Subject: SMART Recovery News & Views

Self-Empowerment & Utah Here We Come!

2024 marks the 30th anniversary of SMART Recovery. Three decades of self-empowered mutual support groups created by individuals with both lived experience and professional training. We've grown and developed over the years into a worldwide movement of science-informed and stigma-free mutual support groups that provide practical tools and information about living a balanced life beyond addiction.

We plan on marking this milestone at our upcoming conference in Salt Lake City in April, and there is still time to register and join us! Registration link below.

In the meantime, enjoy this month's featured podcast about an amazing organization in Utah and the first episodes of our new SMART Empowerment Talks video series.

Podcast

Meeting People As Individuals

The Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness (USARA) is a statewide nonprofit agency that focuses on connection between people in recovery and the wider world. By sharing their lived experience, USARA staff educates, advocates, and inspires individuals and communities to live more hopeful lives.

In this podcast, USARA's Executive Director Mary Jo McMillen (above left) and Associate Director Evan Done talk about the agency's growth and development over time, their personal recovery journeys, and why Utah is a great place to recover.

Listen Now

Blog

Unconditional Self-Acceptance

[Guest Blog by SMART Facilitator Jodi S.]

I always felt that self-forgiveness was an essential piece of my recovery from my addictive behaviors yet no matter what I did, I could not find a way to fully forgive myself. Through countless hours of self-exploration, journaling, meditation, numerous recovery meetings, and professional therapy, I found that I was chasing the wrong goal. So how do I find peace?

SMART Empowerment Talks is a new video series featuring members of the SMART community sharing their thoughts about what empowerment means and how they are embracing recovery in their lives.

Hosted by SMART's Culture Change Lead Jasmine Hilbert, these short conversations are offered in the spirit of reinforcing SMART's foundational belief in the power we have within ourselves to make changes in our lives.

Episode 1: Talking Empowerment with Amanda Clearwater

Watch Episode 1

Episode 2: Talking Empowerment with Jodi S.

Watch Episode 2

Our 30th anniversary conference will be held April 5-6 in Salt Lake City. Join us for two full days of networking, thought-provoking presentations, and more as we create new energy to support everyone pursuing a balanced life beyond an addictive behavior.

Much appreciation for our conference sponsors: