Supporting Recovery in Meaningful Ways

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Subject: Supporting Recovery in Meaningful Ways

Dear Friend,

When a person goes to prison, they are given derogatory labels, considered dysfunctional, and somehow seen as “less than” others in society. Often, they are ignored by the outside world and basically put out of mind. And even though the vast majority of these individuals return to society, little is done to prepare them for the challenges they will face. If they are struggling with a substance-use disorder, this lack of preparation can contribute to negative behaviors continuing.

For SMART Regional Coordinator Chuck Novak, the use of labels is counterproductive (consistent with SMART’s strong stance), and the lack of attention and preparation just doesn’t make sense. Besides facilitating meetings for SMART, he works at Reentry Resource Counseling in New Hampshire, using SMART Recovery tools and principles to counsel those he calls “returning citizens” (rather than ex-offender or similar label).

Novak himself was once a returning citizen, having served five years for behavior that stemmed in part from his own addiction and negative choices. When he was released, he was certain of one thing.

“I knew I needed to do a different job; I knew selling drugs was going to be out…I wanted a new life.“

Currently, Novak makes presentations about SMART as often as he can, stressing that success comes from keeping your goals and values in the forefront of your mind. In this way, Novak says, participants can not only discover life beyond addiction, they can fully engage in it. Just like he has done for 20 years and counting.

As demonstrated in Chuck's story, the ripple effect of impacting one life impacts others. It is because of individuals like Chuck, who experience SMART and then decide to use their time, energy, and resources to spread its self-empowering messages, that we are able to reach more and more people who need support.

Unfortunately, there are communities – and Returning Citizens – across the country who still desperately need increased access to free, self-empowering, science-based mutual help groups. We are working to meet that need.

Your year-end gift to our Growth Fund will be put to work immediately, to help more people like Chuck and the participants in his meetings find the self-empowering recovery tools and peer support they need to overcome addiction and go on to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Support SMART Recovery

Thank you for believing in the Returning Citizens of SMART.

Mark Ruth

Executive Director

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

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Subject: Supporting Recovery in Meaningful Ways