SMART Recovery Association Canada

A new month means it’s time to feature another amazing non-profit organization making a difference in our community. This month, we are excited to highlight SMART Recovery Association Canada. We encourage you to keep reading to find out more about the support and services they provide, and how you can help support their mission. 

About SMART Recovery 

SMART (Self-Management and Recovery Training) Recovery is the leading, evidence-informed approach to overcoming addictive behaviors and leading a balanced life. SMART is stigma-free and emphasizes self-empowerment. They are a charitable organization dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey to overcoming addiction.  

Using a science-based, self-empowering approach, SMART Recovery provides tools and support for people struggling with substance use and behavioral addictions. The SMART Friends and Family program supports those coping with a Loved One (LO) having issues with addiction. 

Operating across Canada, the organization offers peer-supported meetings both in-person and online, helping participants develop self-reliance and practical coping skills. Through structured programs based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and CRAFT (Community Reinforcement Approach and Family Training), SMART Recovery Association focuses on: 

• Building Motivation for change 

• Coping with Urges and cravings  

• Managing Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors effectively 

• Living a Balanced Life beyond addiction 

In addition to direct support, SMART Recovery works with communities, healthcare providers, and policymakers to expand addiction recovery resources and awareness. The organization also trains volunteer facilitators, ensuring that SMART Recovery meetings remain accessible and impactful for those in need. Their mission is to provide education and resources to support mental health and wellness in our community, and their purpose is to be there when people need them most, when you need it, in the way you need it, 24/7/365. 

What Makes SMART Unique? 

How is SMART unique from other recovery programs? Here are a few ways they are different: 

1. SMART is evidence based and created by addiction recovery professionals, along with the very important input from individuals with lived experience. 

2. SMART facilitators are trained and certified prior to running meetings. 

3. SMART helps with alcohol, drugs, vaping, gambling, sex, eating, shopping, hoarding, technology use, self-harm, or anything that disrupts a life and takes away purpose, peace and happiness.    

4. SMART is non-judgmental and is unconcerned with the past except to learn from it. They discourage the use of labels. 

How You Can Help 

Across Canada, SMART Recovery needs trained facilitators to run online or in person meetings. Training is available online and reasonably priced.  Most importantly people do NOT have to be in recovery to facilitate a meeting. Increasing facilitators and providing more meetings will allow them to provide more help in all communities. 

You can also make a monetary contribution to support their efforts by clicking here. 

Upcoming Events 

There are several upcoming events, which SMART is proud to be sponsoring: 

• SMART is a sponsor at the Recovery Capital Conference in Calgary for three days starting September 23, 2025. 

• SMART is a sponsor at the Canadian Academy for Addiction Psychiatry (CAAP) in Vancouver from September 4 to September 6, 2025. 

• SMART is a sponsor and presenter at the CCSA’s Issues of Substance Conference in Halifax this November. 

You can stay up to date by following SMART Recovery on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.  

We want to thank SMART Recovery for the important work they are doing in our community, and for providing support and resources to those who need it most.