I've been reluctantly going to a 12 step program for a couple weeks but heart just hasn't been in it. The people were great but i disliked the program, especially the confessing and apologizing.

Well tonight i discovered something new for me: SMART Recovery! It appeals to me much more! I can go to a meeting on Monday. They've got a robust online presence. I'll explore more tomorrow.

Tonight i did a cost-benefit analysis of staying the same versus changing and it was very compelling. I examined a core belief and concluded that my problem behavior exacerbates my suffering in the long run. I learned about having a balanced life and read that most healthy people are more happy when they are involved with an activity outside themselves and decided to go back to a competitive game i play at a club.

Feeling sooooooooooooo much better about the future! I just wasn't looking forward to 12 step. Has anyone else tried SMART Recovery?

[MSWpunk]

I've never explored SMART recovery for myself, but I've looked into it for clients. There are a ton of really helpful tools.
And my barber likes it, so I trust it! There aren't any meetings in my area, but like I said, the tools and worksheets are cool.

[bizi]

yes jane, i like smart recovery.
bizi

[rewrite05]

I need to do some more of the homework but it has been a huge help the last few weeks for sure!

[Guiness187055]

I spent years in a 12 step program and realized it wasn't for me. I am still sober today

[benzenering]

I've been attending meetings and they are very good, sort of like having a second therapy session for the week but more focused on my addiction. The website is very good, as well as the chat and online meetings (though these can be difficult to get into). I'm glad SMART is helping you, as it is me...12 step not for me, either.

[Sunflower123]

I've never heard of SMART. I will be investigating it. I'm glad you brought it up.

[Wild Coyote]

Thanks for sharing!

I agree, 12-Step programs aren't for everyone.

I'll look into this.


WC

[Sunflower123]

So I've researched the website and videos and slideshows and am really interested in it. There is a meeting about 40 minutes away from me once a week so I'm going to start Thursday. I tried to register on their website and they already had a Jennifer 1967. Really? Still working on registering so I can post. Thanks for sharing this. I think it will really help me.

[UpDownAround]

I have been to 2 where I am in the suburb of a medium sized city. I went to one in the city with about 20 people and it was 90 minutes. The facilitator ran the meeting strictly, giving people who shared a time limit and enforcing it, interjecting some rehearsed commentary and cutting off open discussion pretty quickly (with the number of people and the amount of time, it was necessary). I had a disagreement with him about one point - that you could train your brain and use your rational mind to make good decisions. I told him my mind wasn't always rational and was brushed off.

It occurred to me later that I need to make "not stopping medication" something I strive to not do in order to increase the chances that I won't drink and/or do drugs.

The next week I went to a group closer to me in my suburb. This time it was about half a dozen people for an hour and only 3 of us spoke much. It was much more informal but no one was confused about why we were there; the talk was all about where we were in recovery and what challenges we face.

I am glad I went to the large one first. I know it is there as a resource if I feel I need to listen more than discuss and I think I did need to do that first. I am going back to the small one this week.

I am just a little over a month soberclean from alcohol and adderall; a little over 5 months clean from opioids.

[bizi]

Originally Posted by UpDownAround

......I am just a little over a month soberclean from alcohol and adderall; a little over 5 months clean from opioids.

congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!
You are a strong person and will control your impulses.
bizi