Originally Posted by
recoverywfaith 
Can anybody answer the question of what is the differences between AVRT and SMART Recovery?
SMART Recovery was once the Rational Recovery Self-Help Network (RRSHN), which used the Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (RET/REBT) created by Albert Ellis. Once AVRT matured, RR stopped using REBT and shut down the meetings. The RRSHN then re-organized itself as SMART Recovery. SMART is still based mostly on REBT, but does not utilize AVRT. I previously addressed some of the differences in these posts:
For the sake of completeness, here are the official explanations from both organizations.
Originally Posted by SMART Recovery® Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the history of the relationship between SMART Recovery® and Rational Recovery?
A. SMART Recovery, a non-profit corporation, was originally named the Rational Recovery Self-Help Network, and was affiliated with Rational Recovery Systems, a for-profit corporation owned by Jack Trimpey. In 1994 the non-profit changed its name to SMART Recovery, and ended all affiliation with Trimpey. This change occurred because of disagreements between Trimpey and the non-profit's board of directors about the program of recovery to be offered in the self-help groups.
Q. What are the differences between SMART Recovery® and Rational Recovery (RR)?
A. The ultimate organizational authority in SMART Recovery® is the Board of Directors. The ultimate program authority is scientific knowledge and rational thought, as interpreted by the Program Committee and Board of Directors. In RR, the ultimate authority for all issues is the owners. SMART Recovery® has a broad program that includes attention to motivation, urges, problem-solving and lifestyle balance. From the perspective of the SMART Recovery® Program, RR (as of 1997) appears to have a narrower focus, primarily on urge coping. Earlier RR (as expressed in The Small Book, which is on the SMART Recovery® Recommended Reading List) had a broader focus. SMART Recovery® offers groups, publications, and an Internet listserve discussion group. RR offers educational workshops and publications.
Originally Posted by Rational Recovery® Frequently Asked Questions
What is the connection between Rational Recovery and SMART Recovery?
Rational Recovery once sponsored an extensive recovery group network offering cognitive-behavioral therapy along with an undeveloped version of AVRT. Professional counselors were invited to host RR groups as part of their professional practices, and a nonprofit organization was created to manage those activities. When the comprehensive nature of AVRT became better known, and its incompatibility with the psychological disease concept of addiction became clear, the nonprofit board attempted to seize control of the name Rational Recovery®. In 1994, a lawsuit ensued in which Rational Recovery Systems, Inc., prevailed, and the nonprofit organization was denied the right to call itself Rational Recovery® or offer any information or service called Addictive Voice Recognition Technique® (AVRT®). The nameless shell corporation re-named itself and is now doing business as SMART Recovery.
There is no similarity between Rational Recovery and SMART Recovery, despite claims to the contrary.