No labels. No Judgment. Recovery Meetings

No Labels. No Judgment. Recovery Meetings. By Jessica Mozo Prevention Educator/Media Coordinator, Prevention Network CNY

In a study by the “Recovery Research Institute” a survey was given to participants asking how they felt about two people actively using drugs and/or alcohol. In the survey, one person was referred to as a “substance abuser” and the other was referred to as “having a substance use disorder.” The study found that participants felt the person referred to as “substance abuser” would be more likely to benefit from punishment and that treatment would be less beneficial. The study also found that “substance abusers” were perceived as more socially threatening, were to blame for their difficulties, and that they were more likely able to control their substance use without help vs. those who were labeled as having a “substance use disorder”. This survey showed how influential language and labels are and how it can create automated negative thinking about those with substance related problems. With less stigma surrounding substance use disorders, individuals may be more likely to seek help, stay in treatment, and improve their wellbeing.

At Prevention Network in Syracuse, a weekly online meeting is held called SMART Recovery. SMART stands for Self-Management And Recovery Training. These meetings welcome any and all people looking for support with an addiction, with no labels and no judgment. SMART meetings can differ from other addiction related meetings because they are run by participants, do not require a higher power, are not specific to substances, and those who attend are not labeled. The SMART approach uses a science-based

foundation and uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that works to change irrational thoughts (cognitive distortions) and teaches participants how to work towards more positive thinking, attitudes, and beliefs. SMART Recovery’s approach to change is built around building motivation to change, coping with urges, managing thoughts/feelings, and living a more balanced life.

This mutual support meeting is free and open to anyone seeking support in relation to addiction recovery. Participants pick the topics while a guiding facilitator helps provide tools that reflect on the group’s needs, self-talk, thoughts, beliefs, urges, and change. Participants run the conversation and discuss topics related to any addictive disorders including (but not limited to) drug and/or alcohol use, problem gambling, eating disorders, in addition to activity behaviors-such as sex, relationships, spending, and self-injury. SMART offers a toolbox of resources on how to change thinking and a safe place for those looking for support with no labels or judgments. To learn more about SMART Recovery or attend a virtual, no contact meeting, please visit the Prevention Network CNY Facebook page and click “events”, visit PreventionNetworkCNY.org, Smartrecovery.org, or contact Prevention Network at 315-471-1359. SWM

References: https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/the-real-stigmaof-substance-use-disorders/, https://www.smartrecovery.org/, https://www.recoveryanswers.org/addiction-ary/

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