I’m Not the One Who’s Sending Him to Jail
An Allies in Recovery Member has been caught in a long cycle of “bailing out” their Loved One after every relapse. Sometimes it’s been money …
Rewards
You’ve heard of enabling use, but we teach you how to enable non-use. Learn how to apply rewards when your loved one isn’t using, and enable sober moments.
When a loved one is not using, don’t miss the opportunity to reward them. By actively enabling sober moments you provide something that is pleasing to your loved one, and you also prolong their non-use.
What does a reward look like? It can be spontaneous or it can be something planned (because you have previously identified patterns of use and sobriety).
Boundaries and Rewards: Tips on Using CRAFT When a Family Member is Drinking and Not Cooperating
An Allies in Recovery member is encountering difficulties with removing rewards and holding boundaries. They're asking their loved one to leave when h…
My Son is Using Methamphetamines Again. What are My Next Steps? And is There Hope for His Recovery?
A Loved One has started using methamphetamine again but is getting therapy for depression. Should our member wait to see if therapy helps, if he exhib…
She Self-Medicates for Social Anxiety and Refuses Treatment
Social anxiety is way more than shyness. Many cases of SAD involve substances as well as depression. Self-medicating can appear to help but may also b…
It’s Okay Not to Have Hope – I Was There Too – but Hopelessness led me to Hope, and Success
It takes greater strength to process your feelings than to pretend everything is fine.
I Can’t Tell If He Is Using or Not
With her son living far away from her, she finds it difficult to tell whether he has been using or not when they do get to talk.
Bribes, Incentives, and Positive Reinforcement – Part 2
In this follow-up to her post on incentives, bribes and reinforcing, Laurie MacDougall shares her "One and Done" approach. Read on for a practical and…
Bribes, Incentives, and Positive Reinforcement – Part 1
A family member writes in wondering about rewarding her loved one for attending a few recovery group meetings. Guest author and recovery enthusiast La…
Rewards For Today or Consequences For Yesterday
She's thankful her loved one is no longer using, but his finances are a mess. Should she allow natural consequences for his past use even if it means …