58K
Downloads
129
Episodes
Welcome to the Elevate Experience! From addict to running her own rehab for over 20 years, CEO of Elevate Addiction Services, Angie Manson’s journey through recovery is an inspiring tale of overcoming adversity and finding redemption. She first experimented with drugs and alcohol at age 11 and by age 15 had dropped out of high school and was using hard drugs on a daily basis. After being arrested 7 times as a juvenile, and having an unsuccessful attempt at rehab, she continued to spiral further into addiction. As an adult, facing a 10 year prison sentence, she was forced back into rehab at the age of 20. Through the compassion of her judge and recovery mentors, Angie found her true passion and purpose for helping others like herself overcome their struggles with addiction and live an empowered life.
Episodes
Thursday Nov 20, 2025
Thursday Nov 20, 2025
The 12-Step model requires admitting you're "powerless," but what if that approach is actually triggering?
In this essential episode, we break down why SMART Recovery is a modern, science-based, and empowering alternative to AA that focuses on personal responsibility and forward-thinking goals—not reliving past "war stories."
SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) aligns perfectly with Elevate Addiction Services' non-12-step philosophy. We discuss the major differences, why SMART meetings work, and how they provide the tools you need to manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to overcome addiction.
---
TOPICS COVERED:
* Why the powerlessness concept and spiritual focus of AA can be a barrier.
* Why sharing "war stories" can be triggering for people early in recovery.
* How SMART uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and REBT principles.
* The structure of a SMART meeting (cross-talk and collaboration allowed).
* The SMART 4-Point Program (Motivation, Coping, Managing Thoughts, Balanced Life).
---
ADDICTION HELP
Ready for an Empowerment-Based Recovery? Call our dedicated intake team 24/7 for confidential help and admissions: 833-33-SOBER
---
LINKS TO LEARN MORE:
* What is SMART Recovery? Learn how it works: https://elevaterehab.org/experience/smart-recovery/
* Non-12-Step Alternatives to AA: https://elevaterehab.org/available-options-alcoholics-anonymous/
* Elevate's #1 Ranked Non-12-Step Program: https://elevaterehab.org/programs/inpatient/
---
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro & The Problem with Traditional Meetings
1:42 The Need for SMART Recovery (Self-Management & Recovery Training)
2:23 What is SMART Recovery? The Acronym Explained
3:37 How to Become a SMART Facilitator (Low Barrier to Entry)
4:48 The Importance of In-Person Meetings and Community
5:36 Major Difference #1: Powerlessness vs. Personal Responsibility
6:59 Major Difference #2: Spiritual Focus vs. Scientific/Secular (CBT/REBT)
8:57 Major Difference #3: War Stories vs. Forward-Looking Goals
10:27 SMART Meeting Format: Crosstalk, Collaboration, and Objectivity
15:20 The SMART 4-Point Program
18:11 Why Speaker Meetings Can Be Triggering for Some
21:13 Why Elevate Utilizes the SMART Model
23:17 How to Find a Local SMART Recovery Meeting
---
HASHTAGS
#SMARTRecovery #AAAlternatives #Non12StepRehab #AddictionTreatment #Empowerment
---
KEYWORDS
SMART Recovery, AA alternatives, non 12 step rehab, empowerment based recovery, self-management and recovery training, addiction is not a disease, 12 step vs SMART recovery, CBT for addiction, REBT for addiction, secular addiction recovery, scientific based rehab, forward thinking recovery, manage thoughts feelings behaviors, coping with urges, living a balanced life, non spiritual rehab, speaker meeting triggering, Elevate Addiction Services, addiction help
No comments yet. Be the first to say something!