A recently published paper in The International Journal of Drug Policy concludes that support groups like SMART Recovery, referred to as a "Second-Wave Mutual Help Group (MHG), are as effective as 12-step alternatives for participants, "indicating that alcohol service providers, courts, and policymakers should consider referring to and supporting these alternatives."
From SMART's perspective, courts already have good reasons to make sure alternatives like SMART are offered as options since it is settled case law, and treatment providers need to offer multiple pathways as part of good ethical practice. Nonetheless, it is important that research continues to validate the effectiveness of SMART! | 
