SMART Recovery Facilitator Training

SMART Recovery (Self Management And Recovery Training) welcomes individuals to address any and all addictive behaviors, including alcohol, methamphetamine, prescription opioids, heroin, nicotine, gambling, pornography, and more. The program focuses on four areas: (1) developing and maintaining motivation for change; (2) coping with urges and cravings; (3) managing thoughts, feelings and behaviors; and (4) living a balanced life. SMART Recovery groups help individuals work toward their personal recovery goals, whether they are seeking to reduce engagement in addictive behaviors or maintain abstinence. All SMART Recovery groups are led by trained volunteers called facilitators.

In partnership with the Douglas County Community Foundation, the Cofrin Logan Center has received a grant to train up to 40 community members to facilitate new and existing SMART Recovery meetings. So far, 20 volunteers have completed facilitator training. Douglas County SMART Recovery facilitators include addiction and mental health professionals, peer support specialists, community volunteers, and individuals in recovery.

The final cohort of SMART Recovery training begins this spring. Facilitator training consists of online training (between 10-20 hours) and four live training sessions (about 16 hours). Those interested in becoming SMART Recovery facilitators are required to attend one of two upcoming orientation sessions in order to sign-up for online training. At the info session, Dr. Liese will provide an overview of SMART Recovery and the facilitator training program. Orientation sessions will be held 9 a.m. Saturday, March 21 and 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 23, both at Lawrence Public Library in Meeting Room B.

After attending orientation and completing online training, facilitators attend live training to learn more about addictive behaviors and group facilitation from Dr. Bruce Liese, clinical director at the Cofrin Logan Center for Addiction Research and Treatment. Training sessions will be held at the following days and times at the Lawrence Public Library. Volunteers must attend at least four of the following eight sessions:

  • Monday, March 30th, 5:00 - 9:00 pm (Meeting Room B)
  • Monday, April 13th, 5:00 - 9:00 pm (Meeting Room C) 
  • Monday, April 20th, 5:00 - 9:00 pm (Meeting Room B)
  • Monday, April 27th, 5:00 - 9:00 pm (Meeting Room B)
  • Saturday, May 9th, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm (Meeting Room B)
  • Saturday, May 16th, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm (Meeting Room B)
  • Saturday, May 23rd, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm (Meeting Room B)
  • Saturday, June 6th, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm (Meeting Room B)

If you have questions or concerns regarding SMART Recovery facilitator training, please contact the program coordinator, Corey Monley, at coreymonley@ku.edu. You may also contact the program director, Dr. Bruce Liese, at bliese@ku.edu.