Support groups such as SMART Recovery or 12-step programs can be a great addition to a comprehensive rehab program. They can provide a sense of support and accountability that are crucial during the recovery process.
A study published in February 2024 found that those who have a greater level of positive social reinforcement to stop using substances typically have higher rates of long-term sobriety after treatment. The study stated that support groups like 12-step programs can play a big role by providing a positive network focused on recovery.
However, traditional 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) aren’t for everyone. Some people don’t like the strict structure of AA or the religious connections in several of the 12 steps. Therefore, some may want to look for non-12-step options that can help, such as the SMART Recovery program.
Which option is right for you? We’ll provide a full comparison between SMART Recovery vs. 12-step here to help you decide.
Why Ongoing Support Matters for Rehab
As mentioned, social support is crucial for sustained success when recovering from addiction. Many people who are about to finish rehab worry about how they’ll stay consistent after transitioning back to their normal routine when they’re faced with life’s daily stresses, drive past liquor stores, or simply have more time to themselves.
Support groups like 12-step programs or SMART Recovery provide an aftercare support option that can help. When you attend meetings regularly, follow an established program, and surround yourself with others who have a similar goal, it can provide solid support and guidance that keeps you going through hard times.
A study from the Journal of Alcohol Research stated that having aftercare support post-treatment plays a key role since it acts as a stepping stone when you’re transitioning back to everyday life.
Additionally, you can get started with 12-step facilitation treatment programs or other support groups like the SMART Recovery model while you’re still in rehab.
We offer custom treatment programs at Genesis House that can integrate support groups or group therapy into your treatment plan to get extra peer support early on, as well as aftercare support when you finish a program.
What Is SMART Recovery?
SMART Recovery is an addiction recovery method that’s based on scientific principles and evidence-based tools. The meetings are secular (non-religious) to allow anyone of any beliefs to participate, and focus on self-empowerment and lifestyle balance.
SMART Recovery uses several strategies to help members during the recovery process, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) methods: CBT is a common form of therapy used during addiction treatment, with a lot of evidence behind its success. The focus is on learning how your thoughts affect your behaviors and creating positive changes that help.
- Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) methods: REBT is another evidence-based form of therapy that focuses on identifying self-defeating thoughts and feelings and replacing them with healthier, more productive beliefs.
- Mindfulness: SMART Recovery often encourages mindfulness activities like meditation, deep breathing, or calmly focusing on the moment. Research shows that practicing mindfulness can be effective during substance abuse recovery since it reduces stress and promotes feelings of positive well-being.
One of the similarities you’ll see when you compare SMART Recovery vs. AA or other 12-step options is that there’s a big focus on social support with both. Members who attend SMART Recovery meetings are encouraged to share their experiences so others can learn from them and provide support. It creates a safe space where everyone is welcome.
What Is the 12-Step Approach?
12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are seen as the traditional type of addiction support group. They’re focused on 12 key steps that members take and revisit throughout the recovery process that provide a structured support system.
A benefit of the traditional 12-step program is that it’s an option that’s been around for decades and is well-established across the U.S. and even internationally. It can make it easy to regularly attend meetings in your area and find a large amount of support during recovery.
Meetings are a big focus during the 12-step approach, and members are encouraged to attend regularly to maintain consistency. The 12-step program also has an established support structure where new members choose an experienced sponsor to help guide them on the 12 steps and be there to lend advice.
While 12-step approaches do have a lot of evidence with many success stories, some people don’t like that several of the 12 steps emphasize spirituality and a higher power. AA emphasizes that anyone of any beliefs can participate, but those who aren’t religious may find the wording of some of the steps off-putting or harder to commit to.
That’s why alternatives like SMART Recovery are gaining traction for those who want a different approach.
Key Differences Between SMART Recovery and 12-Step
Some of the main differences you’ll notice between 12-step options and SMART Recovery are:
- Philosophy: SMART Recovery’s philosophy is focused on self-empowerment and promoting positive thoughts and lifestyle changes. On the other hand, the traditional 12-step program focuses on a philosophy of spiritual surrender and alignment with core values.
