SMART Recovery vs. AA: 4 Critical Differences That Can Shape Your Path to Sobriety

Deciding on the right recovery approach is an important step on the path to sobriety. Two popular options are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and SMART Recovery. While both aim to empower people to overcome addiction, they take very different views of recovery goals and processes. Here’s how to decide which one might be a better fit for you.

What Is SMART Recovery?

SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) is a nonprofit organization that teaches self-empowerment and skill-building to manage addictive behaviors.

The program centers on a set of 4 guiding recovery goals:¹

1. Build and maintain motivation
2. Cope with urges and cravings
3. Manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
4. Live a balanced life

SMART Recovery is a legitimate, evidence-based program recognized by healthcare professionals and used in treatment centers worldwide.

History and Background of SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery was founded in the early 1990s by Dr. Joe Gerstein, a physician who recognized the need for a nonreligious, science-based alternative to AA’s 12-Step program. The program quickly gained traction and has since grown into a global movement with chapters in over 30 countries and formed the SMART Recovery Global Research Network to ensure their approach remains informed by current addiction science.²

Benefits of SMART Recovery

One of the main benefits of SMART Recovery is its flexibility. Unlike AA, there’s no requirement to believe in a higher power or admit powerlessness over addiction.

“Recovery is a very individual journey. What works for one doesn’t work for another,” says Leigh Proctor of UK SMART Recovery, “so we need to have as many options as we can to help people.”³ SMART can be combined with other recovery strategies, including 12-Step programs.

Many people find success attending both SMART Recovery and AA meetings simultaneously, as the programs complement rather than compete with each other.

You can attend both in-person and online meetings, which are open to anyone struggling with substance use disorders or addictive behaviors, regardless of the specific substance or the severity of the addiction.

Philosophy of SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery principles aim to help members gain independence from addiction through “proven tools and techniques drawn from many effective approaches to recovery including cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and various relaxation techniques.”⁴

SMART doesn’t take a position on whether or not addiction is a disease. Religion and spirituality aren’t a part of the program, but members are welcome to incorporate their spiritual beliefs as they see fit.

SMART Recovery is abstinence-based, and is not a moderation or harm reduction program. But it also acknowledges that slip-ups are a normal part of the recovery process and does not stigmatize relapse.

What Is AA (Alcoholics Anonymous)?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) describes itself as “a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem.”⁵

AA is a global phenomenon, recognized as one of the most successful support groups for people battling alcohol addiction. AA is based on the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions, a set of specific actions and principles members follow to stay on a lifelong path to sobriety.⁶

The program has its origins in Christian ideology, but its language has been broadened to refer to “spirituality” and a “higher power” to be more accessible to people of all faiths.

History and Background of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

AA traces back to 1935 in Akron, Ohio, where Bill Wilson, a stockbroker struggling with alcoholism, met Dr. Bob Smith, a physician facing similar challenges.⁷ Wilson’s spiritual awakening led him to believe that sharing experiences could be key to recovery. In 1939, they published the now-famous Big Book, outlining AA’s core principles, which established AA as a cornerstone of addiction recovery.⁸

Benefits of AA

One of the most significant benefits of AA is its widespread accessibility. Meetings are held all over the world, free of charge, offering a supportive space for people struggling with alcohol use disorder.⁹ AA’s anonymity allows members to freely talk about their experiences without fear of judgment from their wider community.¹⁰

AA is a strong community. Members can connect with others who understand their struggles and find support, accountability, and belonging. This camaraderie and shared purpose help members stay committed to long-term sobriety.

Many people also enjoy the program’s structured approach to recovery. By following the program step by step, members develop a framework for self-reflection, personal responsibility, and spiritual growth. Sponsorship in AA provides a deeper level of personalized support, which can be vital, especially in early recovery.

Philosophy of AA

AA’s core recovery philosophy is based on the concept of a higher power, a universal force that offers guidance through the challenges of recovery.¹¹ This doesn’t necessarily equate to a specific religion—the focus is on finding a source of strength outside oneself.

The 12 Steps guide members through a process of self-examination, admitting powerlessness over alcohol, seeking help from a higher power, making amends for past wrongs, and developing a relationship with their spirituality. The Steps also emphasize the importance of helping others, which reinforces AA’s community and lets members find purpose in supporting peers on their recovery journeys.

What Are the Differences Between SMART Recovery and AA?

While both SMART Recovery and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) aim to empower people to overcome addiction, they differ significantly in their approaches. Understanding these main differences can help you determine which approach—or combination of approaches—might work best for your recovery journey.

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between AA vs. SMART Recovery:

1. Meeting Format

SMART Recovery: SMART Recovery meetings focus on interactive discussions where participants work through challenges using practical tools, with facilitators guiding problem-solving exercises rather than following a set script.¹² They’re structured discussions focused on skill-building and problem-solving. Participants share experiences and offer support, but there’s no requirement to share personal stories or stick to a specific format.

AA: Meetings typically involve a speaker sharing their story of addiction and recovery, followed by open sharing from other members. The focus is on personal narratives and testimonials about powerlessness over alcohol and the importance of a higher power.

2. Foundation

SMART Recovery: This program adopts a secular, science-based approach. It emphasizes self-help and developing practical skills to manage urges and maintain sobriety. There’s no requirement to believe in a higher power.

AA: The spiritual aspects of AA are central to the program. The 12 Steps emphasize admitting powerlessness over alcohol and relying on a higher power for help.¹³ While not affiliated with any specific religion, AA encourages members to develop a relationship with a higher power of their understanding.

3. Length of Membership

SMART Recovery: There’s no defined timeframe for participation. People can attend meetings for support as long as needed, whether actively battling addiction or maintaining long-term sobriety.

AA: A core tenet of AA is lifelong membership. Even after achieving sobriety, members are encouraged to continue attending meetings to offer support to newcomers and maintain their own connection to the program’s principles.

4. Labels

SMART Recovery: The program avoids labels and encourages members to focus on managing their behaviors and achieving their recovery goals. “We need to change the thinking that there’s only one way to recover and to see people not as addicts, but as people.¹⁴ It’s about seeing a person,” says Proctor.

AA: AA embraces the label “alcoholic” as a core part of its identity. Members are encouraged to identify as alcoholics, even in long-term recovery, as a reminder of their past struggles and the importance of continued vigilance.

Start Your Recovery Journey

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