Subject: News & Views: July 2021

A focus on the legal system and those living life beyond incarceration and addiction.

July is Courts & Corrections Month

Over 1.5 million people are in the prison system each year, many with substance use issues. SMART Recovery understands this is a vulnerable population.  To ensure there is access to recovery help, SMART works inside these institutions with the staff and those who are incarcerated, through several dedicated programs under the InsideOut: A SMART Recovery Correctional Program® umbrella. The programs include professional training, Learn SMART InsideOut Fast, and Successful Life Skills. Along with mutual support meetings, these programs bring SMART principles and practices directly to the people.


The content below features interviews from people who were incarcerated. They describe how their lives were transformed by the experience and how they are working to change the vocabulary and stigma around “returning citizens.”


The legal system is complex, and change often happens slowly. SMART will continue to give this community the resources and support needed that will make Life Beyond Addiction possible. 

Podcast

Incarcerated by Your Own Thinking

Barry Grant’s experiences while being incarcerated over 20 years ago changed and shaped his future forever.  Today, Barry is the owner of S.A.F.E Counseling Services, director of Outpatient Services at Hope House, and a SMART board member.  His tireless championing of the SMART program has helped countless people in their recovery journeys. 

In this podcast, Barry talks about:

  • His history of being incarcerated and finding SMART while in prison

  • SMART being in the here and now, not the past

  • Examining and evaluating the human experience

  • His meaning of recovery

  • Choosing your behavior means choosing your consequences

  • Becoming an autodidactic counselor

  • The difference between being ready and being prepared

  • Changing the vocabulary for incarcerated people

  • And much more...

Listen Now

Podcast

Learning How to Do Life

Chuck Novak’s life hasn’t always been easy.  His substance use problem led to five years in prison.  While incarcerated, Chuck decided to use his time to change his life for the better.  He earned a paralegal certificate and started on a path to recovery.  Today, Chuck is a Master Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor and a SMART Recovery regional coordinator in New Hampshire.  

In this podcast, Chuck talks about:

Listen Now

Facilitator Spotlight

Doug Hanshaw

Doug has been deeply involved with SMART Recovery for nine years. He applies SMART to his work in the Colorado Courts & Corrections environment, specifically the state's drug courts. Doug is also a SMART Recovery Regional Coordinator who guides other SMART facilitators in their fine work. THANK YOU, Doug, for all that you do for the SMART Recovery community and the help you give the people of Colorado to lead Life Beyond Addiction!

Watch Now

NAADAC Webinar

Life After Incarceration

SMART strives to bring timely, content rich articles and information to our community from a variety of sources.


This NAADAC webinar covers the current state of the national criminal justice system, including:

  • America as the number one jailer in the world

  • The costs of maintaining county, state and federal jails/prisons

  • Reform efforts happening in several states 

  • The top three ways to avoid recidivism: education, treatment and employment


The webinar is free to watch.

Watch Webinar

Video Resources

Tips & Tools for Recovery That Works

Exchange Vocabulary

The Exchange Vocabulary method is a great way for you to identify words you think or use in your everyday life that may be demands instead of preferences.


Some words can do great harm: Particularly absolute words like must, can't, always, and never. The use of absolutes can fuel negative emotions when you’re dealing with tough situations.

Watch Now

Life Beyond Addiction

Reginald Warren

Reggie Warren woke up one day and decided he'd had it with using drugs. After years of addiction and the problems it caused in his life and his family, he went to treatment and found solutions. One of the solutions that made the most sense to him was SMART Recovery because it helped him take a good hard look at the things and people he most valued in life and how important it was to keep them. Listen to Reggie's amazing story now!

Watch Now

Facilitator Spotlight

Arthur Shenker

Arthur Shenker has used SMART Recovery in his own recovery journey and now facilitates several meetings to help others. He has proven to be an indispensable asset to SMART as he continues to introduce the SMART Recovery program to more treatment facilities. THANK YOU, Arthur, for everything you do for SMART!

Watch Now

In Other SMART News

SMART Insiders+ Program

Get Inside the Solution

SMART Recovery works. You know because you may have turned to us for support in your own recovery or that of a friend or family member. SMART Recovery's mission continues to thrive thanks to the support of people like you.

Now we offer you a new and simple way to show your continued dedication to SMART. Introducing the SMART Insiders+ Program.

 

For a small recurring contribution, you’ll receive a special Insiders+ welcome package. You’ll also be among the first to receive important news and engagement opportunities from SMART Recovery, as well as stories illustrating how your support is driving change in communities around the country.

 

Join us inside SMART. Together we can empower more people to live Life Beyond Addiction.

Join Today!

University of Kansas

LGBTQ Research Study

Dr. Briana McGeough from the University of Kansas is seeking participants for a study of the effects of SMART Recovery in the lives of the LGBTQ+ population.


Participation involves:

  • Participating in weekly 90-minute online SMART Recovery meetings for 3 months

  • Completing a brief survey about your substance use after each meeting and before the program starts/after the program ends

  • Participating in an hour-long interview about your experiences in the program after the program ends


To qualify a participant must:

  • Be 18 years old or older

  • Identify as LGBTQ+

  • Be considering or actively attempting to quit or reduce your use of alcohol or other substances or working to maintain changes you have already made to your alcohol or other substance use.


If you are interested in joining the study, email: lgbtqsmart@ku.edu.


Learn More

SMART In the News

Notable Mentions and Recognitions

See Full List

Calls for Nominations

2021 Joseph Gerstein Award

The Joseph Gerstein Award selection committee is calling for nominations for the 2021 Joseph Gerstein Award. If you know someone who has shown extraordinary and exemplary service to the SMART program, please submit your nomination using this link. Deadline for nominations is September 8, 2021.


Nominees for the Joseph Gerstein Award will have remarkable attributes such as:

  • Having provided long and continued service to SMART Recovery

  • Significant contributions of time and/or funds

  • Adding significantly to the science and evidence base foundation that supports SMART’s concepts and tools

  • Championing significant new initiatives

  • Working energetically and creatively to support SMART’s activities, etc.


The award will be presented at the SMART Recovery National Conference on October 23, 2021.


Please note: Current members of SMART Recovery’s Board of Directors are not eligible.

Submit Your Nomination

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