Lismore – also run the SMART Recovery Program.