SMART Recovery: From Skepticism to Support
Episode Overview
SMART Recovery offers science-based addiction support. April Lombard found value in SMART Recovery after initial scepticism. Multiple pathways for recovery are crucial for college students. Community support can be transformative during personal struggles. Science-based tools help align actions with personal values.
I was curious at first, just like you, and then I started getting something from it and feeling like I needed it at some point.
Who knew a SMART Recovery meeting could turn scepticism into dedication? In this episode, college student April Lombard shares her journey from doubting the value of recovery meetings to becoming a facilitator. April's initial fear that these meetings would be cringey and lame was quickly dispelled when she discovered the science-based approach of SMART Recovery.
As a sociology major with a criminology focus, April has a keen interest in how different recovery methods can impact individuals, especially in the collegiate environment. April talks about her background, including her experiences in foster care and how curiosity led her to experiment with substances. She candidly discusses the challenges she faced and how witnessing a friend's downward spiral prompted her to reassess her own habits.
Her story is a testament to the power of self-reflection and community support in recovery. The episode highlights the importance of having multiple pathways available for students, particularly at party-centric universities like LSU. April's involvement in SMART Recovery not only helped her personally but also offered her a sense of community during a difficult breakup. She emphasises the benefits of the science-based approach, which resonates well with students who prefer evidence-backed methods over traditional faith-based programmes.
April's enthusiasm for SMART Recovery is contagious, as she explains the rewarding experience of watching peers make positive changes. She uses tools like cost-benefit analysis to help others evaluate their substance use and align their actions with their values. Her commitment to fostering an open and interactive environment is evident as she encourages anyone, even those who don't think they have a problem, to check out a meeting.
If you're curious about how SMART Recovery can offer a refreshing take on addiction support, this episode is worth your time. Dive into April's inspiring story and learn how science-based recovery can make a difference.