If Even I Am Afraid When Drunk at Year-End?... Nowon-gu Runs 'Smart Recovery' Program for Addiction Recovery

Expansion of Programs for Recovery of Individuals Facing Alcohol Addiction Issues
Experts Conduct Sessions Remotely... Support for Continued Self-Help Meetings After Completion
‘Smart Recovery’ Approach Widely Used Abroad Introduced in Korea for the First Time in 2019

Nowon-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that it is operating the 'SMART Recovery' program to help residents struggling with addiction issues regain a healthy daily life.

SMART Recovery (Self-Management And Recovery Training) is a program that provides self-help groups based on mutual exchange where individuals encourage themselves and support each other, widely used mainly in English-speaking countries. In Korea, Nowon-gu was the first to introduce it in 2019 and operates it as a regular program addressing various addictive behaviors, expanding it to include programs for families as well as the individuals affected.

As the year-end approaches with many drinking gatherings, the district has been applying SMART Recovery tools to alcohol-related addiction issues since October 24. The program is conducted every Thursday at 2 PM online in a non-face-to-face format by experts qualified as SMART Recovery facilitators.

This course runs for 8 weeks and is tailored to the level of participants who are new to SMART Recovery meetings. Since the program emphasizes the current needs of participants, the detailed program for each session may change according to the flow of communication with participants rather than strictly following the pre-announced schedule.

Self-help group

During the meetings, each participant uses SMART Recovery tools such as the Change Plan and Decisional Balance, shares their experiences and thoughts, makes efforts for self-change, and supports each other. Those who wish to continue participating are supported to maintain the meetings even after the course ends.

An official from the Nowon-gu Integrated Addiction Management Support Center explained the introduction of the SMART Recovery program, saying, “It is highly effective in helping self-regulation based on the four core elements: enhancing and maintaining motivation, coping with urges, managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and living a balanced life.”

A center member A (60), who has actually participated in the program, shared, “It was good to share experiences in a supportive atmosphere and receive diverse perspectives.” B (42, female), who joined the program to start abstaining from alcohol, also expressed, “It would have been a lonely and difficult battle alone, but I gained hope through the meetings.”

District Mayor Oh Seung-rok said, “Addiction problems are difficult to solve alone, so serious interest and support from those around, as well as professional intervention, are necessary. We will actively operate support programs for coping with and rehabilitating from various addiction issues, including alcohol.”