Discussion Blog
Latest Discussion Blog Post
The Holidays: Cheer, Challenges, and Strategies
Annie Highwater’s guide to surviving and thriving this season.
Discussion Blog Posts
How Hard Should He Fall?
Is danger a regular part of your dance with your Loved One? Do you find it hard to know when to step in and when to let them find their own solution? Here Dominique Simon-Levine highlights one member's situation and points to the light she can follow.
I Don’t Want to Have Compassion for Him Right Now
Blueskies watched her husband drinking more and more for decades. Then he got treatment and got sober. Now he's drinking again. So many ups and downs — it's so exhausting and disheartening. She wonders, is it OK to retreat a little right now? Is she allowed to wallow a bit?
Is He Too Young to Be Considered Addicted?
Is your Loved One just experimenting or could you be witnessing the early stages of addiction? Regardless of the severity of your Loved One’s use, when their behavior has become worrisome, it is time to get CRAFTy.
We’re Visiting Him Soon – How Can I Address His Denial?
When you have to travel across the country to visit your Loved One, only to see them wasting their lives on drug and alcohol, it can feel like a helpless situation. Dominique Simon-Levine writes here about how make the most of the opportunities in front of you.
I’m Trying to Let Go of the Last 15 Years
Has your Loved One been struggling for what feels like forever? Do you feel like you have tried everything or maybe even done too much? Read here about how CRAFT can provide you a fresh perspective when you don’t know what to do anymore.
I Don’t Know What’s Right Anymore
An Allies member wonders if she can even go on, reeling from the constant stream of destruction and drama in her Loved One's life. She doesn't even know what to believe any more. Here we offer direction for when you simply cannot see your way through.
He Ransacks the House for the Drugs I Confiscated
If a family member has confiscated a Loved One's stash, is it ever appropriate to dole it out in small amounts in order to prevent them from further risks? Read Dominique Simon-Levine's thoughtful and well-informed response to this extremely challenging question.
When the Wish Came, I Didn’t See It
She's receiving texts from her significant other but she suspects he's intoxicated when sending them. Looking back, she fears she missed a 'wish' and the opportunity to jump in with treatment options. How can we apply CRAFT when communication is distorted?
Their Influence Is Ruining My Efforts
Our member’s loved one was supposed to come home but is now back on the streets. In the wake of this major setback, our member questions the influence of her daughter’s boyfriend and his family. Read here to learn how to be CRAFTy when there's a third party that could be impairing your Loved One’s recovery.
I Cherish Every Atom of Her Being
When our Loved Ones are spiraling downward and cutting us off more and more, we suffer, we are so afraid, and sad. What does CRAFT suggest for the family member in times like these? Even in such a seemingly hopeless situation, you still have several action items…
He’s so Agitated, how can I Help?
While a Loved One tries to navigate life at home without using, he's grown increasingly snappy and impatient. Dominique Simon-Levine shines a light on the best approach for holding one's ground during this tense time.
We Need to Find the Middle Ground
This family needs help practicing CRAFT with their Loved One. He's been in and out of treatment for years, and not everyone is in agreement about the best approach. Here we chart a course to help get everyone on the same page.
Is He Really in Recovery?
A member poses an interesting question: if a Loved One is on MAT and occasionally slips up, can this be considered recovery? Dominique Simon-Levine weighs in with an important discussion of recovery activities and the bigger picture.
The Power of Language
Laurie MacDougall discusses the dramatic impact that language has on our discussions of Substance Use Disorder. Let's work together to reduce stigma, improve access to treatment, and embrace a more humane approach to our Loved Ones' struggles – all with the words we choose.
We Don’t Want to Enable His Use
A member wants to keep communications open but is concerned that her Loved One only connects with them on his terms. Dominique Simon-Levine lays out the CRAFT approach to help this family break their unproductive cycles.
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.