Come to the alley door
Taking that first step can feel intimidating. We have all felt that way. Admitting you need help may feel like weakness, but walking through that door is an incredible display of strength.
New to SMART?
Your first meeting can be simple.
You do not need to register, pay, or commit to speaking. Come as you are and participate at your own pace.
Three simple steps
What happens when you arrive.
Listen first
You can participate as much or as little as you feel comfortable. You will be among peers who listen without judgment, share experiences you may recognize, and remind one another that nobody has to face change alone.
Take what helps
SMART offers practical, evidence-informed tools for building lasting change. Some will speak to you, and others may not. Try them, take what is useful, and discover what works for you.
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 if I arrive late or need to leave early?
That is okay. Enter or leave as quietly as you can, and do your best not to disrupt the flow of the meeting. A facilitator will be there at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start if you would like to ask questions privately.
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.
Are all Calgary meetings the same?
No. Every meeting has its own focus, group dynamic, and mix of experiences. We encourage you to try Recovery Topics, Recovery Tools, group discussions, and online meetings more than once if you can. Then, keep attending whichever meetings are working 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. A reusable six-meeting log is available on the Meetings page.
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.
Support local recovery meetings
Help keep SMART Recovery Calgary available.
Everyone who walks through our alley door deserves to find a community ready to meet them with hope, practical support, and a science-based path forward. For people who have not found the right fit in other recovery programs, SMART can be the option that finally makes sense. It can be the place where they realize they do not have to face change alone. Donations help us cover room rent, coffee and refreshments, literature, clipboards, pens, paper, and outreach materials that help more people discover and join our community.
Donate securely with Square
Scan to donateThis inbox is monitored by volunteers and is not an emergency or crisis service. Response times may vary.