SMART Recovery Family and Friends Program - It's Back!

About SMART Recovery Family and Friends

The SMART Recovery Family & Friends program is designed for anyone who has been impacted by the addictive behaviours of a loved one. Whether it’s a partner, child, sibling, parent, or friend, living alongside addiction can feel overwhelming, isolating, and exhausting. This program provides a safe, supportive space where you can connect with others who understand what you’re going through and learn practical, science-based tools to help you cope. Instead of focusing solely on the person with the addiction, Family & Friends is centered on your needs, your wellbeing, and how you can make healthier choices for yourself while still offering support to those you care about.

At the heart of the program are tools drawn from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT). These methods are proven to help with managing stress, improving communication, setting healthy boundaries, and finding more effective ways to encourage positive change in your loved one. The meetings are open, confidential, and judgment-free, giving you the opportunity to share your experiences or simply listen and learn. Whether your loved one is actively using, in treatment, in recovery, or somewhere in between, the SMART Recovery Family & Friends program is here to give you guidance, understanding, and hope - while reminding you that you don’t have to face this journey alone.

About the SMART Recovery Family and Friends Program

What is the SMART Family & Friends program?

It’s a support program for people who are affected by the addictive behaviours of someone close to them. The meetings provide practical tools and a safe space to talk, share experiences, and learn healthier ways to cope.

How is it different from SMART Recovery meetings for people with addiction?

The Family & Friends program focuses on the loved ones rather than the person struggling with addiction. The tools are similar, but the discussions are about setting boundaries, reducing stress, and learning how to support without enabling.

Will the program tell me how to handle my loved one?

Not exactly. Instead of giving “one-size-fits-all” advice, SMART provides tools so you can make the choices that work best for you and your situation.

What kind of tools will I learn in Family & Friends meetings?

You’ll learn evidence-based tools drawn from CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training). These help with managing emotions, improving communication, setting boundaries, and focusing on your own wellbeing.

Are the meetings free?

Yes! The meetings are free. SMART Recovery is a non-profit organization, so there’s no charge to attend, though donations are welcome if you’d like to support the program.

Are the meetings in person or online?

At the moment, we have one Family and Friends meeting per month, on the first Tuesday of every month at 18h30. It is on Zoom.