Family & Friends

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SMART Recovery Family & Friends is a science-based program designed to help family members, friends, and other loved ones of people experiencing addiction or other problematic behaviors. Rather than focusing on changing the person with the addiction, the program helps loved ones improve their own well-being, communicate more effectively, and respond in ways that support healthier relationships.

Unlike support groups that center on the experiences of the person with the addiction, Family & Friends is specifically for those affected by someone else's behavior.

The program is based on CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and REBT (Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy) principles and incorporates techniques from the Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) approach. Participants learn practical skills to:

• Manage stress, frustration, anger, guilt, and anxiety. 
• Improve communication with their loved one. 
• Set healthy boundaries. 
• Reduce enabling behaviors while maintaining compassion. 
• Encourage positive behavior change without confrontation. 
• Prioritize their own physical and emotional well-being. 

The handbook organizes these concepts into practical tools and exercises. Topics include:

• Understanding addiction and behavior change 
• Helpful communication strategies 
• Positive reinforcement 
• Setting limits and boundaries 
• Self-care 
• Problem solving 
• Managing difficult emotions 
• Building resilience 

Family & Friends meetings are available both:

• In person 
• Online 

Meetings are facilitated by trained volunteers and provide a supportive, confidential environment where participants can:

• Learn evidence-based tools 
• Share experiences (if they choose) 
• Practice new skills 
• Receive encouragement from others in similar situations 

There is no requirement that the loved one be participating in SMART Recovery or any recovery program.

Family & Friends is appropriate for anyone affected by another person's:

• Alcohol use 
• Drug use 
• Gambling 
• Other addictive behaviors 
• Any persistent problematic behavior that is creating stress in the relationship 

Participants include spouses, partners, parents, adult children, siblings, grandparents, close friends, and caregivers.

The overall goal is not to "fix" another person, but to help loved ones build healthier relationships, reduce their own distress, and use evidence-based strategies that can support positive change while improving their own quality of life.

To find a meeting CLICK HERE.