SMART recovery returns with face-to-face meetings at Tanilba Bay

The SMART (self managed and recovery training) recovery program meets every Saturday at 10am at the Centre for Hope in Tanilba Bay, through the support of the Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre.

Facilitator and local resident Sarah Withey said that the sessions were open to people of all ages and covered all addictions including alcohol, drugs, gambling, food, exercise and shopping.

"As someone with lived experience, I fell in love with the concept because of its wide ranging support and the fact that it offers lifestyle balance," she said.

"We offer a supporting environment with no judgement. For some people addiction can be a bit of a merry-go-round, we want to change perceptions, dispel the stigma and support people in ridding the baggage that often comes with addiction.

"It doesn't always have to result in 100 per cent abstinence ... each week we focus on one specific area through discussions and understanding the background to each addiction."

Ms Withey said that her experience since attending SMART recovery groups had been cathartic.

"I now want to give back to my community by sharing my story. Since starting we have achieved a number of successes ... there is nothing like knowing you have helped someone overcome their addiction."

The weekly meetings are free to attend and facilitated by trained local community members and support is based on harm minimisation.

SMART Recovery is part of Tilligerry Connect, run by Dr Marie Shieh, from the Tanilba Bay Medical Centre.

"Research shows that the number of calls to alcohol support services in 2021 was triple that made before the COVID-19 pandemic," Dr Sheih said.

"A report from the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) blames this surge on higher levels of stress and anxiety, as well as boredom and isolation during lockdown. Parents, the unemployed or people with insecure jobs were all more likely to drink during the pandemic, the report found.

"Study director Luke Hutchins said the psychological impacts of coronavirus had been linked to more risky drinking."

Sessions are run every Saturday from 10-11.30am at the old Girls Guides Hall opposite the Tilligerry Scout Hall at 2 Coweambah Way, Tanilba Bay.

For more information contact Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre at tomaree@bigpond.net.au or on 4984 6220.

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