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How Our Messy Feelings Got In the Way of Natural Consequences
Chronicles of a CRAFTy Wife, Part Two
Discussion Blog Posts
He’s Backsliding and Far Away – Should I Fly Down?
This member lives far from her son who struggles with alcohol use. A recent breakup is causing him to backslide after some real progress. Mom wonders if she should fly down to help him through this…yet at the same time she knows her health requires her attention and care right now…
Relapse or No Relapse? How Can I Proceed CRAFTily?
Allies member Milliemouse is keeping a close watch on her son's finances as he navigates early recovery. There seem to have been some slip-ups of late, and she wants to address things in a CRAFTy way. Is it essential to know for sure if there has indeed been a relapse?
I Wish I Could Hire Someone to Help Her Handle Life
Early recovery can feel just as shaky, chaotic and challenge-filled as life before recovery. Help4t's daughter is struggling to keep up with everything, from drug testing toOCC appointments, to outstanding bills etc. Her whole life just seems to be total chaos. How can her family support her right now?
He Won’t Respect Any of Our Boundaries
Tuesday42 needs better strategies for addressing her boyfriend's son's chronic use and troubling behavior in their house. Dominique Simon-Levine takes a fresh look at ways the family can move things along.
She Went to Court for a DUI
Kate44 reaches out for advice about whether or not to pay her Loved One's rent. Read on for Dominique Simon-Levine's suggestions and important considerations.
I Feel Like I’m Drowning…Will I Live Through this?
When I continue struggling and fighting the circumstances that I have done all I possibly can to change or improve, I sink further into them. Continuing to resist and struggle is when I become stuck in misery and madness. Notably anything (and at times anyone) I grab onto for rescue is often a slippery disappointment, taking me further down.
Where Do You Draw the Line?
The way you relate to your Loved One is full of patterns. Though it's not a quick or easy process, Dominique Simon-Levine suggests that changing those deep groves we get stuck in is key to helping your Loved One.
Is Hoping and Praying All I Can Do?
Lynne72's Loved One lives far away and seems to call all the shots. When he only contacts the family on his own terms, it leaves her feeling helpless. Dominique Simon-Levine offers strategies to make small but meaningful shifts, even from afar.
Can You Let Him Suffer on the Couch?
Having myself been on the couch, I can say with almost total assuredness that your partner knows the severe withdrawals are due to the stimulant drug. Blaming depression is his way of getting you off his back. Can you follow these suggestions? Can you let him suffer on the couch until he starts asking for help?
Success! Here’s What We Did That Worked:
Two members share inspiring accounts of their Loved Ones' progress. CRAFT made a huge difference in their lives… read on for heartfelt reflections and meaningful guidance for the whole community.
It May Be Time to Cut Her Off
This member is at the end of his rope, having tried everything to support his partner who is misusing opiates. He may have arrived at the end of his rope. Letting her stay may simply be enabling her addiction and preventing her from feeling the natural consequences of her actions…
He’s Slipping Up and Hiding it from Me Again
abc123's Loved One has been slipping up recently. She's grapping with trust, especially as he may be caring for their son while using. Dominique Simon-Levine suggests a way to shift the dynamics in the coming weeks.
How Could We Let it Come This Far?
iagirlsmom doesn't know how she's managed to let it come to this. Her Loved One seems incapable of respecting any boundary – and she can't seem to enforce them. Dominique Simon-Levine lends her expertise to lay out a simple but meaningful plan for the family.
He’s Not Letting Me In
Lynne72 seeks guidance about dealing with her son who is getting some help, but has largely retreated into secrecy about his activities. To help her maintain peace of mind, Dominique Simon-Levine offers a clear, CRAFTy course to follow.
The Benzo Question and My Own Experience
Lynne72 has mixed feelings about the klonopin her son is taking. But his psychiatrist is not concerned as long as it's being taken as prescribed. Dominique Simon-Levine delivers a helpful and considered perspective while sharing deeply of her own experience.
She Can’t Come Back Home
iagirlsmom has come to the realization that her home can no longer be open to her Loved One. But holding this line feels unfathomable as the cold of winter approaches. Dominique Simon-Levine offers support with a way to frame the conversation.
My Adopted Son Is in the Criminal Justice System
thislifesucks sends in an update about her son's court appearance. She's trying to keep a low profile – he doesn't want her involved at all – and the burn of his rejection is still raw. Dominique Simon-Levine shares some words of wisdom with this family member.
It’s Always the Same Old Story
1delapisa shares concerns that her Loved One is perpetually in the same aimless state. He refuses to address his Diabetes, he can't hold a job, nothing seems to work. Dominique Simon-Levine suggests a starting point.
Is Jail the Safest Place for Him?
When is it a good idea to turn a Loved One in to the authorities? A recent conversation on this topic prompted a member to write in… Dominique Simon-Levine's reply unpacks this very difficult question.
Multiple Addictions and Dopamine
A psychaitrist suggested that a Loved One take medication to increase dopamine levels. Here Dominique Simon-Levine addresses the complex topic of dopamine circuitry in addiction.