What is SMART Family & Friends?

SMART Family & Friends helps people who are supporting a loved one with addictive behaviours — whether related to alcohol, drugs, gambling, or other issues. The program shifts the focus from trying to “fix” someone else to developing coping strategies and emotional resilience for yourself.

Key ideas:

  • Based on SMART Recovery’s four-point model.
  • Focused on self-management, self-care, and building healthy communication.
  • Helps participants set boundaries, manage stress, and find balance.
  • Informed by the Stress-Strain-Coping-Support model of addiction and family
Find a SMART Family and Friends Meeting 
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Who it's for ?

Designed for families, friends and carers

SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) is a global, evidence-based program that helps individuals recover from all types of addictive behaviours, including alcohol, drugs, gambling, food, shopping, internet use, and more. Unlike traditional 12-step programs, SMART Recovery utilises tools based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI).

Family & Friends is open to anyone affected by someone else’s problem behaviour — parents, partners, siblings, colleagues, or close friends. You’ll meet others in similar situations, learn skills you can apply immediately, and find a sense of connection and hope.

How the program helps?

  • Learn to manage emotional upsets and challenge unhelpful thoughts.
  • Communicate assertively and set healthy boundaries.
  • Develop practical self-care habits and coping strategies.
  • Build supportive networks and maintain motivation through change.
                                         “By taking better care of yourself, you can be a more effective advocate and supporter.”

Top tips for families and friends

(from the SMART Family & Friends Participant Handbook)

  • Keep communication open and respectful.

  • Focus on your own wellbeing and balance.

  • Remember, you can’t “fix” another person — change must come from them.

  • Set boundaries you can live with.

  • Seek support and connection with others.

“You didn’t cause it, you can’t cure it, and you can’t control it. All you can do is cope with it.”

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The science behind SMART Family & Friends

SMART Family & Friends is based on over 20 years of research into how families are affected by addiction and how they can best support recovery — their own and that of their loved ones.

The program combines two proven frameworks:

  • The Stress–Strain–Coping–Support (SSCS) Model, developed by Professor Jim Orford and colleagues at the University of Birmingham, which explores how stress and coping patterns influence family wellbeing.

  • The Five-Step Method, created by the Addiction and the Family International Network (AFINet), which helps family members regain control, strengthen communication, and improve self-care.

Together, these models form the evidence base for SMART Family & Friends, helping participants build understanding, resilience, and hope through practical, science-based tools.

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Family & Friends Facilitator Training – Extension Module

$660

 Incl. GST

 
A one-day extension course for trained SMART facilitators specialising in supporting families and friends affected by problematic behaviours.
This course builds confidence and compassion and prepares participants to deliver the 8-session Family & Friends Program using Motivational Interviewing and CRAFT principles.
 
 
Learning Outcome include:
  • Facilitate Family & Friends meetings confidently and empathetically.
  • Support participants to improve their wellbeing while helping loved ones.
  • Understand and apply the Family & Friends meeting structure and SMART tools.
  • Available to facilitators who have completed SMART Core Facilitator Training
Book training now
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Family & Friends Participant Handbook

 

$55.00

A practical, evidence-based guide for anyone supporting a loved one affected by addictive behaviours.
The handbook offers tools to build resilience, improve communication, and restore balance through SMART’s self-management approach.

 

  • Practical exercises and worksheets to explore stress, boundaries, and coping.
  • Strategies for self-care, motivation, and effective communication.
  • Encouraging quotes and reflection activities for ongoing personal growth.
  • Regain control and find your lifestyle balance.
  • Improve communication and manage emotional upsets.
Buy now

Get Support

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about SMART Recovery Family and Friends program, please contact our team.

FAQs about the SMART Recovery Family and Friends Program

Who can attend Family & Friends meetings?

Anyone who supports a loved one struggling with a problem behaviour — parents, partners, siblings, friends, colleagues, or carers — is welcome.

What is the SMART Family & Friends Program?

The Family & Friends program is an 8-session course designed to support people affected by the behaviours of someone close to them. We encourage participants to attend all sessions, as each builds on the last to help strengthen understanding and practical skills over time. The Family & Friends Facilitator Training equips you to deliver this full 8-session program with confidence, using SMART Recovery’s evidence-based approach, Motivational Interviewing, and CRAFT principles.

 

Is SMART Family & Friends a form of therapy?

No. The program is not therapy, and facilitators are not counsellors. It’s a mutual-aid group offering a safe and supportive space for people to share experiences and learn self-management tools.
If you are experiencing violence or serious emotional distress, please seek professional support — contacts are listed at the end of the handbook.

How can I become a Family & Friends facilitator?

You can complete SMART Family & Friends Facilitator Training, open to both professionals and volunteers.
The training covers the program’s tools, structure, and group facilitation skills.
Learn more or apply for a training grant on the SMART Recovery website.

What are the main goals of the program?

SMART Family & Friends helps participants to:

  • Cope better and regain control over their lives.

  • Manage emotions like guilt, anger, or helplessness.

  • Build confidence and communication skills.

  • Protect their own safety and wellbeing.

  • Connect with others who understand their situation.