Subject: SMART Recovery News & Views

Freedom to Recover!

As we celebrate the spirit of the Independence Day holiday, let’s remember that for many of us being free from compulsive thoughts and behaviors is one of our most valuable freedoms. Although we often talk about freedom from, SMART’s focus is also on freedom to. We have chosen a new path in life and now have all these positive freedoms:

Freedom to live a balanced life beyond addiction
Freedom to make different behavioral choices
Freedom to embrace a positive lifestyle
Freedom to use our own power to make changes
Freedom to share our journey with others

Whether you are on your own recovery journey or know someone who is, take time this week to recognize and affirm the liberation of recovery and all it offers the freedom to do!

If you would like to donate to SMART and help Affirm Independence and Support Recovery visit HERE

Video Premiere

SMART Recovery is Self-Empowered Recovery!

Check out all these individuals talking about the power of SMART, captured at our 2024 national conference. Big thanks to LT Weaver and the crew from RA Studios!

Podcast

Problem Gambling: the stakes are getting higher

Jody Bechtold is the CEO of The Better Institute and an Internationally Certified Gambling Counselor. She is co-author of the Gambling Disorder Treatment Handbook: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals, and she presents both nationally and internationally about education and treatment for problem gambling.

In this podcast Jody points out that suicide and problem gambling are strongly linked, and with the rise in legalized sports betting the stakes have never been higher. Fortunately, more clinicians are focusing on helping those struggling with problem gambling, and there are practical tools that can help.

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Blog

Shifting Motivation For Recovery

[Guest blog by SMART Facilitator Rick Kuplinski]

Remember being small and being told to “Eat your vegetables. They are good for you!” Remember thinking: “Why? These things (e.g., broccoli, zucchini, green beans, etc.) are disgusting. I’d rather eat something I like. Give me more mac and cheese. Even better: Dessert!” But then (perhaps under the threat of punishment) we gave in, took some timid bites, and choked them down—but without any real motivation or commitment to becoming a veggie lover.

Yet what was more offensive: The actual taste of the vegetable, or (even in our young minds) the idea of someone else telling us what was good for us; what we needed to do?...

Recovery Band Camp!

David Nooks (with guitar) is a Peer Recovery Support Specialist at the Foundation for Recovery in Las Vegas. He is also a musician who believes in the healing power of rock & roll. After many years spent misusing substances and seeking escape David decided to embrace recovery.

In this podcast David talks about his journey to recovery and how he became interested in helping others find their own pathway to a different kind of life. He tells the story of the founding of Recovery Band Camp and how it has grown and developed into a safe space that celebrates the joy of music and the power of mutual support.

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SMART Recovery Merchandise

Don’t forget that we've launched a line of apparel & merchandise in our shop

that is available to order anytime you'd like! Show your SMART spirit with shirts, hats, coffee mugs, backpacks, laptop sleeves, and more!

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SMART Recovery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.