I'm looking for support
Join a meeting that fits whatever you're working on. There's no pressure, and you set your own goals.
Find a meetingSupport that puts you in charge.
Science-based meetings and practical tools to help you change addictive or other concerning behaviours and build a balanced, meaningful life.
Meetings across CanadaOnline and in person
Science-basedTools backed by research
Guided by trained facilitatorsWelcoming, respectful groups
At no cost to participantsOpen to everyone
Where to start
Find your place at SMART
Whatever brought you here, there's a way in. Choose what fits you today.
I'm supporting a loved one
Find tools, meetings, and resources to help you support someone you care about, while looking after yourself.
Supporting a loved one
I want to help others
Train as a SMART facilitator or become an ambassador, and bring recovery support to more communities.
Get involved
I want to support the mission
Your gift funds meetings, training, and tools across the country. 100% of donations stay in Canada.
Donate today
What is SMART Recovery?
Self-management and recovery training
SMART Recovery is a science-based program that helps people work through addictive and other concerning behaviours, plus the everyday skills that support a balanced life. Meetings are supportive group discussions with trained facilitators, where you set your own goals and learn practical tools you can use right away.
- You choose your own goals and pathway, with no requirement to be abstinent.
- It works alongside other support, including treatment, counselling, medication, or harm reduction.
- Meetings are stigma-free and focused on what helps you move forward.
What to expect
Your first meeting, what actually happens
Walking into something new can feel daunting. Here's what a SMART meeting is really like, so there are no surprises.
You can just listen
You're never required to speak or share. Take part as much or as little as feels right for you.
A guided discussion
A trained facilitator leads a respectful, practical conversation, not a lecture. Most meetings run about 60 to 90 minutes.
Confidential and welcoming
What's shared in the group stays in the group, and you're welcome exactly as you are.
Online or in person
Join from home or find a group nearby. Online meetings are camera-optional.
How it works
The 4-Point approach
SMART's tools focus on four areas that work together to support lasting change. You use what helps most, in any order.
Build and maintain motivation
Get clear on what you want to change and why, and build the motivation to keep going.
Cope with urges
Learn practical techniques to manage and ride out cravings and urges.
Manage thoughts, feelings and behaviours
Work with the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that drive what you want to change.
Live a balanced life
Set goals and build the balance and habits that support the life you want.
Our programs
Meetings designed around real lives
All SMART programs are grounded in science-based methods and focus on practical skills that support self-directed change.
4-Point Program®
Interactive meetings for anyone working to change substance use or other addictive behaviours, including activity-based and process behaviours.
Family & Friends
Support for people affected by someone else's behaviour, with tools to improve communication, set boundaries, and protect your own well-being.
Successful LifeSkills
A guided, skills-based program for building coping skills, confidence, and routines that support stability and personal goals.
Military, Veterans & First Responders
Meetings for those who serve and their families, recognizing the unique stressors and experiences that can affect well-being.
LGBTQIA+
Inclusive meetings led by facilitators from diverse genders and sexual orientations, in a private and supportive environment.
Women's Meetings
A women-only space focused on shared experience, comfort, and mutual support, with room to explore change at your own pace.
Youth & Teens
SMART tools adapted for young people, focused on decision-making, emotional awareness, coping skills, and change.
Not sure which fits?
Browse all meetings and filter by program, format, and time.
Find a Meeting
On your phone
Take SMART Recovery with you
Find meetings across Canada, reach for the tools when you need them, and start the day with a little motivation. On iOS and Android, at no cost.
Everyone belongs
Whatever your story, there's a place for you here.
Whatever your background, culture, or identity, you are welcome at SMART. Recovery looks different for everyone, and there is no single way to belong.
Supporting a loved one
Worried about someone? There's support for you too.
When someone you care about is struggling with addictive or other concerning behaviours, it affects you as well. SMART Family & Friends meetings give you practical tools, not blame, to support positive change while looking after your own well-being.
- Improve communication and set healthy boundaries.
- Reduce stress and make space to look after yourself.
- Connect with others who understand what you're going through.
