Discussion Blog
Latest Discussion Blog Post
Feeling Empowered and Hopeful as an Ally to My Boyfriend
Problematic alcohol use isn’t on anyone’s wish list for a relationship, but CRAFT can make the challenge easier to bear
Discussion Blog Posts
She Reached Out for Help from Jail
Hoopmann1's daughter called her from jail asking for help. She was able to step in and work closely with the courts to usher her pregnant Loved One into safety and treatment. We are so proud of her tireless behind-the-scenes work.
Getting Ready for Her to Move Back In
A Loved One has nowhere to go after treatment, and the family wants to allow her to stay on certain conditions. This can be a tense time for everyone. Here we offer guidance about how to frame the agreements.
She’s Pregnant and Still Using – And I Don’t Know Where She Is
A Loved One is using while pregnant and the family is beside themselves. Guest author Laurie MacDougall steps in to share her knowledge of programs for mothers with SUD, and offer guidance about reaching out to offer help.
Facing the Truth About a Loved One
Coming to terms with harsh realities is not easy. But it is so important in helping us to move forward. Guest writer Annie Highwater shares insight that will help us find the way to "solutions, sanity, peace, and progress."
Should I Hold His Money for Him?
How would CRAFT approach helping a Loved One keep his newly earned cash safe while he works on his recovery. Here we show how to strike a balance between helpfulness and over-monitoring.
She’s Back at Home with a Daybed and Locker
help4t's daughter has wound up back at home after violating probation and a few months of active use. It's a shock to see her in this state again. Here Dominique Simon-Levine provides a way to approach the next few months…
She’s About to Be Back on the Streets
tinasananes is torn. Her Loved One keeps cycling between rehabs and a very rough life on the streets. It feels like it's time to walk away. Dominique Simon-Levine offers her perspective to help this mom face what comes next.
He Wants to Try Moderation
A member wonders if supporting her Loved One in his efforts to moderate is a good idea. Dominique Simon-Levine weighs in with careful consideration of non-abstinence-based recovery models.
He Claims We Kicked Him Out
A Loved One left home when the family held strong with their boundaries… he's been destructive in the past but still takes no respobsibility for his behavior. Dominique Simon-Levine helps the family chart a course through these rough waters as he begins to transition into adulthood.
He Finally Ended Up With a DUI
Could a DUI be the push a Loved One needs to make a fresh start? How will he navigate things without transportation of his own? Dominique Simon-Levine highlights how the family can make the most out of this situation.
She Begged to Leave Treatment
She was released from detox and found herself treatment… but when she arrived she panicked and begged Mom to pick her up. How do we keep trust intact in this situation? Dominique Simon Levine examines this question with a CRAFT lens.
I Don’t Want to Threaten Him – But There’s So Much at Stake!
A Loved One grapples with legal troubles. He's working on cleaning up, but with multiple substances involved, he's not there yet. There's so much at stake and everyone's feeling the strain. See our strategy for taking a clear, supportive stance when everyone's nerves are frayed.
Rewards for Today or Consequences for Yesterday?
Woods is thankful their LO isn't using after a hard few weeks, but his finances are a mess. Is this a time for natural consequences from his past behaviors? Dominique Simon-Levine weighs with a CRAFT perspective.
He’s On Methadone and Frequently Relapsing with Alcohol
This young man is currently in detox, evaluating next steps. He's on Methadone and Mom wonders about different MAT alternatives. He needs recovery supports and a mental health evaluation. Here Dominique Simon-Levine shares her thoughts on what resources he needs the most right now and how to best guide him in that direction.
Drug Testing at Home? Some Things to Consider…
Laurie MacDougall responds to a member to explain what she and her husband did when they let their son move back home to work on his recovery. They created a structure of boundaries that he had to abide by in order to live in our house…
Incentives vs. Bribes – 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 strategic approach to use with your Loved One, and look out for her "Buyer Beware" caveat!
I’m Back To The Drawing Board
A Loved One seems to have one foot in the door with recovery activities, and the other foot stuck in the old using lifestyle. Dominique Simon-Levine's counsel highlights what to focus on in this difficult time of transition.
He’s Asked Us To Pay For His Car…
A member has already agreed to cover her Loved One's sober housing, but now he wants help with car and insurance too, and money is tight. Should his parents do everything they possibly can to support him in sober living, or can the car come later?
Should He Move In With Me?
A member faces a tough decision. A plan to move in together would have her Loved One moving abroad to live with her… but she'd be his only support and he's still in early sobriety. Dominique Simon-Levine weighs in with an approach to protect both of them.
Where Do We Draw The Line?
A young woman has relapsed after 1.5 years of abstinence, but her parents don't think the substance use is the issue. When it comes time to sit down with her, what boundaries would be helpful to set? Dominique Simon-Levine offers counsel for laying out a solid plan.