Meeting Guidelines
We Take Responsibility
We take responsibility for our own decisions and behavior and allow others to be responsible for theirs. Thus, there is no sponsorship or buddy system in SMART Recovery©.
We Respect Confidentiality
We respect confidentiality for all that is said and done at meetings. We agree to not tell anyone outside the group who attended or what was said that in any way that would identify the individual. We may be barred from future meetings if we do so. Also, we will not identify people at the meeting attendee if we meet them outside the group.
We Respect Privacy
We respect each other’s privacy. We do not collect or share contact information from meeting participants.
We Do Not Label Others.
We do not label others. We keep the focus on how to abstain. We do not use labels such as addicts, alcoholics, druggies, and so on in our meetings. Rather we focus on building a future where we no longer engage with addictive behavior.
We Seek Professional Help Where Appropriate
We seek professional help where appropriate. Many people can benefit from professional help as part of the recovery support system. SMART Recovery© is not a substitute for professional counseling, it is not designed to help with serious mental health problems or crisis situations.
We Avoid Side Conversations
We avoid side conversations and stay focused on the group. We are encouraged to ask questions and share ideas about what has helped us, which we describe as “cross-talk” but we avoid lengthy “war stories”. There is no obligation to participate and anyone is free to just listen and observe if they prefer.
We Use the SMART Recovery© Program
We use the SMART Recovery© Program. SMART Recovery© has been developed in collaboration between people in recovery and a team of professions. The program is informed by the best research available, reviewed by an international panel of experts, and then tested out in hundreds of meetings around the world. We recognize that each participant needs to find a unique solution for their unique situation.
Relapse Is A Learning Opportunity
Relapse is seen as a learning opportunity, not something to be ashamed of. Recovery from any addictive behavior is difficult and often involves some steps back as well as forward. A lapse or relapse is not an excuse to give up, but rather to learn more about why it happened so it can be avoided in the future.
Attend Several Meetings Before Making Up Your Mind
Attend several meetings before making up your mind whether this approach will help you. Developing self-management and recovery skills doesn’t happen instantly, but rather over a period of several weeks to months. Have patience and feel good about what you are learning as you take one small step at a time.
➡️ For meeting verifications, please email lauriew@beaconfoundationrecovery.org ⬅️
How It Works
1. Click Join a Meeting
This will take you to the schedule where you can select which meeting you would like to join.
2. Save the Zoom
Save the Zoom link to join the meeting that is sent to your email after you sign up.
3. Join the Meeting on Zoom
Using the Zoom link provided, copy and paste it into your browser to join the meeting.
You are welcome to change your Zoom name if you wish to not share your name.
➡️ For meeting verifications, please email lauriew@beaconfoundationrecovery.org