SMART Recovery vs AA: What’s the Difference? | Inneractions

SMART Recovery vs AA: What’s the Difference?

The common denominator for those living in recovery is a need for support. No matter the nature of your addiction, what you were addicted to, for how long, etc. building a support system you can rely on is critical to maintaining the sobriety you worked so hard to achieve.

To be honest, it’s right near the top of the post-rehab checklist.

Support groups help with everything from dealing with triggers to accountability to just being a place where folks truly understand you, where they just get it.

In that sense, it’s less SMART recovery vs. AA in the competitive sense and more about how each is more uniquely suited, or better suited, to the needs of various people.

What Is SMART Recovery?

The first thing you’ll notice is the all caps and that’s because SMART, like AA, is an acronym; it means Self-Management and Recovery Training.

The fast facts are that SMART was founded back in 1994 and is currently headquartered in Ohio. Their approach focuses on science and self-empowerment in the battle to overcome addiction and meetings can be found across the whole of the United States as well as a number of countries around the world.

You can find their handbook in at least 10 languages.

Their reliance on scientifically validated methods to empower change is a key differentiator from the distinctly more spiritual approach of AA, noting in their purpose and methods statement that their “efforts are based on scientific knowledge and evolve as scientific knowledge evolves”.

Rather than a 12 step program, which AA relies on, SMART is defined by their 4 point program which is:

  1. Building and maintaining the motivation to change
  2. Coping with urges to use
  3. Managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in an effective way without addictive behaviors
  4. Living a balanced, positive and healthy life

What Is AA?

Arguably the most well-known support group on earth is AA or Alcoholics Anonymous.

AA dates back to 1935 and also has an Ohio link, having been started there. You may sometimes see AA meetings referred to as “Friends of Bill W.” in places like cruise ships with the Bill W. in question being the founder of AA.

They define themselves as “an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem”.

AA is where the concept of the 12 step program originated and it’s these very steps that form the core of the program itself.

A clear difference between the two programs is AA’s emphasis on spirituality in the pursuit of sustained sobriety. It’s not expressly required that you believe in God to join an AA meeting but the spiritual basis of AA is something to keep in mind. For some, it’s a wonderful thing. For others, they may prefer a different approach.

NA, or Narcotics Anonymous, was founded in 1953 and operates with the same 12-step program.

As for the meetings themselves, both SMART and AA are non-profits and their meetings are free of charge. Generally, only a small donation is recommended to cover the costs of putting on the meetings.

How to Overcome Drug and Alcohol Addiction Today

Conquering your addiction to drugs and/or alcohol is doable and among the best ways to go about it is through a professional treatment program that’s customized to your needs.

At Inneractions, that’s exactly what we do.

Moreover, once you complete rehab, we can help you transition back to your day-to-day life at our San Fernando sober living facility.

To learn more about support groups or aftercare, reach out to us today.

Mental Health Struggles Within The African-American Community

 

We’ve talked before about minorities and the various emotional struggles that certain ethnic groups face. But it is worth noting that the African-American community has some particularly high statistics when it comes to depression, anxiety and suicide. This fact was recently brought up by actress and mental health advocate Taraji P. Henson, who has vowed to bring more awareness to the issue.

 

Henson was honored at Variety’s Power of Women luncheon this past month in New York. During her acceptance speech, the Empire star zeroed in on the mental health message and its personal attachment to her life.

 

“The number of black children ages 5-12 who have died by suicide has doubled since the 1990s,” Henson told the reporters in the crowd. “This is a national crisis. My dad fought in the Vietnam War for our country, returned broken, and received little to no physical and emotional support. I stand now in his absence, committed to offering support to African Americans who face trauma daily, simply because they are black.”

 

Indeed, these issues affect African-Americans of all ages. Henson admitted that she too has struggled with mental illness and has now created a foundation (in her father’s name) to help battle stigmas within the black community. The Boris Henson Foundation officially got off the ground in 2018 and offers support, as well as therapy resources for anyone who reaches out.

 

The site also has some alarming facts pertaining to African-Americans and mental health. For example, it reports that one out of five U.S. black citizens suffers from some type of emotional struggle. They have also been singled out as one of the minority groups least likely to seek treatment. There are additional stats on incarcerations and the fact that over 300,000 jailed African-Americans were reported to have some type of mental issue.

 

Henson included an impassioned letter on the Henson Foundation page. As she explains to her followers, she wants to help change the narrative and encourage any African-Americans who are struggling to reach out and get help.

 

“This foundation is breaking the silence by speaking out and encouraging others to share their challenges with mental illness and get the help they need,” she wrote. “African-Americans have regarded such communication as a sign of weakness and our vision is to change that perception. I ask you to join me on this journey. This is our legacy. This is our chance to make a difference. Together, we will break the silence and break the cycle!”