Introducing SMART Recovery in Treatment

SMART Recovery stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. Self-management in relation to the work of sobriety and recovery is honed on self-responsibility. By providing exercises, methods, and online support – it provides individuals an alternative self-help program of recovery than the more common Alcoholic Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, Narcotic Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous or Gambling Anonymous programming.

We understand the 12-step program is not for everyone. We know it can be daunting based on an individual’s religious beliefs, non-religious positions, and/or spiritual values. This is why a client-centred approach to addiction and substance abuse treatment is important. We work with individuals within their own sober journey to create a plan that allows individuals to discover alternative self-help groups.

Smart Recovery Program.

What is SMART Recovery?

The program utilizes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy tools and approaches to addiction, alcohol, and substance abuse recovery. These approaches include motivational interviewing, Dialectical Behavioural tools, goal setting, problem-solving and other strength-based approaches. According to SMART Recovery Islamabad, the program promotes 4 teaching lessons: (1) motivation of abstinence, (2) identifying triggers and cravings, (3) identifying thoughts – feelings – behaviours and (4) promoting a healthy lifestyle.

How does Addiction Rehab Islamabad practice SMART Recovery?

We also value these 4 teachings throughout our programming and teachings. As we support individuals, we evoke the conversations about abstinence, the reality of it, and how we can sustain abstinence goals through schedule and goal planning. Through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, onsite psychotherapists and counsellors, we strategically go through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques such as identifying people, places, things, situations, or euphoric recalls that may be considered triggers or cravings and help individuals work through these factors in Relapse Prevention.

A part of the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy exercises and methods includes identifying thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that could be impacting an individual’s addiction or addictive behaviours. For example, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for anxiety is about understanding how individuals, feelings, and emotions have developed over-time and impacting an individual’s life as of the present.

We pride ourselves in promoting a healthy lifestyle for individuals through healthy meals made by our onsite chef, an accessible gym with weights and cardio equipment and outdoor space for individuals to play sports like basketball or hockey. In addition, we offer holistic massages and spa treatments which enhances a healthy lifestyle by helping individuals feel good about themselves inside and out.

How does Addiction Rehab Islamabad use SMART Recovery in Programming?

SMART Recovery tools are used throughout programming at. As per SMART Recovery, these are ‘self-management’ activities that promote ‘cognitive thinking skills’ through alcohol and substance abuse recovery.  (SMART Islamabad, 2019.) SMART Recovery promote methods of recovery that we also incorporate into our programming such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Self-Assessment activities, Relapse Prevention planning, Goal Setting, Communications, and Confidence Building techniques. In addition, like SMART Recovery, Addiction Rehab Toronto promotes specific programming into our teachings such as Self-Esteem, Values, Beliefs, Coping Mechanisms, Defense Mechanisms, Happiness, Stages of Change, and Problem Solving groups.

SMART Recovery after Treatment

SMART Recovery is a great option for individuals seeking support outside of Addiction Rehab Islamabad. SMART Recovery provides online support. The outside support is called “Check Up & Choices” (SMART Islamabad, 2019.) It provides an opportunity to participate in a 12-week interactive support program. Like the support provided, the program utilizes craving and trigger tracking, scheduling planning and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy exercises for individuals seeking additional support after treatment.

SMART Recovery and Alumni

One of our Alumni of states that the SMART Recovery program is about “moving forward, changing everything in your life that was destructive and turning it into constructive behaviours that will inspire you to live a sober and healthy life.”

We want to support individuals in sobriety by enhancing the quality of life and evoke inspiration to live in free from addiction.