Questions about SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery is a science-based program built around self-management and choice. Instead of steps or sponsors, it teaches practical tools drawn from cognitive behavioural approaches and motivational interviewing to help people change addictive and other concerning behaviours.

There is no requirement to identify with a label, accept powerlessness, or work through a fixed set of steps. Many people find SMART works well on its own, and others use it alongside another pathway.

No. SMART Recovery is secular, so meetings do not involve religion or spirituality as part of the method. It is not against any faith, and it is not against 12-Step programs.

People of all beliefs are welcome, and you can combine SMART with any other support that helps you.

No. SMART Recovery meets people wherever they are. Whether your goal is abstinence, reducing harm, or still working out what you want, you are welcome. You set your own goals.

Yes. SMART Recovery supports people who use medication as part of their treatment, including medication for opioid or alcohol use. Decisions about medication are between you and your healthcare provider.

No. SMART Recovery supports people working on a wide range of addictive and other concerning behaviours, including substances, gambling, and other habits people want to change. The same tools apply across different behaviours, along with skills for building a balanced life.

No. SMART Recovery is mutual support rather than therapy or clinical treatment. It works well alongside counselling, medical care, and other services. If you are working with a professional, SMART can add to that support.

Meetings are respectful discussions led by a trained facilitator. People share experiences, work through challenges, and practise SMART tools together.

A typical meeting opens with a welcome, moves into open discussion or a specific tool, and closes with a check-out. You take part as much or as little as you are comfortable with. See what to expect at a meeting.

Most meetings run about 60 to 90 minutes. There is a light structure to keep the discussion focused and supportive, but meetings are conversational rather than a lecture.

SMART meetings encourage open discussion, so people can respond to and support one another, guided by the facilitator. This is different from programs where members only speak in turn.

Confidentiality is a core expectation. What is shared in a meeting stays in the meeting. You are welcome to use only your first name or a screen name, and you never have to share more than you choose to.

You can just listen. Many people attend their first few meetings without saying much while they get comfortable. You are welcome to join in whenever you are ready.

Both. SMART Recovery Canada has in-person meetings in communities across the country and online meetings that anyone in Canada can join. You can find both on our meeting finder.

SMART Recovery meetings are offered at no cost to participants. Donations help sustain and grow meetings across Canada, but they are never required to take part.

Meetings are led by trained facilitators who complete SMART Recovery training. Facilitators guide the discussion and keep meetings respectful and focused. They do not provide therapy or clinical treatment.

Yes. SMART Recovery has Family & Friends meetings for anyone affected by a loved one's addictive or concerning behaviour. These meetings offer tools for communication, boundaries, and looking after your own well-being.

Family & Friends draws on CRAFT, a science-based approach to supporting a loved one while caring for yourself. It focuses on positive communication and healthy boundaries rather than confrontation. You do not need to know anything about CRAFT to take part.

No. Family & Friends meetings are separate, so family members and friends have their own space to focus on their own needs and experiences.

Yes. Many treatment providers include SMART Recovery as part of what they offer. We can talk with you about training facilitators, running meetings, and using SMART tools in your setting. Contact us to start the conversation.

Yes. Organizations across Canada host meetings in their communities. We can help you set up and register a meeting and connect you with training. Get in touch.

Yes. We can provide information sessions and materials to help your team understand SMART Recovery and how it supports the people you serve. Contact us to talk through what you need.

Yes. SMART Recovery has programming designed for justice settings, including the InsideOut program, which brings SMART tools to people who are incarcerated. Reach out if you would like to learn more about SMART in a correctional setting.

Yes. Officers and other professionals can direct people to SMART Recovery meetings. Our meeting finder shows online and in-person options across Canada, and meetings are offered at no cost to participants.

Many meetings offer attendance verification. In our online meetings, facilitators can confirm attendance, and the meeting finder marks which meetings provide it. If you need confirmation of attendance, we suggest joining a meeting that offers verification and speaking with the facilitator.