The Differences Between Smart Recovery vs 12 Step Recovery

Many people wonder about the benefits of SMART Recovery vs 12 step recovery. Many differences exist between these programs. Some of these differences provide the clearest picture of how one program may work better for you versus the other.

About SMART Recovery

Most people in addiction know about the 12 steps of AA. After all, Hollywood includes these types of programs in film and television shows. But SMART Recovery, the newer of the two program types, gains little air time in pop culture. SMART Recovery is a new program and less understood.

SMART Recovery gains its name from the concept of Self-Management and Recovery Training. It started in 1992 through a self-help network. That network changed its name to SMART Recovery in 1994. This non-profit program provides support to people seeking addiction recovery, much like the 12 steps in your community.

But SMART Recovery uses a pillar of science instead of spirituality. Some people find the spiritual aspect of the 12 steps unattractive for their personal belief system. But SMART Recovery works for people with or without a spiritual connection. The most prominent difference between SMART Recovery vs 12 Step programs is this element of science versus spirituality.

SMART Recovery vs 12 Step Recovery

Below are several of the most significant differences between SMART Recovery vs 12 Step recovery programs. These differences include:

Six Stages and Four Points of Change vs 12 Steps

In SMART Recovery six stages of change guide your recovery. An effective 12 step approach consists of 12 stages, called steps. SMART Recovery stages use different methods to suggest positive changes in your life. Four points of change also exist in SMART Recovery, serving as your mileposts to success.

Graduating and Not Graduating

Ultimately, you graduate from the SMART non 12 step approach rehab, but not the 12 steps. The theory behind the SMART “graduation” is you deserve to put your past behind you and not continue living in it every day. For many, this is a matter of personal view and opinion. The 12 steps are designed to work as tools for living your entire life sober.

Self-Control versus Higher Power

Self-control is the focus of SMART Recovery. The 12 Steps focus on pulling strength from a Higher Power, not yourself. In other words, for SMART Recovery you look inside yourself for strength. For 12 Step recovery, you look to a spiritual connection outside of yourself.

Individual Choice in Your Recovery

Ultimately it is your decision which program type you use for recovery from addiction. But knowing the differences helps you find a program best suited to your individual needs. Either way, your individualized treatment must offer some of the following, to prove most beneficial:

• Individual counseling
• Holistic healing methods like yoga, equine, hiking and ropes course
• Group and family therapy
• Behavioral therapy, such as CBT, DBT, and EMDR
• Individualized treatment planning
• Dual diagnosis treatment
• Multiple levels of care, starting with detox at Tides Edge

Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville provides all of these program elements in multiple levels of care, for people interested in the 12 Steps or SMART Recovery. You decide SMART Recovery vs 12 Step recovery at Beaches. Call us at 866.605.0532 for more on how to get sober for life.