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Can Anyone Help Me with the CRAFT Method?

man in therapy, hands up (small)

An Allies member wrote in wondering whether there are therapists trained in the CRAFT method to provide individual support and guidance.

This post originally appeared on our Member Site blog, where experts respond to members’ questions and concerns. To sign up for our special offer for the Allies in Recovery eLearning program, click here.

 

“This is a great resource, and helpful. One thing I would like to see are resources for family members who want individual support. Are there counselors out there who are familiar with this approach? I don’t find it helpful when someone I am consulting tells me to just turn my back on my son. I would like to have a resource for myself, someone who can listen and advise, with an up to date understanding of addiction, CRAFT etc.”

 

Counselors well-versed in the CRAFT method are few and far between

Even though the CRAFT method has been studied widely, it is poorly disseminated across the country. One reason for this is that insurance doesn’t reimburse therapy for the family. You need to be the identified patient in order for the work with a therapist to be reimbursed.

The person who developed the approach at the University of New Mexico does however provide a short list of CRAFT-certified providers:  https://www.robertjmeyersphd.com/download/CertifiedTherapists.pdf

 

CRAFT Method Online at Allies in Recovery

We built our members-only eLearning site to promote the CRAFT method and to make it accessible to everyone. The eLearning Modules and exercises on this site are designed so that you, the family member supporting your loved one, can learn the essential tools of the CRAFT method on your own. I invite you to view our Introductory Module to see how our program works. I understand that the site isn’t a substitute for solid therapy but there are many ways it can still be very useful.

 

How to get the most out of the member site:

  1. We encourage new members to start with a free phone consultation with an Allies in Recovery Advocate. The advocate will then guide you to the most appropriate resources on our site. You may also return for a refresher phone call if needed (also free of charge).
  2. As you just did, ask your questions. Reach out to others on the site who are using the CRAFT method in their life. Our private messaging feature allows you to maintain your privacy.
  3. The blog posts provide answers to questions our members have brought up. I’m certain there will be some posts you will relate to. Some recurring topics are: ‘natural consequences’, ‘rewards’, ‘negative emotions’, ‘relapse’, ‘self-care’ and ‘shame’
  4. Find a therapist you like and provide him/her with this site. You can then ask them to work through the Video Modules and eLearning exercises together with you.

 

An evidence-based approach

Families definitely need trained help to handle someone abusing alcohol or drugs. Our eLearning program using the CRAFT method goes beyond just an intervention. We help families address all the possible situations that come up.
 
The science has proven that turning your back on a loved one isn’t the answer. People with addiction need to know they are loved, and that support for getting help is available to them. They also need to be treated with dignity. Meanwhile, you need the right support to be able to react in ways that unblock the situation and move your loved one towards recovery.
 
We hope that the member website, with the personalized guidance we provide, the solid CRAFT-based teachings, and the opportunity to connect with others in similar situations, will meet your needs and move you forward.

 

A membership at Allies in Recovery brings you into contact with experts in the fields of recovery and treatment for drug and alcohol issues. Our learning platform teaches you the CRAFT method and guides you through the best techniques for unblocking the situation. Together we will move your loved one towards recovery. Learn more here.

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ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (AA World Services, Inc.) Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other, that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. This is an informational website for anyone interested in learning more about their organization, 12-step program of recovery, and how to find local meetings. PHONE: 212.870.3400 Click here for Online AA Meetings What is AA? What to Expect in an AA Meeting  What is Anonymity in AA?  AA INTERGROUP ONLINE MEETING FINDER IN THE ROOMS In The Rooms offers over 150+ weekly live online meetings, a variety 12-Step and Non-12- Step Fellowships, and Specialty meetings. Some of our most popular meetings are AA, NA, ACA, Al-Anon, and Nar-Anon meetings, and much more. In The Rooms has 69 live online AA meetings weekly, so there’s bound to be one that fits your schedule! We have specialty AA meetings too, like AA Pride (LGBTQ). We also have an Agnostic AA meeting, if you’re seeking a meeting without a secular approach to recovery. We have 30 NA meetings on ITR weekly. Like AA, there’s also an NA Pride meeting (LGBTQ) and an Agnostic NA meeting. For support for the family, friends, and allies of those in recovery, In The Rooms has both Al-Anon and Nar-Anon meetings, which each meeting, 1-3 times a week. We also have many other 12-step fellowship groups, like Gamblers Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, and Sex Addicts Anonymous, CODA, Dual Diagnosis, and much more. If you can think of a Recovery fellowship, we probably have it.  FULL LISTING of LIVE VIRTUAL/ONLINE MEETINGS  12Step.Org We strive to provide information, tools, and resources for working a 12 Step program (or any program using 12 step principles for recovery) in as simple and effective way as possible. Online Meeting Calendar Online Video Meetings Phone Meetings Forums, Text Chats, and Email Meetings List RECOVERY DHARMA Recovery Dharma is a peer-led movement and community that is unified by our trust in the potential of each of us to recover and find freedom from the suffering of addiction. We believe that the traditional Buddhist teachings, often referred to as…