SMART Recovery Columbia, Missouri

12/30/2025

11/01/2025

11/01/2025

A person's depression anxiety, or trauma shouldn't be judged by what brought it on, or measured on a random scale of severity; pain is pain, and hurts no matter how great it is, when it's happening, or how "bad" someone else thinks it is. We should meet people where they are - not where we expect them to be.

10/16/2025

Self-preservation is one of the brain’s most natural functions.

When something feels threatening, even emotionally, our nervous system moves fast to protect us: it pulls back, numbs out, argues, or avoids. These reactions aren’t random; they’re adaptive responses designed to keep us safe.

What once protected us can later hold us back. Avoiding conflict might reduce anxiety, but it also blocks connection. Shutting down or using substances might quiet stress, but it also prevents growth.

All behaviors have a function. By identifying what a behavior is attempting to manage or communicate, we can develop new strategies that meet our needs in a healthier, more productive way.

10/12/2025

Being new in recovery is challenging, using the tools of SMART Recovery can help.

09/23/2025

Thank you Reach Out Recovery!

09/20/2025

Debunking myths about the family and recovery.

Family members caring for a person using substances in an unhealthy way are treated differently than caregivers of people with other health conditions. Often...

09/15/2025

Boundaries are an important part of our recovery. At SMART Family & Friends meetings, there is supportive discussion about what this means and how to apply it to your life. Find the Family & Friends handbook here: https://shop.smartrecovery.org/products/smart-family-friends-handbook-2nd-ed

09/09/2025

Dealing with someone who has addiction or substance abuse is challenging. This article explores how to build a connection so you can help them.

09/02/2025

September is National Recovery Month, where we can pause and realize that there are multiple pathways to recovery and what is most important is that you find the best one for you! If you'd like to support our science-based, stigma-free, self-empowering approach, consider becoming a monthly sustainer: https://secure.everyaction.com/VJbn36Oh_keVxFMTKutruQ2