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Are Current SMART 4-Point and Family and Friends Meeting Facilitators Required to Take The New Facilitator Training?

Short answer:
No — the Facilitator Training is not required for current SMART Recovery meeting facilitators.

That said, it is strongly encouraged, especially as SMART Recovery continues to update its tools, participant materials, and approaches to supporting people in meetings.

Why the Training Is Encouraged

The updated Facilitator Training is designed to support facilitators at all experience levels and reflects how SMART Recovery meetings are being run today.

Key benefits include:

  • Alignment with the 2025 Participant Handbooks
    The training reflects the newest Participant Handbooks, including updated tools, language, and approaches to support that facilitators are increasingly seeing in meetings.

  • New and Updated SMART Recovery Tools
    Facilitators are introduced to newly added or revised tools and guided on how to use them effectively in real meeting situations.

  • Stronger Focus on Facilitator Skills
    The training goes beyond tools and focuses on core facilitation skills, including:

    • Managing meeting flow

    • Supporting discussion without giving advice

    • Creating inclusive, welcoming spaces

    • Responding to challenging or common meeting scenarios

  • Scenario-Based, Practical Learning
    The training uses realistic, scenario-based examples that reflect what facilitators actually encounter in meetings, helping bridge the gap between theory and practice.

  • Shorter and More Interactive Format
    Updated with modern learning technology, the training is designed to be engaging, efficient, and easier to complete — whether as a refresher or a deeper skills boost.

  • Confidence and Consistency
    Many facilitators find the training helps them feel more confident, aligned, and consistent with current SMART Recovery approaches, especially when facilitating diverse or evolving groups.

Is This Training Right for Experienced Facilitators?

Yes. While the training supports new facilitators, experienced facilitators often find it valuable as:

  • A refresher on core skills

  • An update on new tools and approaches

  • A way to stay aligned with current participant materials and expectations

Looking Ahead: Annual Refresher Training

SMART Recovery may introduce an annual facilitator refresher course in the future to help facilitators stay current as tools and materials continue to evolve.

If this is implemented, facilitators who complete the Facilitator Training in 2026 would be able to skip the first year of the refresher, as this training already covers the updated content and skills.

Still Have Questions?

If you’re unsure whether the training is a good fit for you, or you’d like help choosing the right training option, our team is happy to help. Send a message to support@smartrecovery.org