Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) Archives

Too Much Advice! How Did Everyone I Know Become An Expert in Substance Use Disorder?

Often, it’s given with the best intentions. Sometimes it comes with judgment or moralizing. Either way, unsolicited advice can drain our energy and …

Laurie MacDougall July 25, 2023

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“What We All Require Is To Be Heard”: Kayla Solomon On Effective Communication and Connection

In March 2023, Allies in Recovery's very own Kayla Solomon led a 90-minute ZOOM conversation with leaders of the East Bay chapter of the National Alli…

rredick May 12, 2023

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What Do “Using” and “Not Using” Really Mean?

In this closer look at Module 5, you’ll learn a tenet of CRAFT – rewarding positive behavior and removing rewards for negative behavior. When it c…

Allies in Recovery May 8, 2023

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What Are Natural Consequences? More on Modules 5 & 6

CRAFT is like a menu. The better your awareness of patterns from watching yourself and your loved one – over time – and experimenting to see what …

Allies in Recovery May 8, 2023

How CRAFT Can Help: Supporting Your Partner to Successfully Moderate Opiate Use

His partner is trying to moderate her use of heroin and methamphetamine with no formal support. Her use consumes so much of his partner's life that it…

Allies in Recovery May 5, 2023

I Don’t Want To Ignore What’s Happening. And I Don’t Want To Accuse.

Fortunately, CRAFT skills can help us avoid both extremes. Faith asks a basic, vital question — and one that Allies in Recovery writer Laurie MacDou…

Laurie MacDougall May 5, 2023

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What Do “Using” and “Not Using” Really Mean?

In this closer look at Module 5, you’ll learn a tenet of CRAFT – rewarding positive behavior and removing rewards for negative behavior. When it c…

Allies in Recovery May 1, 2023

Will His Vaping Lead Him Right Back To Use?

It can be hard—perhaps even impossible—not to worry when a Loved One who struggles with SUD exhibits changes in behavior. Even when many of those …

Laurie MacDougall April 28, 2023

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How to Use the CRAFT Approach to Communicate with a Loved One Living with Substance Use Disorder

Substance Use Disorder can often involve volatile emotions on all sides. When family members use the CRAFT approach that we teach at AlliesinRecovery.…

Laurie MacDougall April 28, 2023

The Important Difference Between Bribes, Incentives, and Positive Reinforcement

A mom wrote in asking for guidance on whether she should offer to reward her son for attending addiction recovery group meetings. However, she is unsu…

Laurie MacDougall March 10, 2023