Our SMART Recovery: Boise Edition Resources

Finding Boise SMART Recovery Meetings & Peer Support Resources

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People trying to break free from substance dependencies in Boise may find SMART Recovery Boise meetings an excellent alternative to traditional 12-Step programs.

The SMART self-empowering approach focuses on helping participants understand what triggers or behaviors lead to drug and alcohol use, eventually achieving a substance-free, more balanced lifestyle.

Treatment specialists at Icarus Wellness and Recovery, an accredited treatment center in Boise, recommend that our clients attend support groups as part of their aftercare plans. But we also recognize that individuals can accomplish that in different ways.

We encourage you to continue reading to learn how SMART Recovery is a good alternative to 12-Step groups and why so many are turning to it for encouragement.

What are the Core Principles of SMART Recovery in Boise and Nationwide?

SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. It offers structure based on four guiding stars that help participants better manage substance use disorders: build and maintain motivation; cope with urges and cravings; manage thoughts and emotions; and lead a balanced life.

How SMART Differs From Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous

Spirituality does not play a part in SMART. Instead, the organization believes that every person can take personal responsibility and learn self-management. The model gives each member the power to engage with spirituality as they wish, or not at all.

SMART members don’t surrender problem behaviours to a Higher Power as they do in Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.

Instead, they support people as they confront the feelings and emotions that contributed to the development of substance abuse. That doesn’t mean SMART members don’t have their own spiritual beliefs, but it does mean the SMART method checks religion at the door. SMART Recovery believes meetings should be facilitated with respect for all, regardless of faith or personal beliefs about God.

Another difference is that SMART Recovery welcomes all who struggle with behavioral challenges under one umbrella. Twelve-Step groups have separate “Anonymous” groups for Alcohol, Narcotics, Gambling, Overeaters, and others. SMART believes that all these benefit from one another.

Breaking Addictive Behaviors with SMART Recovery Training

The program is evidence-based and relies on science-proven cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for acceptance of past behaviors and self-imposed negative beliefs, and replacing them with the skills to take positive actions in the future.

For instance, a person who struggles with cravings may learn how to examine the thoughts leading up to the craving. They then challenge the urge, distract it until it passes, or reframe it entirely. It takes time to master these tools, but new sobriety-supporting choices come with time and healing.

Get Effective outpatient Rehab Options at Icarus IDAHO

Are SMART Addiction Recovery Groups Effective?

Past clients tell our counselors that SMART offers them understanding and hope in a world that often makes them feel isolated.

In SMART, they create connections with peers who understand setting treatment goals and the disappointment of setbacks. Families and friends often mean well, but it’s hard for those who have never struggled to honor the wishes of those who do.

Local Boise SMART Recovery Meetings and Online Meetings

Boise residents have one in-person meeting at this time. However, SMART offers a number of National remote/online mutual support groups:

Day/time	Format	Audience	Location
Wednesday – 7:30 PM	In-person	Adults	7091 W. Emerald St., Boise ID
Sunday – 8:00 AM	Remote	Military, Veterans & First Responders	–
Monday – 6:00 PM	Remote	Adults	–
Tuesday – 7:00 PM	Remote	Adults	–
Tuesday – 8:30 PM	Remote	Military, Veterans & First Responders	–
Wednesday – 7:00 PM	Remote	Adults, Spanish language	–
Thursday – 7:00 PM	Remote	BIPOC Young Adults 18-30	–
Thursday – 8:00 PM	Remote	Military, Veterans & First Responders	–
Friday – 8:30 PM	Remote	Military, Veterans & First Responders	–
Saturday – 9:00 PM	Remote	Military, Veterans & First Responders

SMART is expanding its mission quickly and may offer additional services in the Boise area. Check their website often for updates. There, you will also find “Family & Friends” meetings, providing support for the loved ones of people who struggle.

Integrating SMART Recovery Meetings and Professional Treatment

SMART Recovery can be a path to well-being for some people. However, many find that they need the more intensive structure of a professional treatment program.

We offer clients the freedom to pursue SMART while also receiving inpatient or outpatient services at our facility.

Peer Support and the Boise Recovery Community

Those who attend SMART or 12-Step groups often go on to mentor others, lead groups, or become activists, writing their experiences in their own words to influence policy. Community engagement is a natural outcome of successful healing.

It inspires others, showing that recovery is achievable while also keeping themselves accountable for continued sobriety.

Connect with Icarus Wellness in Idaho for Balanced Life Support

Icarus Wellness and Recovery believes that clinical care is the cornerstone of a successful treatment plan and that peer groups complement formal treatment. Our evidence-based programs can help you dig into the reasons for your addictive behaviors and help you (or your loved one) heal.

Even if you’ve tried to recovery in the past and it didn’t quite “stick,” we can offer you support and healing.

Call us no for a free, confidential consultation with our compassionate admissions staff.