SMART Recovery vs. Alcoholics Anonymous

SMART Recovery and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are both peer-led support groups that can help people recover from alcohol addiction.

SMART has a scientific focus that promotes self-management, while AA prioritise spiritualism and peer support.

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to addiction, so while neither are better overall, different people may prefer one over the other.

Choosing the right addiction group for your individual needs can make all the difference in your recovery journey.

Find out how they’re similar, what their differences are and which one is the right choice for you.

What’s SMART Recovery Like?

SMART Recovery was founded in the nineties by a physician who wanted to offer a science-focused, fully-secular alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous.

It uses a wide range of psychological approaches – mindfulness, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), rational emotive therapy, and relaxation techniques to help you understand and manage your drinking triggers.

SMART Recovery has many benefits – it’s modern, it’s scientific, it’s non-theistic, and has a self-help focus:

It’s evidence-based and practical – Some people choose SMART for its scientific approach that values clinical evidence. You can rest assured any methods used in the meetings are backed by strong evidence like studies and research, and proven to be effective at fighting addiction
Meetings are flexible and non-spiritual – Unlike AA, there’s no mention of a ‘higher power’, and no language like ‘powerlessness’, which may suit atheists wanting more of an empowering approach
It encourages independence and self-efficacy – This can appeal to people who benefit from self help

On the other hand, SMART isn’t for everyone. Drawbacks include:

Fewer meetings available in some areas – This can make finding specialised meetings for women, people who are LGBTQ+ and older people more difficult
Less emphasis on long-term peer sponsorship – Because SMART isn’t a life-long group, the support you receive from others may be more short-term

Research shows that people who choose SMART Recovery tend to have milder alcohol addictions, have been through higher education and have higher rates of employment, which means if you fit this description, SMART may appeal to you.[1]

What’s Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Like?

Alcoholics Anonymous is a popular, community-focused fellowship programme for people working to recover from alcoholism. It uses the 12-step process and is for people of all ages and lifestyles.

Meetings are run by people who are in recovery, and structured around the ‘Big Book’, which was written in the ‘30s. This was originally structured around Christianity, while now some key language has been changed.

AA has a spiritual philosophy, and encourages users to believe in a ‘higher power’ although you can interpret this how you like. Some people find that readings and prayers are similar to Christianity, however, many AA members don’t believe in any deity.

Anyone can attend an open meeting, like family members and friends. Closed meetings are for members only who are actively working towards recovery. Remote meetings are also possible online or via phone call.

The two ‘sins’ in Alcoholics Anonymous are to prevent your own growth or the growth of another person in recovery.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a highly popular recovery group, with many people enjoying the following pros:

They’re widely available and accessible worldwide – You’ll find an in-person meeting in most towns and cities
You’ll build a strong sense of community and peer support – Many people find the togetherness that AA creates the most effective aspect of recovery
The AA build a structured path through the 12 step technique – The regimented process of AA will appeal to people who like routine and predictability
You’ll attend regular meetings – Studies show that attending at least three meetings, especially in the first year boosts the odds of recovery
The AA promote sponsorship – Research shows that having a sponsor who can guide you is the one most important factor in successful recovery

The limitations of the AA include:

The spiritual focus may not suit everyone – Some people find the AA comes across as a bit too religious
The language can feel diminishing – Wording like ‘surrendering’ and feeling ‘powerlessness’ can feel unhelpful
Old-fashioned literature – Some find the spiritual language in the ‘Big Book’ quite archaic, and paraphrases Christianity too closely for their liking

Are Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART Recovery the Same?

Alcoholics Anonymous has more of a rigid set of rules and beliefs that members must follow.

SMART Recovery believes there’s more than one way to recover, and sees people not as ‘addicts’ but as individuals with unique needs that are cared for scientifically and holistically.

Both offer free, peer-supported meetings and a sense of community. This camaraderie is a big aspect of both groups. Connecting with other people in addiction can be really effective for reducing shame and stigma, and finding the motivation to persevere in recovery.

AA and SMART also have many differences:

Spiritual vs scientific – AA encourages spiritual belief. SMART focuses on evidence-based psychology and self-directed change
Abstinence vs harm reduction – AA promotes total abstinence. SMART supports abstinence, but acknowledges that relapse is a part of addiction. It’s possible to attend while simply working on harm reduction instead of total cessation, and setting your own goals to suit you
Language and identity – AA encourage identifying as an ‘alcoholic’ and feeling ‘powerless’. SMART avoids labels, focusing instead on behaviours rather than identity
Structure of meetings – AA facilitate story-sharing, sponsorship, and step work. SMART don’t set a specific format for sharing and support
Experience of facilitators – AA leaders are people in recovery, so they have more lived experience of what you’ve been through. SMART meetings are led by trained facilitators, who don’t necessarily have personal experience with addiction, but will be well educated on recovery
Duration and commitment – AA is often viewed as a lifelong programme. SMART is designed as a flexible, potentially shorter-term approach
Sponsorship – AA strongly encourage people to have a sponsor, who are people who have been in recovery for a year or more and can offer guidance and encouragement. SMART doesn’t have sponsors, but staying in touch is encouraged
Chairing and speaking – AA group leaders have no formal group facilitation training, so it may be more difficult to keep meetings on track if one person dominates the space. SMART leaders are trained in redirecting the group back onto the topic at hand

It’s always possible to attend both AA and SMART Recovery groups. Studies show that people who go to both are usually severely affected by alcohol use, and therefore seeking more help.

Can I Recover From Alcoholism Through AA or SMART?

Non-profit recovery groups are an excellent free resource which can support recovery from alcohol use disorder. However, people with severe alcohol addictions may need more intensive help to detox and prevent relapse.

If you’ve developed a physical dependence on alcohol, it could be dangerous to quit drinking, as you risk severe withdrawal symptoms like delirium tremens (DT) or seizures. Make an appointment with your GP to learn more about how to detox safely.

Residential alcohol rehab can offer more thorough care, with 24/7 support from medical professionals.

Call Rehab 4 Addiction for free, non-judgemental advice about recovering from alcoholism on 0800 140 4690 (or +44 345 222 3508 from outside the UK).

SMART Recovery vs. Alcoholics Anonymous FAQs

Below, we answer some common questions around this important topic:

1. Is SMART Recovery Better Than AA?

Neither SMART nor AA are objectively better, it depends on your individual preferences, beliefs, and needs. If you prefer scientific techniques that are evidence-backed, you may enjoy SMART. If you want a more ideological approach that’s community based, you might choose AA.

2. Which is More Effective for Long-Term Recovery?

Long-term success is more closely linked to consistent engagement and support rather than the specific programme. SMART is generally short-term whereas AA is a lifelong commitment, but the skills you learn in SMART will prepare you for long-term sobriety.

3. What’s a ‘Drunkalogue’?

Drunkalogue is a slang term used to describe a person telling a long and detailed backstory of their addiction and recovery journey. The AA encourage people to share ‘what it was like, what happened and what it’s like now’. These memoirs are also common in other 12-step programmes.

References

[1] https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/want-to-stop-harmful-drinking-aa-versus-smart-recovery-202409053068

Boris MacKey

Boris is our editor-in-chief at Rehab 4 Addiction. Boris is an advisor with more than 20 years in the field. His knowledge covers a broad of topics relating to addiction, rehab and recovery. Boris is an advisor and assists in the alcohol detox and rehab process. Boris has been featured on a variety of websites, including the Verywell Mind and Healthline. You can connect with Boris online at LinkedIn or X.com.