Discussion Blog
Latest Discussion Blog Post
We Want To Help Our Daughter. We Want Some Boundaries Too.
Both of these aims are important and legitimate. CRAFT skills can help us enact them.
Discussion Blog Posts
She’s Back From Rehab But On Shaky Ground
Fireweed3's Loved One may be heading towards relapse, but she's only just gotten home from rehab. It's a real strain to have things start off this way. See how Dominique Simon-Levine uses the CRAFT method to frame an approach.
It’s Time to Leave
Can you practice CRAFT when you are fearful for your own safety? Dominique Simon-Levine gives clear direction to a member who has reached out for help.
Her Behavior Is So Hurtful
michael111's Loved One is entrenched in a social group that allows him little chance to interact with her meaningfully. She's inconsistent in the way she treats him, which brings up a lot of uncertainty. Dominique Simon-Levine lays out a course to direct him through this uncertain terrain.
He’s Withdrawing At Home
A Loved One is trying to detox at home and wants to be left alone. What role should a family member play while a Loved One is suffering from withdrawals? Dominique Simon-Levine provides clear guidance for families in this situation.
My Contact with Her Is So Limited
A Loved One is responding less to texts now. Things changed fast with Covid and a new living situation puts her around more use than before. But this member is determined to help. Dominique Simon-Levine suggests strategies for refocusing.
He’s Hiding Away for Most of the Day
He reached out for help from her after jail, and is getting MAT… she knows he hasn't gone anywhere as they live far out in the country. But he's secluding himself so much, she can't tell what he's up to.
Whenever She’s Not Working, She’s Drinking
A member seeks guidance about boundaries. Her Loved One drinks constantly when not at work… they can't ask her to leave right now. Dominique Simon-Levine suggests a new approach for the family to adopt.
He’s on the Streets with Nothing
A member's partner isn't on board with CRAFT. Her Loved One was recently thrown out of the house, and now he's on the streets with nothing. She has no way to reach him, but can't invite him back home even if she could. Dominique Simon-Levine spells out the best steps to take next…
He Was Drinking Alone in the Motel
A member is putting her Loved One up in a motel as he addresses some serious health concerns. But she just discovered he was drinking again and is torn about what to do. Dominique Simon-Levine offers guidance with a CRAFT perspective.
Should I Let Her Stay?
An ultimatum seems too harsh, but if this member doesn't lay down expectations for help around the house, is she preventing her Loved One from learning to become an adult? Guest contributor Patrick Doyle, LICSW, lends his expertise to this important question.
He’s Left Us With Nothing
She's tried everything to get him help and save their marriage. But now this member is facing financial ruin due to her Loved One's outrageous spending and use. Where can she turn? Dominique Simon-Levine offers sage counsel.
Setting Up for Her to Come Back Home
A Loved One has expressed some desire to get help, but her using boyfriend complicates the situation. Dominique Simon-Levine lays out the essential pieces of a plan to get her moving in the right direction.
How Can I Apply CRAFT to this Exchange?
Concerned about her Loved One's use, with only phone and email to connect, a member asks for the CRAFT stance on a recent exchange. Here we take a look at strategies for practicing CRAFT from afar.
How Can We Avoid the Arguments?
A member recently received a request from her Loved One but didn't respond – she was sure it would end in arguing. Laurie MacDougall shares her wisdom for building new, healthy communication patterns – even in challenging situations.
Moving Forward After a Relapse
Writing in with an update about her Loved One's recent relapse, this Allies member shares her raw and heartfelt reflections. She is clear about her path forward and exhibits a resilience we can all learn from.
Texting to Perfection
Now that texting is the main mode of communication with her Loved One, a member wonders about the best way to use CRAFT in this medium. Dominique Simon-Levine suggests an upfront approach.
The Question of Moderation
An Allies member has had a rocky year with her Loved One in and out of treatment. He's back at home now, but wants to try moderation and the thought of this is deeply worrisome. Dominique Simon-Levine suggests a plan to help navigate this experiment.
We’re Weighing the Pros & Cons of Different Medications
A Loved One has relapsed again and the family is in the process of meeting with doctors to consider new medications. Dominique Simon-Levine lends her expertise to the complex question of medication assisted treatment.
She Continues to Prostitute Herself
Allies member tinasananes discovered that her Loved One was still prostituting even as she was getting support in early recovery. She's furious and doesn't know how to let it go. Here we share strategies for facing incredibly challenging feelings while sharpening your focus on the work ahead.
How Do We Talk to Our Grandson?
1Sugarbear poses an important question. How do we approach discussions of a Loved One's SUD and its repercussions with younger family members? Guest contributor Leslie Leff, LICSW presents a thoughtful and practical approach.