Problems with addiction? SMART Recovery comes to the Sarasota area.
Karen S. tried AA. She tried AA a lot.
“I did 90 meetings in 90 days four times over the last two years. I’d get a sponsor and start to work the steps. I’d read the Big Book and the 12 and 12. But what I was reading and being told was significantly at odds with my basic belief system. This became very, very stressful because I didn’t want to drink again but just could not adopt some of the beliefs of AA. I finally went thru an outpatient recovery program where I was introduced to rational therapeutic practices. This made sense to me. I was overcome with relief that I wasn’t crazy, and I wasn’t ‘constitutionally incapable’ of sobriety. I just needed something different. I was very glad to find SMART meetings in Sarasota.”
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While most people (often including the therapeutic community) are only familiar with 12‐step recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous there are additional options for those struggling with addictions of any kind. SMART Recovery--a science-based approach--is one of those options.
SMART (Self‐Management and Recovery Training) started in 1994 and has steadily grown. In addition to hundreds of face-to-face meetings across the United States and other countries, there is also a thriving online community with 24‐hour peer chat rooms as well as voice and text meetings.
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SMART focuses on well‐researched tools and approaches that individuals can use to deal positively with life situations and the difficult thoughts and feelings that might be associated with them. SMART meetings—led by a trained facilitator—are interactive as participants apply tools and share solutions to support healthy lifestyle change.
“I go to both AA and SMART meetings now. I get different things from both practices and feel much more empowered in my recovery and in developing a healthy, balanced lifestyle,” continued Karen.
Meetings are held at 3100 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Fl. 34239 Friday’s from 10:30am to noon. Call Darryl Mizer at 941-966-9655 or email drmizer1@gmail.net for additional information. Adults with any problem behaviours including alcohol, drugs, shopping, sex, gambling, etc. are welcome. Meetings are free to participants. S.M.A.R. T. Recovery is a non-profit organization. An opportunity to contribute to expenses is provided each meeting. http://www.smartrecovery.org