You can't control someone else's recovery, but you can take care of yourself and learn how to help.
SMART Family & Friends meetings are open to anyone supporting a loved one, whether or not that person is in recovery themselves.
Vision, mission & values
What drives us
Our vision
A Canada where anyone can find effective, judgment-free support and the skills to build a balanced, meaningful life.
Our mission
We support the well-being of people, families, and communities across Canada impacted by addictive or other concerning behaviours through science-based, accessible SMART Recovery meetings led by trained facilitators at no cost to participants.
Our values
People lead their own recovery
Self-management and choice are at the core. You set your own goals and choose the tools and pathways that fit.
We learn and grow together
Respectful discussions led by trained facilitators, where people share experiences and learn from one another.
No stigma, no labels
We meet everyone with dignity and respect, whatever their story and wherever they are in their journey.
Everyone belongs
Whatever your background, culture, or identity, there's a place for you at SMART.
We follow the science, and keep evolving
SMART's tools and approaches are science-based, and we evolve as research and our own experiences grow.
We grow through partnerships
We work with volunteers, communities, organizations, donors, and funders to reach more people across Canada.
We're accountable and transparent
We set goals, follow through, and deliver on our commitments.
Tools & resources
Practical tools you can use today
Many people come to SMART for something they can put to work right away. Here's where to start.
SMART Handbooks
Workbooks that teach the tools and provide worksheets, for people seeking support for themselves or for a family member or friend.
Browse all handbooksSMART Tools & Downloads
Explore the worksheets and techniques at the heart of the program, from the cost-benefit analysis to handling urges.
Explore the tools
Impact
A charity accountable to the people we serve
SMART Recovery Canada is a registered Canadian charity. We set goals, follow through, and are open about our work, our reach, and our finances.
See our impact & reports200+Active meetings across Canada
11Provinces and territories reached
300+Facilitators trained since launch
100%Of donations stay in Canada
Get involved
Help SMART grow across Canada
Our reach depends on people who give their time and care. Whether you guide meetings or open doors in your community, there's a role for you, and full training to support you.
Facilitator training
Learn to lead SMART meetings and support multiple pathways to recovery, all online and self-paced.
Learn about facilitatingBecome an ambassador
Raise awareness and connect SMART with people and organizations in your area.
Learn about the role
SMART for organizations
Bring SMART Recovery into your organization
We train your staff and volunteers to run SMART meetings on site, so you can offer a science-based recovery option within your own programs.
Train your team
Certify your staff or volunteers to facilitate SMART meetings on site, with full training and ongoing support.
Run private meetings
Offer SMART as a structured, practical option alongside your existing services and supports.
Settings we support
Treatment centres, shelters, housing programs, correctional facilities, and community services across Canada.
Fund recovery across Canada
Your donation funds science-based meetings, led by trained facilitators, at no cost to participants. Every gift helps more people find support close to home.
100% of donations stay in Canada
Other ways to give
More ways to support the mission
A one-time gift is just one option. Here are other ways to help fund recovery across Canada.
Give monthly
A recurring gift provides steady, predictable support that helps us plan and grow. You can set one up in minutes.
Set up monthly givingGive in memory or in honour
Make a tribute gift to celebrate someone special, or in memory of a loved one.
Make a tribute giftGifts of securities
Donating stocks or securities can be a tax-smart way to give, handled securely through CanadaHelps.
Donate securitiesPartner or sponsor
Organizations, workplaces, and sponsors can help us reach further. Let's find the right fit.
Partner with us
Partner with us
Partners and funders who help us reach further
We grow through partnerships. Whether you're an organization, sponsor, or grantmaker, working together helps more people across Canada find support.
Organizations & sponsors
Collaborate with us to widen SMART's reach in your community, workplace, or sector.
Start a conversationFunders & grantmakers
Fund science-based recovery support with measurable impact and full accountability.
See our impact & reportsIndividual giving
Prefer to give directly? Every donation funds meetings in communities across Canada.
Donate todayIn crisis? You're not alone.
SMART meetings are mutual support, not a replacement for professional or emergency care. If you need help now, call or text 9-8-8, Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline.