About the programme
Search AA, NA and other UK recovery meetings by postcode, town, or fellowship, in person or online. No sign-up. No tracking of who you are. Just the door, the time, and how to get there.
SMART Recovery, short for Self-Management and Recovery Training, is a free, science-based programme of mutual-support groups for anyone working on an addiction or unwanted habit. It is secular and practical, with no steps and no higher power, and it treats recovery as a set of skills you can learn.
SMART is open to anyone, whatever the substance or behaviour, and you do not have to call yourself an addict or commit to anything to come along.
SMART is for anyone who wants to change an addictive or unwanted behaviour, from alcohol and drugs to gambling, gaming, or other habits. People who prefer a secular, self-directed approach often find it suits them, and some use it alongside a twelve-step fellowship rather than instead of one. You are welcome whether you want to stop completely or just take a look.
SMART meetings are built around four areas: building and keeping motivation, coping with urges, managing thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and living a balanced life. Members use practical tools drawn from cognitive behavioural therapy and motivational approaches, and a trained facilitator guides each meeting.
Unlike twelve-step fellowships, SMART is secular, does not use steps or sponsors, and does not ask you to see yourself as powerless or an addict for life. It focuses on self-empowerment and change you direct yourself. Neither approach is better than the other, and many people try both to see what helps.
SMART Recovery began in the United States in 1994 as a secular, evidence-based alternative to the twelve steps, and grew into the UK, where SMART Recovery UK is now a registered charity running meetings in communities, services, and online across the country.