Camera Use in SMART Recovery Online Meetings

SMART Recovery offers online meetings with different participation options so you can choose a meeting that fits your preferences and needs.

Cameras remain optional in most SMART Recovery online meetings. However, some local online meetings may now be clearly identified as camera-required meetings.

If a meeting requires cameras, that information will be clearly shown when you select the meeting.

If a meeting is not identified as camera-required, you are not required to have your camera on.

We encourage you to review the meeting information before joining so you know what to expect.

In a camera-required meeting, participants are expected to have their cameras on while participating.

If you join a camera-required meeting with your camera off, the facilitator will remind you of the meeting requirement and give you an opportunity to turn your camera on.

If you prefer not to use your camera, that is okay. You can leave that meeting, and on our meeting finder- filter by "Cameras Optional".  This will help you find a meeting that does not require camera usage.

If you choose to remain in a camera-required meeting, you will need to turn your camera on. Participants who remain camera-off will be asked to leave the meeting or can be removed by the facilitator.

People have different preferences and needs when participating in online meetings.

For some people, having everyone visible on camera can create a greater sense of connection, trust, or comfort. 

For others, being required to use a camera may make it harder to participate. Camera-optional meetings provide the flexibility to take part without being visible on screen.

SMART Recovery wants people to know what to expect before they enter a meeting and to be able to choose the participation option they prefer. That is why cameras remain optional in most online meetings while a limited number of meetings may use a camera-required format.

Neither format is the “right” choice for everyone.

Choose a meeting that is not identified as camera-required.

In camera-optional meetings, you may participate without turning your camera on.

If you accidentally enter a camera-required meeting, the facilitator can help direct you to meetings where cameras are optional.

No. Cameras remain optional in most SMART Recovery online meetings. Camera-required meetings are a limited additional option and will be clearly identified before you join.

Check the meeting listing before joining. It will tell you whether the meeting is camera-required.

If you prefer to participate without using your camera, select one of SMART Recovery’s camera-optional meetings.