SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery
Talking Research with Dr. Sarah Zemore and Pete Rubinas
Talking Research with Dr. Sarah Zemore and Pete Rubinas
Talking Research with Dr. Sarah Zemore and Pete Rubinas
Thursday 4th December 2025
Explore addiction recovery research with Dr. Sarah Zemore and Pete Rubinas, discussing mutual-help groups and the impact of online vs. in-person meetings.
43 minutes
Informative
Inspiring
Educational
Supportive
Honest
About this podcast
Author:
SMART Recovery
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Family Recovery from Addiction
Body & Mind
Financial Health in Recovery
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Episodes:
104 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Researching Recovery: Insights from Dr. Sarah Zemore and Pete Rubinas
Episode Overview
- Mutual-help groups offer effective alternatives to traditional 12-step programs.
- Online meetings provide accessibility but may lack social engagement.
- Combining online and in-person meetings can be beneficial.
- Research informs SMART Recovery's strategies and program design.
- Social networks play a crucial role in successful recovery.
"Mutual help is really where you get the biggest differences in outcomes."
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? This episode of the SMART Recovery® Podcast dives into the intricate world of addiction research with two distinguished guests, Dr. Sarah Zemore and Pete Rubinas. Dr. Zemore, a senior scientist at the Alcohol Research Group, shares her journey from mainstream social psychology to becoming a pivotal figure in addiction recovery research. She discusses her latest findings on mutual-help groups, highlighting their effectiveness compared to traditional 12-step programs.
The conversation is enriched by Pete Rubinas, SMART's Executive Director, who brings insights into how research shapes SMART's evolving strategies. Dr. Zemore elaborates on her Peer Alternatives for Addiction Study (PAL), which sheds light on the benefits of 'second wave' mutual-help groups like SMART Recovery. The discussion also touches on the comparative effectiveness of online versus in-person meetings, with Dr. Zemore revealing that while online meetings offer accessibility, they may lack the social engagement found in face-to-face gatherings.
Rubinas adds a practical perspective, emphasising the need for a balanced approach in expanding both online and in-person meetings. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the science behind addiction recovery and the real-world application of research findings. It offers a blend of academic insights and practical advice, making it a must-listen for those seeking to understand the complexities of recovery pathways.
Whether you're part of a mutual-help group or exploring options for yourself or a loved one, this conversation will leave you pondering the best ways to support recovery journeys. So, what pathway will you choose in your journey towards sobriety?