The SMART Recovery Participant Handbook, 4th Edition is here—and it’s more than just an update. It’s a thoughtful reimagining of the tools, language, and layout to better meet the needs of people in recovery. Whether you are new to SMART or already part of the community, this edition offers clear, easy to understand, practical information and resources.
Easier to Read, Easier to Use
One of the biggest upgrades? It’s easier to read. The handbook now uses everyday language instead of complicated terms and acronyms. You’ll be able to connect with the tools more quickly and apply them to real-life situations with more confidence.
Familiar Tools, Fresh Perspective
Several core SMART tools have been renamed or refined to clarify their purpose. For example:
Three Questions is now Five Questions
DISARM is now Personify and Disarm
DIBS has become Dispute Unhelpful Beliefs
VACI is now Explore New Passions and Pursuits
Other familiar tools like the Lifestyle Balance Pie (now the Lifestyle Balance Wheel), Urge Log, and Goal Setting have also been renamed and refreshed for clarity and ease of use.
Several new tools have been added to support areas that can help in long-term recovery like mindfulness, stress relief, and communication. These include:
Practice Self-Compassion
Planning Positive Conversations (PIVA)
Setting Healthy Boundaries
Meditation Practice
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Visualizing a Relaxing Space
These tools are designed to help people manage emotions, stay grounded, and build stronger connections with others.
Supporting All Recovery Goals
This edition puts into words what many SMART participants already know: recovery looks different for everyone. While abstinence is still a choice for many, the new handbook fully embraces harm reduction as a valid, supported approach. It’s all about helping people choose the path that works for them and supporting that choice. People come to SMART Recovery to reduce or resolve addictive behaviors, and we’re here to help, regardless of where someone is in their journey.
A Mindful, Compassionate Approach
You’ll also notice emphasis on emotional well-being. Whether it’s learning to pause and breathe, replacing “but” with “and” to shift your mindset, or practicing self-compassion during tough moments, this edition brings more heart and humanity into the recovery process. As our friends at the Center for Motivation and Change say, “science plus kindness equals change.”
Designed for the Way People Actually Use It
Finally, the layout got fully refreshed. The new design makes it easier to find what you need when you need it. Whether you’re in the middle of a tough day or just prepping for your next meeting, it’s quicker to flip to the right tool, concept, or strategy.
Moving Forward Together
The new SMART Participant Handbook more accurately reflects who we are today as an organization and community: always growing, learning, and finding better ways to support each other based on the latest research and science. We hope you will find that this new edition feels like a conversation, not a lecture. It’s your recovery, your way!
We’ve put together a “What’s New Guide” to make navigating the 4th Edition of the Participant Handbook easier. This quick-reference tool matches old tool names to their new versions, highlights what’s been added, and points you to the right pages to find everything fast. Whether you're a longtime facilitator or a returning participant, it’s a great way to see what’s changed and what’s brand new, all in one place.