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Attending Your First SMART Family & Friends Meeting

 

Overview

SMART Family & Friends meetings are free, supportive group gatherings for people who care about someone struggling with alcohol, drug use, or other addictive behaviors, including, but not limited to, gambling, gaming, or internet use.

These meetings focus on helping you cope more effectively, communicate clearly, set healthy boundaries, and take care of yourself.

SMART Family & Friends is designed to be accessible, adaptable, and affirming. Meetings are available both online and in person, participation is flexible, and individuals are respected regardless of their situation or relationship.

To learn more about how meetings work and what to expect, review our Family & Friends Meeting Opening, read at most meetings.

👉 Click here to open the Meeting Finder.

What Happens at a Family & Friends Meeting

Most SMART Family & Friends meetings last about 60–90 minutes and are facilitated by trained volunteers.

Meetings focus on practical tools and supportive discussion. A typical meeting may include:

Check-in: Participants briefly share how they are doing and what challenges they are facing.

Discussion: The group explores communication strategies, boundary setting, and ways to respond constructively to a loved one’s behavior.

Tool work: Evidence-based tools are introduced and applied to real-life situations.

Mutual support: Participants share ideas, experiences, and encouragement in a respectful space.

Meetings are participant-driven and emphasize skill-building, self-care, and personal choice.

A Supportive and Affirming Environment

SMART Family & Friends meetings aim to create a space that is:

  • Respectful and non-judgmental

  • Inclusive and welcoming

  • Confidential

  • Focused on practical change

You are not required to speak. Many people choose to listen during their first meeting. Participation is always voluntary.

Meetings recognize that we cannot control another person’s choices. Instead, the focus is on what we can control, our responses, our well-being, and our boundaries.

Online and In-Person Options

Family & Friends meetings are:

Accessible: Available throughout the US through online meetings, as well as in local communities through in-person meetings.

Adaptable: Offered at different times, formats, and focus areas.

Affirming: Designed to welcome people from diverse backgrounds and family situations.

Online meetings are typically held via Zoom. In-person meetings are listed with location details in the Meeting Finder.

Before Your First Meeting

To help you feel comfortable:

  • Arrive or log in a few minutes early.

  • Review the meeting description for any specific guidelines.

  • Remember that you can participate at your comfort level.

There is no requirement to share details about your loved one or make any decisions about what you will do next. You are welcome simply to listen and learn.

After Your First Meeting

Many participants find it helpful to attend several meetings to become familiar with the tools and connect with others facing similar challenges. You may try different formats or times until you find a group that feels like a good fit.

Questions?

If you have questions about attending your first SMART Family & Friends meeting, contact support@smartrecovery.org.