A new chapter for Sue
SMART Recovery and surfboards
Recovery from alcohol and/or other drug use concerns doesn’t have to be a solitary journey. At Sonder, our clinicians see connection and community as key elements in the path to healing.
Sue and Matthew, two participants in Sonder’s SMART Recovery program, experienced that power firsthand — discovering friendship, motivation, and even a shared surf lesson along the way.
What is SMART Recovery?
SMART Recovery is a free, evidence-based program that supports people to make positive changes around alcohol and/or other drug use. Through weekly online group meetings, participants learn practical tools to manage cravings, stay motivated, and set achievable goals in a supportive, non-judgemental space.
Sonder delivers SMART Recovery across regional South Australia, helping people connect, share experiences, and work toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Sue began her journey with Sonder as a client receiving one-on-one therapy. After seven months of support, Peer Practitioner Justin encouraged her to train as a Peer Leader for a newly established SMART Recovery group.
What began as a step into peer support quickly grew into something much more.
“These weekly sessions have taught me so much,” Sue says. “I feel privileged to be part of a safe place where everyone is respected and valued as we set and review our SMART goals.”
Surf’s up!
During one group discussion, Sue discovered that another member, Matthew, was a keen surfer – and surfing just happened to be on her bucket list. Without hesitation, she asked if he’d give her a lesson.
Matthew agreed, and their goals for the week became hitting the waves together.
“It was an amazing experience,” Sue says. “By the end of the year, I might even be able to stand on the board!”
Matthew’s journey
Matthew’s own journey with Sonder came about when he reached out for one-on-one support during a difficult withdrawal period. He was using opioids to cope with deep emotional pain.
“I had a lot of physical and mental health issues,” Matthew explains. “Lots of anxiety attached to stigma and loneliness. But working with Sheree and Justin, and joining the SMART group, connected me with people who understood.”
Now, he describes feeling “reborn,” with a renewed sense of purpose and a positive outlook on life once again. He sees teaching Sue how to surf as a symbol of growth and potential.
“Being able to bond with Sue and teach her how to surf has been extremely rewarding. It’s sparked new ideas and aspirations for the future, like helping people in recovery.”
A deeper message
Peer Practitioner Justin reflects on the journey fondly. “As far as I know, no one was harmed in the achievement of this goal — except Sue was grossed out by some seaweed, and some innocent fish were slightly alarmed,” he jokes.
On a more serious note, he adds, “Sue and Matthew’s story illustrates that recovery doesn’t have to be lonely. The transition from one-on-one work to group sessions has helped many people build meaningful relationships.”
Their experience is a great reminder that recovery isn’t just about rehabilitation – it’s about building a life filled with meaning, hope, and purpose. Sometimes that means coming together as a group to set, achieve, and hold each other accountable for personal goals. Other times, it means paddling out into the surf for the first time with a new friend.
More about SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery is a proven, practical approach that helps people overcome alcohol and/or other drug use concerns and problematic behaviours. Based on techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), it supports individuals to stay motivated, manage cravings, handle difficult thoughts and emotions, and build a more balanced, healthy life.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this approach, you can stay updated on the Sonder-led SMART Recovery meetings facilitated by Peer Practitioner Justin at the following link: au.meetings.smartrecovery.org/meetings/1327
The SMART group is held on Ngarrindjeri land and was developed in collaboration with Moorundi. Clients of both services participate in the group.