SMART Recovery vs. Alcoholics Anonymous: What’s the Difference, and Which Is Right for You or Your Loved One?
Author: Sam DeFilippo, MS, LPC, NCC, CAADC
When it comes to addiction recovery, no single path works for everyone. Fortunately, there are multiple support options to choose from. While Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the most widely known mutual aid group, SMART Recovery is another program that should be considered when seeking peer support in recovery. Both programs aim to help people live healthier, sober lives, but they differ significantly in their philosophies and methods.
As a clinician working with individuals and families affected by substance use, I often get asked: Which program is better? The real answer is, It depends. Understanding the similarities and differences can help you or your loved one make an informed decision that aligns with your values, beliefs, and goals.
What SMART Recovery and AA Have in Common
Though different in approach, SMART Recovery and AA share some important common ground:
Peer Support
Both programs are built on the idea that people in recovery benefit from the support of others who understand their struggles firsthand. They both provide opportunities to connect with other individuals who have similar experiences which can make you feel less alone in your recovery journey.
Structured Meetings
Whether you attend an AA meeting or a SMART Recovery group, you’ll find a structured format that encourages sharing, self-reflection, and group discussion. There are multiple group formats in both programs, so if you don’t like the format of your first meeting, don’t give up and try out another meeting that may better suit your needs.
Ongoing Commitment
Recovery is seen as a long-term journey in both models. Participants are encouraged to keep showing up, continue learning, and support others. Both programs also include goal setting and use group accountability as motivation to change.
Community and Connection
Isolation is a common challenge in recovery. Both programs work to create a sense of community and belonging through regular meetings and shared experiences. This is especially important in situations where being in recovery requires you to create distance from friends and family who continue to engage in substance use or other addictive behaviors.
Free and Accessible
Both SMART Recovery and AA meetings are free to attend, widely available in person and online, and open to anyone seeking support. They both have websites and applications to assist you in finding a meeting close to you, and they have meetings available every day of the week.
Key Differences: Philosophy, Spirituality, and Treatment Approach
While the structure and goals are similar, the core philosophies of these programs are quite different.
Philosophy: Spiritual vs. Secular
- Alcoholics Anonymous is grounded in the idea that addiction is a disease best treated through spiritual surrender. Participants work through a 12-step process, starting with admitting powerlessness over addiction and turning their recovery over to a Higher Power of their understanding.
- SMART Recovery is a secular, science-based program that draws on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational techniques. The focus is on building self-reliance, managing thoughts and behaviors, and setting personal goals.
Religious or Spiritual Components
- AA has strong spiritual underpinnings. While the program is not affiliated with any specific religion, it regularly references God or a Higher Power.
- SMART Recovery is explicitly non-religious. Meetings avoid spiritual language and instead focus on evidence-based tools and strategies.
Abstinence vs. Harm Reduction
- AA promotes total abstinence from alcohol and all mood-altering substances. Any use is considered a relapse.
- SMART Recovery supports abstinence but also recognizes that some people may move through stages of change. There is room for discussing harm reduction and setting realistic, individualized goals.
Views on Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
- AA traditionally holds mixed views on MAT. Some members support it, while others are skeptical, particularly about medications that affect mood or brain chemistry.
- SMART Recovery is fully supportive of MAT, recognizing it as a legitimate, evidence-based part of recovery for many individuals.
Who Should Attend Meetings
AA prefers individuals to have an alcohol use disorder in order to attend meetings. It is generally discouraged to talk about recovery from other substances or addictive behaviors.
SMART Recovery supports individuals in recovery from substance use, as well as behavioral addictions such as gambling, shopping, and overeating.
So, Which One Is Right for You or Your Loved One?
Choosing a recovery path is deeply personal. Some people thrive in AA, finding strength in spiritual connection and the shared experience of the 12 Steps. Others find that SMART Recovery’s evidence-based tools and non-religious approach better align with their values and needs. In fact, some people benefit from attending both programs at different times in their recovery journey.
The most important thing is to find a community that feels safe, supportive, and empowering. You or your loved one deserve options and the freedom to choose the one that fits best.
Final Thoughts
Recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re looking for yourself or supporting a loved one, understanding the options can make a big difference. If you’re unsure where to start, consider trying out a few meetings from each program. Many are available online, making it easier to explore without the pressure.
Still have questions? Reach out to your treatment team, therapist, or counselor. We’re here to help guide you toward the support that works best for you. Alternatively, you can schedule a call with Sam DeFilippo, the Lead of Equilibria’s Addiction Recovery Center of Excellence, to get connected with recovery based individual therapy. She can be reached via email at sdefilippo@equilibriapcs.com or by call/text at 267-289-1096.
