Just watched this with my group yesterday; during discussion I brought up that SMART IS a total abstinence program, but that medication is often an important part of recovery. So instead of just "self-medicating", in SMART we learn to be open and honest with our health care providers. The whole point of the program is to gain insight as to WHY we used our drug-of-choice, and what in life is important enough to replace that - some strong, over-riding value. Was thrilled about the discussion of choices we can make, and being rational in our beliefs about things. I guess, now that I'm thinking about this, that "doing good enough" is what needs to be emphasized to newcomers, with the emphasis and attraction that life can keep getting incrementally better. Nothing in life is perfect, and taking a "soft-line" approach to abstinence to our using just means we have the chance to think things over, and, with having more and more of our mental faculties back, are able to achieve a balanced life that fits each of our individual lives best. After watching the video with my group, I told them I'd research its time of origin, which appears to be a year ago. The conversation really seems like one that might have taken place 20 years ago, when SMART didn't have such a full, thoughtful program entirely in place (a 10-year old program versus a 30-year old program). I'd love it if someone from SMART could confirm or correct my train of thought. Thank you for your time, and the great analogies of the sand castle, the rocket, and the garden. Until next time -
People often give up or cut down a substance when they have something better to do with their lives than using, something which engages them emotionally, and gives them a sense of purpose , an appreciation of all the things which you can lose by using , and inspiration. As a SMART facilitator, I always try to lift spirits and morale, and create a sense of the excitement which can be felt when moving into better life styles. However, since those feelings necessarily wax and wane during ones life, its not surprising that movement in and out of substance use is a very common pattern.
If the behavior goals a person might be seeking is something like "healthy eating" "regular exercise" "Sleep hygiene" or "building better relationships with others". The absence only focus is pretty much useless. Wouldn't you agree ? Is there a smart recovery meeting online, on Zoom, that uses tools and strategies from ACT. Russ Harris has pdf work sheets online. If so I would like to join that. If not I would like to start one assuming there is no expiration date on facilitator training. I was a facilitator in San Diego before the COVID era.
The constant movement of this guy during this interview is unsettling. I assume he has a back massager behind him I can't imagine why he thought this wouldn't be an issue in a recorded session.
Dont find comparing myself to an impossible state of perfection helpful. AA got this from Gospel of Matthew and other places, never mind Bill Ws perfectionistic lecturing in his 12 and 12 book written years after 1st Book.
Thank you so much for the garden analogy!
Just watched this with my group yesterday; during discussion I brought up that SMART IS a total abstinence program, but that medication is often an important part of recovery. So instead of just "self-medicating", in SMART we learn to be open and honest with our health care providers.
The whole point of the program is to gain insight as to WHY we used our drug-of-choice, and what in life is important enough to replace that - some strong, over-riding value. Was thrilled about the discussion of choices we can make, and being rational in our beliefs about things. I guess, now that I'm thinking about this, that "doing good enough" is what needs to be emphasized to newcomers, with the emphasis and attraction that life can keep getting incrementally better. Nothing in life is perfect, and taking a "soft-line" approach to abstinence to our using just means we have the chance to think things over, and, with having more and more of our mental faculties back, are able to achieve a balanced life that fits each of our individual lives best.
After watching the video with my group, I told them I'd research its time of origin, which appears to be a year ago. The conversation really seems like one that might have taken place 20 years ago, when SMART didn't have such a full, thoughtful program entirely in place (a 10-year old program versus a 30-year old program).
I'd love it if someone from SMART could confirm or correct my train of thought. Thank you for your time, and the great analogies of the sand castle, the rocket, and the garden. Until next time -
People often give up or cut down a substance when they have something better to do with their lives than using, something which engages them emotionally, and gives them a sense of purpose , an appreciation of all the things which you can lose by using , and inspiration. As a SMART facilitator, I always try to lift spirits and morale, and create a sense of the excitement which can be felt when moving into better life styles. However, since those feelings necessarily wax and wane during ones life, its not surprising that movement in and out of substance use is a very common pattern.
Wonderful analysis Michael. SMART Recovery is lucky to have you.
@@SmartRecoveryUSA Thank you ! Keep putting out the videos, its nice to feel connected to the international SMART community.
If the behavior goals a person might be seeking is something like "healthy eating" "regular exercise"
"Sleep hygiene" or "building better relationships with others". The absence only focus is pretty much useless. Wouldn't you agree ? Is there a smart recovery meeting online, on Zoom, that uses tools and strategies from ACT. Russ Harris has pdf work sheets online. If so I would like to join that. If not I would like to start one assuming there is no expiration date on facilitator training. I was a facilitator in San Diego before the COVID era.
The constant movement of this guy during this interview is unsettling. I assume he has a back massager behind him I can't imagine why he thought this wouldn't be an issue in a recorded session.
Dont find comparing myself to an impossible state of perfection helpful. AA got this from Gospel of Matthew and other places, never mind Bill Ws perfectionistic lecturing in his 12 and 12 book written years after 1st Book.