FAQs

Below, we’ve addressed our most frequently asked questions (FAQs):

Do I need to sign up before I attend my first meeting?

There is no need to sign up in advance. Just show up!

I want to just observe a meeting and not necessarily participate (this includes students). Is that OK?

Yes. No one is ever required to speak or give their name at SMART Recovery meetings.

Is there any charge to participate in SMART Recovery?

All of our meetings are free. We do collect donations at the end of the meeting, all of which go to support the non-profit organization at the national and local level. Donations are requested but are not required.

Is the meeting schedule posted on the website up to date? Should I call to confirm that a meeting is running?

The meeting schedule is kept up to date on our website, so there is no need to confirm.

Are there any other SMART Recovery meetings in Los Angeles besides the ones on the current schedule?

The meetings on this website are the only meetings that we are currently running in Los Angeles County. We are always looking to start more meetings, and we welcome volunteers. If you have an idea of a facility or facilitators that could host a meeting, please let us know !

Are there “open meetings” and “closed meetings?" Which meetings may I attend?

UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED IN THE MEETING LISTING, ALL Los Angeles SMART Recovery meetings are free and open to anyone, including:

individuals seeking to change any type of or combination of addictive behaviors
individuals who are not sure if they need help with changing their behavior
individuals who are court-mandated to attend meetings (we can provide verification of attendance)
individuals who are there to support their loved ones (such as family members or friends) or to learn about SMART Recovery so that they can encourage others to attend
students or anyone else interested in learning about SMART Recovery and mutual-help programs

Are there meetings for beginners?

Newcomers and beginners are welcome at all of our meetings. There are no meetings specifically for beginners, but it could be helpful to say during the initial check-in that you are a beginner or first-timer, so that the facilitator and other group members are aware. You are always welcome to ask questions about SMART Recovery during meetings or before and after meetings.

What should I expect at my first meeting?

We usually do a check-in at the beginning of the meeting during which you may introduce yourself if you would like, and explain why you’re there. After check-in we typically set an agenda for the discussion period based on the needs of the group at that time. During the discussion period we teach SMART Recovery coping skills and discuss how to apply them in specific situations.

Are the meetings completely anonymous? Do I have sign in or give my name?

The meetings are anonymous. There is no requirement to give your name or your reason for attending. It’s OK to “pass” (remain silent) during initial check-in or at any other point in the meeting. There are no sign-in sheets.

I've been mandated to attend mutual-help meetings. I'd like try SMART Recovery. Can you provide me with some kind of certificate to prove that I'm participating?

We don’t issue certificates, but we can verify each meeting that you attend. If a legal agency, treatment program, etc. has given you an attendance verification form, bring that with you; our meeting leaders will be glad to sign it for you. If you don’t already have an attendance form, you can print out a copy of our own meeting attendance form.

I am not personally struggling with addictive behaviors, but I would like to attend a meeting to support a loved one or to learn more about mutual-help groups. Is that OK?

It certainly is. All of the meetings in Los Angeles are open to all. SMART Recovery also has specific resources particularly for friends and family of those struggling with addictive behaviors: http://www.smartrecovery.org/resources/family.htm

How can I prepare for my first meeting?

All you need to do is show up!

However, in order to get the greatest benefit from the self-empowering approach used in our meetings, it can be helpful to learn, outside of meetings, more about SMART Recovery.

We have basic information about SMART Recovery here on this site, and our national website contains a vast amount of helpful resources.

In addition to studying the national website, for more in depth information we also highly recommend purchasing the SMART Recovery Handbook. It is often available at our meetings ($12), and you can also purchase it online here.

I’m interested in volunteering with SMART Recovery and/or starting a new meeting in the Los Angeles area. How do I get started?

We welcome volunteers! We provide thorough training to our volunteers, and volunteers are essential to the services that we provide. For more information about volunteering, feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

I am in crisis now and/or need treatment referrals. Who can I speak to right now?

Please call the Los Angeles County Crisis and Access line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-854-7771.

I have other questions about SMART Recovery

Feel free to send us an email: david@SmartRecoveryLA.org. We are here to help!

The SMART Los Angeles website is sponsored by Practical Recovery

Practical Recovery provides self-empowering (non-12-step) outpatient services in San Diego, including individual, family, and group therapy, and an innovative alternative to residential treatment.

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