Brilliant as usual. Not only are you an excellent writer but you go so deep. Peeling back layers to reveal truth. Bravo. Excellent. I will always read everything you write.
Brilliant article that gives all of us an amazing mental tool (The Cost Analysis) to understand what we do and why we do it. We’re all addicted to something because everybody runs away from pleasure, and so we all benefit from such an amazing tool.
Your words are both accessible and thought-provoking, making me reflect about my behaviors.
Love this, Adam. While I’d heard of SMART Recovery, I’ve never seen this model broken down. It makes so much sense and aligns with what led me to stop drinking (and to stay stopped!).
I began reading Rational Recovery and will begin SMART next. I really enjoyed this article because its a breath of fresh air after being in AA for over a year. Thank you for your continued contributions. Will be reading more.
Adam, another great essay. You have managed to take something as complex and often overwhelming as addiction and break it down in a way that feels clear, honest, and deeply relatable. The Cost-Benefit tool is such a practical way to shine light on what's usually hidden, and the way you frame it makes it feel empowering, not shameful. I like that your writing doesn’t preach; it holds up a mirror and invites real self-reflection. You remind us that recovery isn’t just about quitting, it’s about understanding ourselves and rebuilding something significant. Thank you for sharing this.
Another brilliant piece! I am new to this framework, but it’s so insightful, and great way for anyone to begin to examine what is lurking behind their behaviours.
Interesting model, Adam. Seems like a good way to break it down. As you mentioned, that's only where the work begins. The hard work comes afterward, IMHO. One of the hardest parts about recovery for this dude was how many of the people in recovery were stuck somewhere midstream through the first part, deconstruction. Applying tolerance to other addicts while working on my own sobriety was an important and tough aspect of the process for me. I think I'm still working on both, probably for the rest of this life.
You’re right. The hard work comes after—and boy is it worth it. I think of some of the best things that have happened since becoming sober, and yes, those early wins from stopping using add up and certainly make daily life feel better. But the greatest things seemed to have arrived only because I’ve personally evolved: I had to become the kind of person who could get those things, or who those things would happen to. Those are the real wins, and that can only happen through effort, time, and a sprinkle of serendipity.
The role of serendipity is so often undiscussed. Like there's something wrong with acknowledging there are forces beyond our understanding. Ironic in a world which usually includes "a higher power."
Your explanation of the four quadrants is really thought-provoking. Are they the focus of SMART Recovery? I’ve heard so much about the 12 Steps of AA, but never knew how SMART Recovery differed. Resolving the issues in the bottom right quadrant is crucial to achieving long-term sobriety, but I rarely hear them talked about. Thanks for sharing!
SMART uses a vast array of techniques from all sorts of different areas, this is just one. I particularly enjoy their more CBT style approaches, because that’s what works best for me.
I believe, although don’t quote me on this, they were set up to provide a self-empowering alternative to the 12 steps that was just as free and accessible.
My own (mandated) addiction treatment was 4 months in a rehab which focused on choice theory; a sort of blend of Stoic principles and counselling, with some BS thrown in for good measure. I took what I needed, discarded the rest, and added my own. In the community, after I left, I was glad to find SMART. The 12 steps did not suit me at all, and so I’m grateful there was such a way, and a powerful one, to keep attending addiction groups. All until I didn’t feel I had to any more, which is one of SMART’s overarching goals—‘self-management.’
Yes, this is really helpful, Adam. Thanks for educating me. When I come up for air, I'm going to write an article for my Conquer Addiction blog to share this information about Smart Recovery.
Brilliant as usual. Not only are you an excellent writer but you go so deep. Peeling back layers to reveal truth. Bravo. Excellent. I will always read everything you write.
Thank you Holly, I deeply appreciate your kindest words. (Although I stand on the shoulders of giants, and the credit is really theirs.)
Brilliant article that gives all of us an amazing mental tool (The Cost Analysis) to understand what we do and why we do it. We’re all addicted to something because everybody runs away from pleasure, and so we all benefit from such an amazing tool.
Your words are both accessible and thought-provoking, making me reflect about my behaviors.
