Build and maintain motivation
Clarify what matters to you and strengthen your reasons for change.
Science-based recovery support
Practical tools for lasting change.
SMART Recovery uses evidence-informed CBT and REBT tools to help people understand and change problematic or addictive behaviours—without labels or judgment.
Evidence-informedCBT-based toolsSelf-empowering
You are welcome here.Come as you are. Listen or participate.
The SMART Recovery approach
A science-based Four-Point Program.
SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. Its practical approach draws on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT), and motivational methods to help you change the behaviours that are causing problems in your life.
Explore free SMART tools & worksheets ↗Cope with urges
Learn practical ways to understand, tolerate, and move through cravings.
Manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviours
Use CBT-based tools to challenge unhelpful beliefs and choose new responses.
Live a balanced life
Build routines, relationships, and goals that support lasting change.
Calgary meeting schedule
Choose the meeting that works for you.
All times are Mountain Time. In-person meetings are held downtown at Central United Church.
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In person
Central United Church
131 7th Avenue SW, Calgary, ABGet directions ↗
Use the back alley entrance*
The meeting entrance is in the alley behind Central United Church—not the main front doors.
*Stairs are required. There is no step-free entrance to the meeting space. If stairs prevent you from attending, view the Calgary online meetings.
Tue
Tuesday
7:00 PMRecovery Topics
A focused conversation around a recovery topic.
Thu
Thursday
7:00 PMRecovery Tools
Practical tools you can use in everyday life.
Sat
Saturday
10:30 AMGroup Discussion
Open, peer-led discussion in a welcoming group.
Sun
Sunday
10:00 AMGroup Discussion
Open, peer-led discussion in a welcoming group.
Need proof of attendance for court?
We can sign court or attendance documents for participants who need verification. Download this reusable log and bring it to each meeting. It holds six facilitator-signed attendance entries.
Download six-meeting attendance log (PDF) ↓New to SMART?
Your first meeting can be simple.
Come to the alley door
No referral or registration is needed. Enter through the back alley entrance; stairs are required.
Listen first
You can participate as much or as little as you feel comfortable.
Take what helps
SMART offers practical, evidence-informed tools for building lasting change.
Respecting one another
Help keep meetings confidential.
People may share personal experiences in a meeting. Please do not repeat another participant’s name, story, or identifying details outside the group. You are always free to share your own experience.
Frequently asked questions
It’s okay to have questions before you come.
A facilitator arrives at least 15 minutes before every in-person meeting and is available to answer questions one-on-one.
Do I need to register or pay?
No. Calgary SMART Recovery meetings are free, and no referral or advance registration is required for in-person meetings.
Do I have to speak?
No. You are welcome to listen until you feel comfortable. Participate as much or as little as you choose.
Who is welcome to attend?
Anybody is welcome. Be aware that group conversations often include adult experiences or subjects that may not be appropriate for children.
Can I attend if I am intoxicated?
Yes, as long as you are not disruptive and can participate respectfully in the meeting.
What happens if I arrive late?
You can still enter and join the meeting. If you have questions or would prefer to speak privately first, a facilitator will be there at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start.
How long are meetings?
Calgary in-person and online meetings are scheduled for 90 minutes.
Are meetings confidential?
Participants are asked not to repeat another person’s name, story, or identifying details outside the meeting. You may always share your own experience.
Is SMART Recovery religious?
SMART Recovery does not include religion as part of its program, and it does not discourage anyone’s personal religious or spiritual beliefs. People of every faith, and people with no religious beliefs, are welcome. Meetings focus on practical, science-based CBT and REBT tools.
Are all SMART Recovery Calgary meetings the same?
No. Each meeting is a little different, with its own topic, format, group discussion, and mix of participants. We encourage you to try everything we offer—including Recovery Topics, Recovery Tools, group discussions, and online meetings—to discover what is most helpful for you.
What kinds of behaviours can SMART help with?
SMART can support change involving alcohol or other drugs, as well as problematic behaviours such as gambling, gaming, eating, shopping, or other patterns that interfere with your life.
Can you verify my attendance?
Yes. Facilitators can sign court or attendance documents. You can also download the six-meeting attendance log from the meeting section and bring it with you.
What if I cannot use the stairs?
The back-alley entrance requires stairs and there is no step-free route to the meeting space. Calgary’s online meetings are available as an alternative.
SMART Recovery meetings are
Science-basedFreeConfidentialOpen to all beliefsPeer-supported
Urgent help
If you may hurt yourself or someone else, get help now.
SMART Recovery meetings and our volunteer email are not crisis services.
Call 911Immediate danger or medical emergencyCall or text 988Suicide Crisis Helpline, available 24/7
You can also go to the nearest emergency department or urgent care centre.
Calgary and Alberta services
Professional help beyond meetings.
Calgary RAAM ClinicRapid access medical and counselling support for substance and behavioural addictions.View clinic details ↗Access Mental Health - CalgaryNon-urgent help finding addiction and mental-health services. No referral required.Find support ↗Adult Addiction ServicesAssessment, counselling and treatment options for adults and concerned loved ones.Explore services ↗Renfrew Recovery CentreCalgary medically supported detoxification and withdrawal services for adults.View Renfrew details ↗
Contact the Calgary volunteers
contact@smartrecoverycalgary.ca
This inbox is monitored by volunteers and is not an emergency or crisis service. Response times may vary.