The Human Touch in an AI World: Why Coaches and Therapists Are More Essential Than Ever

Higher Satisfaction and Group Cohesion: A study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment found that people attending alternative support groups like SMART Recovery experienced more cohesion and greater satisfaction compared to members of traditional 12-step programs.

Effectiveness Across Goals: A 2018 longitudinal study found that after normalizing for treatment goals, SMART Recovery members who pursued abstinence did as well across all outcome measures as members of AA. Among people who wanted to abstain, there was no significant difference in success rates.

Potential for Shorter Duration: Despite largely comparable addiction-related outcomes, available evidence suggests that the duration of attendance may be shorter for SMART Recovery relative to 12-step participation, which may be testimony to the feasibility and efficiency of the SMART Recovery approach.

Who Benefits Most from SMART Recovery?

Research indicates that SMART Recovery should be referred by professionals particularly to clients who are less religious or may be unsure of their commitment to abstinence when first seeking help. The program's secular, self-empowering approach appeals to many people who don't resonate with the spiritual aspects of 12-step programs.

Because SMART Recovery is based on empirically derived cognitive-behavioral therapy principles, it provides a philosophically compatible recovery resource that aligns with cognitive-behavioral treatment principles, which make up the majority of evidence-based treatments.

The Science Behind Family Involvement: Beyond Addiction

One of the most innovative aspects of the evidence-based recovery movement is the recognition that families can play a crucial role in supporting their loved one's recovery. The Center for Motivation and Change, founded by psychologists Jeffrey Foote and Carrie Wilkens, has been at the forefront of this research.

Their award-winning book "Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change" presents evidence-based methods for families to motivate and reinforce change for an addicted loved one, using collaboration and kindness rather than confrontation to support behavior change.

The approach is grounded in Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), which has been extensively researched and has given us robust evidence that with the right tools, families can effect change. CRAFT has three primary goals:

1. Teaching skills for family members to take care of themselves
2. Teaching skills to help loved ones change
3. Reducing substance use whether or not formal treatment is pursued

Evidence-Based Treatment Philosophy

The Center for Motivation and Change operates at the intersection of science and kindness, combining evidence-based principles, tools, and strategies with compassionate, collaborative approaches. This philosophy represents a significant departure from traditional confrontational treatment models.

Unlike approaches that recommend identifying as an "addict" or "alcoholic," accepting powerlessness, or having a "disease," evidence-based approaches help individuals identify their personal values and goals that support change. The focus is on empowerment rather than surrender.

The Future of Recovery: Multiple Pathways

The emerging research on SMART Recovery and other evidence-based approaches highlights an important truth: there is no single path to recovery that works for everyone. SMART Recovery was named as a recovery support service in "Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General's Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health", recognizing its place in the continuum of evidence-based recovery options.

Practical Implications

For Individuals: Those seeking recovery now have scientifically validated alternatives that may better match their personal beliefs, learning styles, and recovery goals.

For Families: Evidence-based approaches like CRAFT and the Invitation to Change provide concrete tools for families to play an active, helpful role rather than being told to "detach with love."

For Clinicians: Due to the lack of empirical evidence supporting SMART Recovery's effectiveness in the past, clinicians have been less likely to discuss or refer patients to SMART. This has hindered its growth and prevented many the opportunity to learn about and try SMART. The growing research base now provides clinicians with confidence in making these referrals.

Making Informed Choices

The goal isn't to replace 12-step programs but to expand the menu of evidence-based recovery options. Many clients actively participate in AA in addition to evidence-based treatment. What matters most is finding the approach that resonates with each individual's needs, preferences, and circumstances.

SMART Recovery's statement of purpose is to "help individuals gain independence from addictive behavior and lead meaningful and satisfying lives" and "to support the availability of choices in recovery". This philosophy of choice, backed by rigorous scientific research, represents the future of addiction recovery.

Conclusion

The evidence is clear: SMART Recovery represents a viable, scientifically supported alternative to traditional 12-step programs. With comparable outcomes, higher satisfaction rates among participants, and a growing body of research support, SMART Recovery and other evidence-based approaches are expanding the landscape of recovery options.

For individuals, families, and clinicians seeking alternatives grounded in scientific evidence rather than tradition alone, programs like SMART Recovery offer hope and practical tools for change. Change is possible, and there are clear paths leading to it. The key is having multiple evidence-based pathways available, allowing each person to find the approach that best supports their unique journey to recovery.

The revolution in addiction treatment based on evidence and new models for change is already underway. By embracing both science and kindness, we can create more effective, compassionate, and personalized approaches to recovery that honor the diversity of human experience and the multiple pathways to healing.

Resources for Further Learning:

• SMART Recovery International: Visit smartrecovery.org to find meetings and online resources
• Center for Motivation and Change: Offers evidence-based treatment and professional training at motivationandchange.com
• "Beyond Addiction" by Jeffrey Foote, Carrie Wilkens, Nicole Kosanke: Essential reading for families seeking evidence-based approaches to supporting a loved one
• CMC: Foundation for Change: Provides training and resources in the Invitation to Change approach at cmcffc.org
  
  

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