Amazing article Adam!
Glad it landed, Andres. It’s an honour. 🙏
Love this, Adam. While I’d heard of SMART Recovery, I’ve never seen this model broken down. It makes so much sense and aligns with what led me to stop drinking (and to stay stopped!).
Big respect, Dana. That’s awesome to hear.
This model really does help make sense of it.
SMART are such a handy community group who equip folk with some seriously decent tools!
I began reading Rational Recovery and will begin SMART next. I really enjoyed this article because its a breath of fresh air after being in AA for over a year. Thank you for your continued contributions. Will be reading more.
You’re very welcome, my friend. Thank you 🙏
Adam, another great essay. You have managed to take something as complex and often overwhelming as addiction and break it down in a way that feels clear, honest, and deeply relatable. The Cost-Benefit tool is such a practical way to shine light on what's usually hidden, and the way you frame it makes it feel empowering, not shameful. I like that your writing doesn’t preach; it holds up a mirror and invites real self-reflection. You remind us that recovery isn’t just about quitting, it’s about understanding ourselves and rebuilding something significant. Thank you for sharing this.
Splendid feedback, thank you for sharing, Tinashe.
Another brilliant piece! I am new to this framework, but it’s so insightful, and great way for anyone to begin to examine what is lurking behind their behaviours.
It really is such a great tool to peel back the layers. Thank you Genevieve.
Interesting model, Adam. Seems like a good way to break it down. As you mentioned, that's only where the work begins. The hard work comes afterward, IMHO. One of the hardest parts about recovery for this dude was how many of the people in recovery were stuck somewhere midstream through the first part, deconstruction. Applying tolerance to other addicts while working on my own sobriety was an important and tough aspect of the process for me. I think I'm still working on both, probably for the rest of this life.
Thank you, Damon.
You’re right. The hard work comes after—and boy is it worth it. I think of some of the best things that have happened since becoming sober, and yes, those early wins from stopping using add up and certainly make daily life feel better. But the greatest things seemed to have arrived only because I’ve personally evolved: I had to become the kind of person who could get those things, or who those things would happen to. Those are the real wins, and that can only happen through effort, time, and a sprinkle of serendipity.
The role of serendipity is so often undiscussed. Like there's something wrong with acknowledging there are forces beyond our understanding. Ironic in a world which usually includes "a higher power."
Brilliant work Adam!!!
👊 Thank you, Mac
Love your mind and your words brother!
Your explanation of the four quadrants is really thought-provoking. Are they the focus of SMART Recovery? I’ve heard so much about the 12 Steps of AA, but never knew how SMART Recovery differed. Resolving the issues in the bottom right quadrant is crucial to achieving long-term sobriety, but I rarely hear them talked about. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Joanna, thank you for reading.
SMART uses a vast array of techniques from all sorts of different areas, this is just one. I particularly enjoy their more CBT style approaches, because that’s what works best for me.
I believe, although don’t quote me on this, they were set up to provide a self-empowering alternative to the 12 steps that was just as free and accessible.
My own (mandated) addiction treatment was 4 months in a rehab which focused on choice theory; a sort of blend of Stoic principles and counselling, with some BS thrown in for good measure. I took what I needed, discarded the rest, and added my own. In the community, after I left, I was glad to find SMART. The 12 steps did not suit me at all, and so I’m grateful there was such a way, and a powerful one, to keep attending addiction groups. All until I didn’t feel I had to any more, which is one of SMART’s overarching goals—‘self-management.’
Hope this helps, Joanna.
Yes, this is really helpful, Adam. Thanks for educating me. When I come up for air, I'm going to write an article for my Conquer Addiction blog to share this information about Smart Recovery.
excellent article - it goes beyond and can be applied to any area of life. thank you for this piece Adam.
It’s an honour, Kirsten. Thank you.
Excellent as ever Adam.
Thank you Katie
Clarifying. Thank you!
It’s an honour, Mick’s!
Fire 🔥
🤙 Much appreciated, Edward
This is great Adam, thank you. 🙏🏻
Thanks for reading, Josh
I was the second. Thank you for reading, Gordon.