In preparation for the release of the revised SMART Recovery Handbook, in which we firmly commit to meeting people where they are in their own recovery journey, we offer the following FAQs about what we refer to as a “harm reduction mindset” that will become the meeting facilitation standard in 2025.
Why is SMART Recovery now emphasizing a harm reduction mindset?
SMART Recovery’s emphasis on facilitating with a harm reduction mindset aligns with our core values of Empowerment and Inclusion. We believe in the power of choice, supporting individuals in their unique recovery journeys, whether they choose abstinence or not. This change is rooted in evidence-based practices and reflects our commitment to Equity and Integrity, ensuring that every individual is fully informed about their options and supported in their personal goals without stigma. By embracing harm reduction, we offer a more inclusive path to recovery, respecting participants’ autonomy and their right to build a life beyond addiction. Learn more about our values here.
SMART has always focused on reducing the harm caused by substance use and negative behaviors. The shift to “abstinence-oriented” language from “abstinence-based” in 2020 was intended to strengthen SMART’s support for any self-empowering choice a participant makes, including those that involve harm reduction strategies. The current additional changes in language continue our evolution in accordance with current science.
The harm reduction approach is more inclusive. For individuals working on behaviors related to eating, sex, and other similar activities, or for those participating in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), the language of total abstinence can feel alienating or irrelevant. By embracing a more flexible approach, in our materials and discussions, SMART Recovery supports a diverse range of recovery goals, including moderation and harm reduction, ensuring that everyone feels empowered and included in their journey toward healthier behaviors.
What does SMART Recovery mean when they talk about a harm reduction mindset?
A harm reduction mindset focuses on meeting individuals where they are in their journey. This includes support for reducing the negative consequences of their behaviors, rather than enforcing a one-size-fits-all solution like total or immediate abstinence. It also acknowledges that recovery is a personal and often gradual process, where reducing harm—such as cutting back on substance use or making safer choices—is a meaningful step toward overall well-being.
This mindset allows for flexibility in goals, whether that’s moderation, safer practices, or abstinence, and recognizes that positive change can look different for each person.
How has SMART Recovery’s approach evolved over time?
Our original Purposes and Methods Statement in 1995 included this sentence: “Even those whose ultimate goal is moderated involvement with their substances or activities may benefit from participation in abstinence-oriented discussions.” At some point in time, “abstinence-oriented” was changed to “abstinence-based,” a change that is less flexible and perceived as more judgmental by some. This created an unnecessary power differential in our meetings, privileging those who had decided to abstain over those who had not.
In 2020, SMART Recovery shifted its language back from being an abstinence-based to an abstinence-oriented approach. This change was intended to reinforce that individuals were free to work toward reducing or eliminating harmful behaviors in a way that was meaningful to them, rather than strictly adhering to a total abstinence model. A lack of systemic changes to our handbooks and training to support this shift (in part, because of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic) resulted in the discussions in many meetings not fully including those whose goals were not abstinence.
In May 2022, the SMART Recovery Board took another step forward by approving a statement that removed the focus on the word abstinence altogether. The new statement emphasizes that “we support progress with reducing addictive problems and building a better life. Participants choose their own specific goals.” While a series of leadership transitions at SMART Recovery USA shortly after that statement was approved led to a delay in its implementation, we are now fully implementing it as an organization. As a result, you will not see the terms “abstinence-based” or “abstinence-oriented” going forward in our materials and training because they do not accurately reflect our values as an organization.
Will SMART Recovery facilitators still encourage abstinence for new attendees with substance use disorders?
SMART Recovery continues to recognize abstinence as a valid and effective choice for many. While we support a variety of approaches including harm reduction, abstinence remains one of the paths participants can choose. Our handbook will continue to provide information about why someone might want to try abstinence. We want to encourage open discussions about different goals, helping participants think through their choices. As facilitators, we do not hold abstinence as the “gold standard” or preferred goal; participants are free to choose the path that works best for them, whether that involves abstinence or another approach.
How should facilitators respond to a participant’s goal to moderate substance use?
Facilitators should respect and support participants’ individual goals. When working on a Change Plan Worksheet, a facilitator might use a generic example or suggest participants focus on their own specific goals. In cases where moderation is the goal, facilitators can guide participants through the process of evaluating their decision, considering potential risks, and setting clear, achievable objectives.
Remember, harm reduction mindset includes abstinence as an option. Harm reduction is about meeting individuals where they are and supporting them in achieving their personal goals, whether that’s reducing harmful behaviors or choosing total abstinence. In SMART Recovery, we recognize that recovery is not one-size-fits-all, and we respect everyone’s right to define their own path, including abstinence.
Will SMART Recovery facilitators be expected to teach moderation for drinking/drug use or other behaviors?
No, SMART Recovery facilitators will not teach moderation, just as they have never taught abstinence. Instead, SMART provides tools and resources to help participants think through their decisions about their behaviors. Facilitators guide participants in identifying their own goals and strategies, whether that involves abstinence, moderation, or another approach.
What is SMART Recovery doing to support current facilitators to understand, adopt, and include this approach in their meetings? And what is the timeline to fully implement harm reduction approach in SMART Meetings?
We will continue to listen to your questions and concerns, and we will share the most frequently asked questions and their answers here.
The 4-Point Participant Handbook and the Facilitator Manual are currently being revised, with a planned release during the 4th quarter of 2024. A crosswalk between the old and new handbooks will be provided to all facilitators.
We are moving to a new learning platform and updating the Facilitator training, which will be available by the end of this year.
Facilitators are encouraged to attend our daily SMART Meeting Management Trainings, held most weekdays via Zoom for a chance to learn more, talk through any discomfort they may be feeling, and role play scenarios related to harm reduction.
Watch for upcoming webinars, blogs and training sessions on this topic and additional support on the SMART Recovery USA website.
You are encouraged to work new materials and language into your meeting format as they become available. We expect all SMART meeting facilitators to be incorporating the harm reduction mindset by April 1, 2025.
Still Have Questions? We want to hear from you!
If you don’t find the answer you were looking for, we’d like to hear from you. Please feel free to submit any additional questions or suggestions here. Your feedback helps us continuously improve and better support our SMART Recovery volunteer community.