I actively participate in SMART weekly and AA 3-4 times a week. I listen, learn and grow from both. I take away what works for me and ignore that which does not. I find nothing but positives in both. People talk about 'the culture of AA' of 'SMART does not make the grade because..'. They are 2 different approaches to help people stop drinking, taking drugs (whatever) and remain sober... I enjoy participating actively in both. SMART gives peer based on the ground support on how to cope with every day life. AA- for me tends to be a bit more looking at the past, present and future from a more long term point of view. Not always. AA is also a person one at a time sharing. Then someone else. SMART encourages individuals to progressively share their coping strategies, experiences so we all learn by active participation in a group dynamic.