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The Nitty Gritty of Natural Consequences In Our Family
Chronicles of a CRAFTy Wife, Part Three
Discussion Blog Posts
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.
How Can I Help Her?
michael111 sees a friend in need of help but their contact is pretty limited. How can he use CRAFT? Dominique Simon-Levine charts a course to help this member connect his friend with the support she needs.
We Need to Plan a Visit with HIm
me4clean is planning a visit with her Loved One to have a frank conversation about his drinking. He lives far away and is in legal trouble. Dominique Simon-Levine shares suggestions for approaching this tough conversation.
Should I Confiscate His Drugs?
fissured's Loved One is using at home and she's been confiscating drugs when she finds them. But will this sabatoge the method? Dominique Simon-Levine reponds, illuminating how families can tailor CRAFT to their unique situations.
She’s Trying to Get Her Kids Back, but Still Using
Allies member dhpofamily has guardianship of their grandkids, but mom & dad both use and working out visitation guidelines has been an enormous challenge. Dominique Simon-Levine weighs in with a CRAFT approach.
He May Still Be Gambling
Lynne72 feels conflicted about a recent exchange with her Loved One. He reported some good news, but left out information that left her wanting to inquire further… Here Dominique Simon-Levine shows how we can get CRAFTy with communication skills.
She Says She Won’t Do Residential Treatment
da-mommy's Loved One keeps calling from detox. Full of complaints, she is refusing to go on to residential. In this post, see how the family can find clarity during this unstable time.