The Differences Between SMART and Alcoholics Anonymous
It’s common for people recovering from an addiction to compare SMART Recovery vs AA in order to pick the right path to move forward.
Without a doubt, both of these support groups can lead to excellent, long-lasting outcomes, but one may be a better choice for you than the other (or both could work in different ways for you).
On this page, we’ll take a closer look at what each offers so you can decide where you’d like to start. It’s absolutely critical to have as much help as possible in your recovery journey, and choosing to consistently attend either SMART meetings or AA meetings will serve you well over the long run.
To be clear, while looking at AA versus SMART Recovery can highlight differences, we feel both programs offer solid support for those seeking peers with lived experience in getting sober.
Of course, before these addiction recovery support groups can be effective, you’ll need to reach the point of entering recovery.
For that, consider turning to Purpose Healing Center for assistance. We have locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale and offer a wide range of addiction treatment services. Take a moment now to give us a confidential call and learn more.
What is Alcoholics Anonymous All About?
Alcoholics Anonymous is one of the most successful peer support programs in the world. With a history that dates back to the 1930s, this model has helped countless people overcome alcohol addiction and maintain sobriety over the long run.
One of the fundamental concepts that stands behind the AA model is that one alcoholic should help another. Local AA meetings are mostly based around group discussion, where people have the opportunity to share their experiences, challenges, and progress.
And, since the model is consistent no matter where you attend meetings across the country or around the world, the experience will remain steady even if you travel frequently or change where you call home.
What Are the Core Principles of AA?
Even if you have never before attended an AA meeting, you have probably heard of the 12 Steps that serve as the backbone of the program.
Approaching the 12 Steps effectively can take plenty of time and effort, but it has been shown to lead to excellent results for many people and has supported individuals in meeting their recovery goals. Those steps are rooted in the principles listed below.
Admit Powerlessness
One of the fundamental aspects of the AA program is admitting powerlessness and unmanageability over alcohol. Many who are addicted to alcohol tell themselves that they are in control and could cut back or quit at any time.
But that usually isn’t the case. AA groups focus on admitting this lack of power and then moving forward with other steps that will support recovery.
Believing in a Higher Power
Committing to a belief in a higher power is another central principle of the AA way. This can be a power that is defined by a traditional religion, or it could be something else entirely. The important thing is that it exists outside of the self, and it serves to restore a sense of order and purpose in life.
Making Amends for Past Wrongs
Twelve-step programs also include a focus on making amends for wrongs that have been done in the past. Substance use problems typically come along with damage that is done to other people, whether they be family members or friends.
While working to break these addictive behaviors, it’s important in the AA program to go back and make amends and clear the air with people who have been hurt along the way.
Helping Others
AA is not a solo experience, and finding a sponsor to guide you through the program is highly recommended. When seeking support from others in these groups, it’s imperative that you also participate in giving back and helping others.
This degree of personal responsibility leads to a feeling of investment in the community, and a sense of pride and self-worth can stem from helping others at the same time that they are helping you overcome addiction.
How AA Meetings Work
As mentioned above, AA meetings are all about the group. These meetings are typically free and open to anyone with a desire to stop drinking. Some people at AA meetings will be new to recovery, while others will have maintained sobriety for years.
No one at an AA meeting is required to speak, and often newcomers will simply listen to the discussion. There are many topics for AA meetings that help promote supportive discussions. There are also several different types of AA meetings, including the three listed below –
- Speaker meetings provide an opportunity for a member to share their story
- Discussion meetings encourage open conversation among members
- Step study groups are focused specifically on working through the 12 Steps
What is SMART Recovery?
SMART Recovery stands for Self Management and Recovery Training. This is a modern alternative to traditional 12 Step programs like AA. Although it was only founded in the 1990s, it has already seen great results for many participants.
This technique draws deeply on both cognitive-behavioral therapy and rational emotive behavior therapy, and is similar in some ways to other offerings like Rational Recovery.
With these evidence-based tools, SMART Recovery is able to help those battling an addiction to turn their lives in a new direction and fight back against their substance use disorders.
The Core Principles of SMART Recovery
Just as we did with AA, we’ll take a look here at the central principles that define what SMART Recovery is and how it works.
SMART Recovery offers a more science-based and clinical, evidence-centered approach that contrasts with AA, but can also complement the more spiritual-leaning elements of the Anonymous approach.
Building and Maintaining Motivation
One of the essential aspects of this process is finding motivations, or reasons, for staying sober. Strategies will be developed to make sure that commitment to sobriety stays strong and steady over the long run. When an individual sees a recovery benefit or reason directly in front of them, lasting results are more likely.
Coping with Urges
It’s seen as important in SMART Recovery to have tools available to deal with the inevitable urges that come along during recovery. These tools may include distraction techniques, thought-stopping, or so-called urge surfing.
Managing Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors
If you use SMART Recovery, it will be necessary to learn how to spot your own unhelpful thinking patterns so they can be replaced with healthier coping strategies.
Living a Balanced Life
A healthy life is seen as one that is balanced and includes many different sources of meaning and satisfaction. This can mean things like hobbies and routines, along with healthy relationships that are not focused on drugs or alcohol.
How SMART Recovery Meetings Work
One of the key differences between SMART Recovery and AA is how the meetings work. With SMART, trained facilitators typically run the meetings, and those individuals may or may not be in recovery themselves. There will usually be a period of open discussion along with some exercises and problem-solving strategies.
The SMART recovery approach is not one that is meant to carry on for a lifetime. Instead, individuals may “graduate” from SMART recovery once they feel confident that they will be able to manage their own recovery journey independently.
Comparing SMART Recovery vs AA and the 12 Step Approach
We’ve already seen that the SMART Recovery program differs from AA in how the meetings work, but there are other important differences to note, as well. Let’s look at those in this section.
Spiritual vs Secular
The spiritual element that is central to AA is nowhere to be found with SMART Recovery. Instead, SMART is a secular program that is focused on personal empowerment and based on science.
Focus on Responsibility
In AA, giving up power is a part of the structure, with members encouraged to acknowledge that they are powerless against alcohol. On the other hand, SMART stresses self-management and individual responsibility.
Accessibility
AA is everywhere. While SMART Recovery is growing, and online meetings make it more accessible for a number of people, it is not as widely available in all areas as AA. As it continues to grow, however, it seems likely that more and more SMART groups will be available to join.
The Recovery Process Starts With a Solid Foundation at Purpose
It’s always tempting to keep putting off treatment for your addiction challenges. Seeking recovery help is a big step, and it takes courage to admit that you need assistance in this journey. We are ready and standing by to help you take this life-changing step, so pick up the phone now and get the ball rolling.
Purpose Healing Center is Joint Commission-accredited and completely qualified to provide the services you need to overcome drug addiction or alcohol use disorder.
We will work hard to help you break the addiction you are facing and then set the stage for ongoing recovery that lasts a lifetime. Talk to one of our admissions coordinators confidentially today to learn more.
480-579-3319