The 12-Step model requires admitting you're "powerless," but what if that approach is actually triggering?

In this essential episode, we break down why SMART Recovery is a modern, science-based, and empowering alternative to AA that focuses on personal responsibility and forward-thinking goals—not reliving past "war stories."

SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) aligns perfectly with Elevate Addiction Services' non-12-step philosophy. We discuss the major differences, why SMART meetings work, and how they provide the tools you need to manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to overcome addiction.

---

TOPICS COVERED:

* Why the powerlessness concept and spiritual focus of AA can be a barrier.

* Why sharing "war stories" can be triggering for people early in recovery.

* How SMART uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and REBT principles.

* The structure of a SMART meeting (cross-talk and collaboration allowed).

* The SMART 4-Point Program (Motivation, Coping, Managing Thoughts, Balanced Life).

---

ADDICTION HELP

Ready for an Empowerment-Based Recovery? Call our dedicated intake team 24/7 for confidential help and admissions: 833-33-SOBER

---

LINKS TO LEARN MORE:

* What is SMART Recovery? Learn how it works: https://elevaterehab.org/experience/smart-recovery/

* Non-12-Step Alternatives to AA: https://elevaterehab.org/available-options-alcoholics-anonymous/

* Elevate's #1 Ranked Non-12-Step Program: https://elevaterehab.org/programs/inpatient/

---

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 Intro & The Problem with Traditional Meetings

1:42 The Need for SMART Recovery (Self-Management & Recovery Training)

2:23 What is SMART Recovery? The Acronym Explained

3:37 How to Become a SMART Facilitator (Low Barrier to Entry)

4:48 The Importance of In-Person Meetings and Community

5:36 Major Difference #1: Powerlessness vs. Personal Responsibility

6:59 Major Difference #2: Spiritual Focus vs. Scientific/Secular (CBT/REBT)

8:57 Major Difference #3: War Stories vs. Forward-Looking Goals

10:27 SMART Meeting Format: Crosstalk, Collaboration, and Objectivity

15:20 The SMART 4-Point Program

18:11 Why Speaker Meetings Can Be Triggering for Some

21:13 Why Elevate Utilizes the SMART Model

23:17 How to Find a Local SMART Recovery Meeting

---

HASHTAGS

#SMARTRecovery #AAAlternatives #Non12StepRehab #AddictionTreatment #Empowerment

---

KEYWORDS

SMART Recovery, AA alternatives, non 12 step rehab, empowerment based recovery, self-management and recovery training, addiction is not a disease, 12 step vs SMART recovery, CBT for addiction, REBT for addiction, secular addiction recovery, scientific based rehab, forward thinking recovery, manage thoughts feelings behaviors, coping with urges, living a balanced life, non spiritual rehab, speaker meeting triggering, Elevate Addiction Services, addiction help