South African Family & Friends Meeting

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The SMART Recovery Family & Friends program is a support system designed for individuals who are affected by the addictive behaviors of someone they care about. It provides tools, techniques, and a community to help improve relationships, reduce stress, and encourage healthier interactions.

SMART Recovery Family & Friends focuses on evidence-based strategies, including tools from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing. Unlike some other groups, it does not follow a spiritual or 12-step approach but instead emphasizes personal empowerment and self-care.tem.

Anyone who is impacted by someone else’s addictive behavior is welcome to attend. This includes family members, partners, friends, and even colleagues who are seeking ways to cope and improve relationships.

No, you do not need to be in active contact with the individual. The program focuses on improving your well-being and equipping you with tools to handle your situation, whether or not you maintain a relationship with the person struggling with addiction.

Meetings cover a range of topics, including effective communication, setting healthy boundaries, practicing self-care, understanding addiction, and learning how to encourage positive change.

While the program is not specifically designed to intervene in someone else’s addiction, it provides tools like the CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) approach. These tools can increase the likelihood of encouraging a loved one to consider seeking help.

SMART Recovery Family & Friends meetings are typically free, although donations are often welcomed to help support the program. Online resources and tools are also freely accessible.

Participation is voluntary. You are welcome to share your experiences, but if you prefer to listen and observe, that’s perfectly fine. The goal is to create a comfortable and supportive environment.

CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) is a scientifically backed method that helps loved ones encourage someone struggling with addiction to seek help. It focuses on positive communication, reinforcement of healthy behaviors, and setting clear boundaries without confrontation or guilt.

Family & Friends meetings are specifically designed for those affected by someone else’s addiction, not for individuals struggling with addiction themselves. However, your loved one is welcome to attend a SMART Recovery meeting tailored to their needs.

Yes, the program provides tools for managing your stress and interactions regardless of whether your loved one acknowledges their addiction. The skills you learn can help you communicate effectively and encourage healthier behaviors without conflict.

 Yes, SMART Recovery offers a variety of resources, including the “Family & Friends Handbook,” online forums, worksheets, and videos. These materials can help reinforce what you learn in meetings and provide additional support when needed.