Self-help group for rehabilitation

A new self-help group called SMART Recovery, for people who wish to recover from their alcohol and drug dependencies, will start at Woy Woy on Friday, February 2.

SMART stands for Self Management and Recovery Training.

"The SMART Recovery program has been running in the USA for 15 years," said organiser Ms Carolyn Carter.

"It was trialled by St Vincent's Hospital Drug and Alcohol Service in Sydney in 2002. "In 2004, the service set up SMART Recovery groups in Sydney and NSW with the help of a grant from the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation.

"There are now over 35 SMART groups running across Sydney and NSW.

"SMART Recovery is peer-managed with the help of two volunteer co-facilitators.

"The program teaches practical skills to help people with their problems enabling them to abstain and achieve a healthy lifestyle balance.

"The focus is on group members helping themselves and each other."

The meetings will start at 9am and finish at 10.30am at the Peninsula Community Centre in McMasters Rd, Woy Woy, until further notice.

For further information, please contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on 1800 422 599.

No booking is required to attend the group.

Press release, 19 Jan 2007 Carolyn Carter, SMART Recovery