- Structure: SMART Recovery will provide you with tools and skills, and will give members more freedom to customize the program to their needs. Alternatively, 12-step options have a stricter structure where members follow each step and are encouraged to follow common guidelines.
- Community: SMART Recovery hasn’t been around as long, so the community is smaller, but it’s still focused on providing support through meetings and sharing. On the other hand, 12-step programs are much more widespread and have an established support structure that members are encouraged to follow.
- Duration: SMART Recovery may be temporary, and members are encouraged to attend as long as they feel they need to. Whereas 12-step programs encourage lifelong participation to stay consistent.
Benefits of SMART Recovery
Common benefits of SMART Recovery include:
- It’s a secular addiction recovery program that’s flexible to fit different needs.
- It often appeals to those who prefer analytical or science-focused approaches.
- It’s good for those who dislike labels like “alcoholic” or “addict,” which have a negative feel.
- It focuses on positivity and self-empowerment, which can help members build more confidence in their capabilities.
Benefits of 12-Step Programs
Common benefits of the 12-step approach are:
- Programs like AA and NA are well-established with a worldwide support network to find meetings in many locations.
- It’s highly structured and consistent to maintain accountability.
- It can help with spiritual growth for those who are open to it.
- It has a strong support system with sponsorship and encouragement to share.
Choosing What Works Best for You
Which is better, SMART Recovery or 12-step? Ultimately, it comes down to your needs, preferences, and which program you feel like you can stick to the best.
Some initial things you’ll want to consider are your personality, values, and triggers.
For instance, if you feel like the religious elements of 12-step programs may be triggering for you and will make it hard to stick with it, then you can try a secular option like SMART Recovery instead.
Or, if you feel like you need a strict routine to stick with a program, then a 12-step program may be a great choice.
You can start by picking one, trying it, and seeing how it feels. If you don’t like the program after attending a few meetings, you can try the other one instead. Many people even find that combining approaches can work too.
If you’re planning to complete a full inpatient or outpatient rehab program, you can also work with the staff at the treatment center you go to. They can help guide you on the right approach for your needs.
How Genesis House Supports Both Paths
At Genesis House, we provide addiction treatment programs that are customized to each client’s needs. We offer both SMART and 12-step approaches during inpatient and outpatient treatment, and offer personalized aftercare options for ongoing support.
We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to addiction recovery because everyone has different experiences, preferences, and needs. Instead, all treatment options are tailored to the therapeutic needs of each client to achieve the best results.
You can get in touch with us today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn more about our treatment options.
References
- Islam, Mohammed F, et al. “The Importance of Social Support in Recovery Populations: Toward a Multilevel Understanding.” Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, vol. 41, no. 2, 28 Feb. 2023, pp. 222–236, doi:10.1080/07347324.2023.2181119. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10259869/
- McKay, James R. “Impact of Continuing Care on Recovery from Substance Use Disorder.” Alcohol Research: Current Reviews, vol. 41, no. 1, 2021, doi:10.35946/arcr.v41.1.01. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7813220/
- Boness, Cassandra L., et al. “An Evaluation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review and Application of the Society of Clinical Psychology Criteria for Empirically Supported Treatments.” Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, vol. 30, no. 2, 2023, pp. 129–142, doi:10.1037/cps0000131. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10572095/
- Marcus, Marianne T., and Aleksandra Zgierska. “Mindfulness-Based Therapies for Substance Use Disorders: Part 1.” Substance Abuse, vol. 30, no. 4, 27 Oct. 2009, pp. 263–265, doi:10.1080/08897070903250027. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2818765/
- Understanding Alcoholics Anonymous and Spirituality. 15 Aug. 2023, https://www.aa.org/sites/default/files/literature/AA%20and%20Spirituality%20Press%20Release%20-%20EN_0.pdf
