Subject: News & Views: June 2021

June is Pride Month

June is Pride Month, a chance for LGBTQ+ people to celebrate their own pride, and their finding a good way to live for themselves. It is also an opportunity for non-LGBTQ+ people to celebrate the myriad ways LGBTQ+ people have made, and continue to make, the world a better place to live. Through talent, creativity, and positive civic contributions (among other ways), LGBTQ+ people add depth and meaning to all our lives.

SMART Recovery is in the business of providing a pathway to a more balanced life during Pride Month and every other month for LGBTQ+ participants.

In fact, we currently have some local meetings throughout the US and Canada, however we are working to make them more widely available. Right now, there is a daily LGBTQ check-in thread under "Daily Check-In, Peer Support Groups" as part of SROL (SMART Recovery Online). If you’d like more information about SROL feel free to contact SROL Support Manager Molly Princic in the National Office at adminKT@smartrecovery.org.

Podcast

Don't Let Pride Lead You Astray

Matt Frank has been a SMART facilitator for over seven years. He uses his experience and LGBTQ+ perspective to shape the tools and conversations to be most effective for his meeting participants.

In this podcast, Matt talks about:

How pride can be a problem emotion
SMART discourages using labels
Practicing recovery actively
Focusing on behavior versus identity
The difference between self-esteem and self-acceptance
Using Motivational Interviewing in his Sexual Maladaptive Behavior meeting
What people need is a good listening to
The pros and cons of online versus in-person meetings
Not letting pride lead you astray
Appreciating the small things in life
And much more...

Listen Now

NAADAC Webinar

Influences on Addiction and Mental Health in the LGBT Population

SMART strives to bring timely, content rich articles and information to our community from a variety of sources. This NAADAC webinar addresses the additional challenges on mental health and addiction faced by the LGBT community in recovery. Topics include the societal influences of minority stress, micro-aggressions, victimization, religion, visibility management, and invisibility management. Ways to gain knowledge about LGBT issues will allow participants to explore their own biases that influence their work with LGBT clients.

The webinar is free to watch.

Watch Webinar

Podcast

Changing the Game for Lake County's LGBTQ Community

Last year, SMART was privileged to interview Betty Jacobs, Executive Director of the LGBTQ+ Allies Lake County organization. This open and candid conversation was worth retelling.

In this podcast, Betty talks about:

Hiding her true identity from her family
Having the courage to tell her story
Founding the LGBTQ+ Allies Lake County organization
Offering Safe Space Training to businesses and organizations
Working to end fear and create allies in the community
And much more....

Listen Now

Video Content

Tips & Tools for Recovery That Works

12 Tips for Greater Happiness (Part 2)

Health and happiness are desired outcomes of successful recovery, and SMART Recovery has compiled a list of 12 tips for greater happiness that can help anyone. In part 2 of the series, we discuss the last six tips.

Watch Now

Life Beyond Addiction

Eboni Jewel Sears

Eboni Jewel Sears speaks frankly about her sexual maladaptive behavior and how she began to use SMART Recovery several years ago to overcome it. She also became a SMART Recovery facilitator and hosts a weekly meeting on the issue for others in recovery, especially vulnerable teens and young adults. You can also enjoy Eboni's recent SMART Recovery podcast here: https://smartrecovery.libsyn.com/i-wasnt-looking-until-i-was-looking

Watch Now

Facilitator Spotlight

Shayne Ember

Shayn confronted use disorders as a youth, successfully used SMART Recovery to overcome them and thrive, and now hosts SMART Recovery meetings for teens who need help. Go Shayn! Everyone at SMART Recovery is delighted to work with you and proud of what you are accomplishing!

Watch Now

SMART español

New Resources Now Available

Nuevos recursos ahora disponibles

SMART is continuing to expand our tools and resources in Spanish.

SMART continúa expandiendo nuestras herramientas y recursos en español.

Be sure to check out the webpage for the latest videos and meeting information.

Asegúrese de visitar la página web para ver los últimos videos e información sobre reuniones.

Learn More/Aprende más

In Other SMART News

SMART Recovery

Receives Use of Innovation Grant

Recognizing SMART Recovery’s positive work with Ohioans battling Opioid Use Disorder, the Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) agency has awarded SMART $592,350 as part of the “Use Of Innovation” program. The program seeks to decrease the impact of the opioid crisis, which has been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. These funds will support technology and innovation advancements in Ohio’s behavioral health care delivery system.

SMART Recovery International

Global Research Network

The May issue of the Global Research Network e-newsletter, talks about World No Tobacco Day, lessons learned from COVID-19, the latest webinars on the role of peer support in treatment and Methamphetamine and Mutual Support, plus much more.

The Global Research Network was established to ensure that SMART stays adaptable and innovative on the best scientific evidence in the field of addictive behavior. They welcome applications to join the Research Network from established and early career researchers and from anyone interested in research, mutual aid, and SMART Recovery.

Learn More