SM
ART Recovery is a global self-help, mutual aid program that offers a place for people to get together to examine and try to change addictive behaviours that are harmful to themselves and others.
Free weekly meetings run every Thursday in two convenient locations in Leongatha and Foster.
Addictive behaviours can include problematic drinking, drug taking, gambling, over-eating, shopping, internet, sex and others.
Every meeting is run by a trained SMART Recovery Facilitator
Focus on the addictive behaviour, not the substance itself
Free and inclusive to people challenged by any type of addiction (e.g. substances, gambling, internet, sex).
No registration required to attend a group
60-90 minutes in duration
Groups usually range from 5-8 attendees
Participants may attend if they are still using but cannot come intoxicated to the group
Identify goals and set an achievable plan for the week ahead
Focus on the present and future, not the past
Participants learn evidence-based tools and techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Motivational Interviewing to apply to daily life
Power of choice
SMART Recovery Australia embraces a harm minimisation philosophy, which views control over one’s addictive behaviour as an achievement. Abstinence is not the only way to recover from addiction.
“If someone who drinks for seven days a week is able to change to drinking five or six days, that’s success,” says Josette Freeman, SMART Recovery Australia’s National Program Coordinator. “Some people will say, ‘I really shouldn't be here - I only have two glasses of wine a day’, but if those two glasses are causing problems in your life you’re in the same situation as someone who uses a gram of heroin a day," says Freeman.
Local groups now available
Thursdays (excluding public holidays)
11.00am-12.30pm
Gippsland Southern Health Service
Primary Health Entrance, Leongatha Hospital
Koonwarra Rd, LEONGATHA
Cost: Free
Thursdays (excluding public holidays)
3.30pm-5.00pm
‘The Lounge’ at Manna Gum Community House
Enter via Court St, FOSTER
Cost: Free
For information visit the SMART Recovery Australia website at https://smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au/ or contact Gippsland Southern Health Service on 03 5667 5506.
These groups are funded with support from the Gippsland Primary Health Network and delivered by Gippsland Southern Health Service.