SMART Recovery International®was established in the U.S. as a partnership between professionals and peers (people who have recovered from an addiction of their family members and friends). As the number of SMART meetings quintupled in fewer than 10 years (2010-2018) with separate offices in Australia, the UK and U.S., an international leadership organisation was needed to unify operations and promote growth strategically – especially where SMART could be most useful in alleviating the global addiction epidemic. How SMART Recovery Works Many people like SMART’s self-empowering 4-Point Program® approach to recovery combined with mutual group support. 1. Build and maintain the motivation to change. 2. Cope with urges to engage in harmful behaviour. 3. Manage thoughts, feelings and behavior in a rational manner to alleviate excessive stress and avoid relapses. 4. Lead a fulfilling and balanced life. SMART works as well for inmates in prison with minimal education as well as professionals and people with advanced degrees. Early Origins Founded in 1994, SMART (Self-Management And Recovery Training) has grown into one of the world’s largest nonprofit communities of mutual support groups devoted to ending the human suffering caused by addiction. SMART works for any kind of addiction – to drugs, alcohol and other substances, along with behaviors such as gambling, over-eating and compulsive shopping. Approximately 3,000 groups meet weekly in more than 20 countries to help participants use SMART principles and practices to stop harmful behaviour and lead fulfilling and balanced lives. SMART meetings are held for individuals seeking support to overcome harmful addiction, including teens, students, military veterans and inmates in correctional facilities (the InsideOut program). SMART Family & Friends meetings help those with loved ones suffering from addiction; they learn self-care measures and nonjudgmental ways to help their loved ones seeking treatment.