Discussion Blog
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Unpacking Natural Consequences: What Are They and How Do They Work?
Chronicles of a CRAFTy wife, part one
Discussion Blog Posts
Our Conversations Are So Frustrating
lucyzara has been meeting for breakfast with her Loved One but they keep arguing about his use. Should she stop meeting with him? Dominique Simon-Levine shows how a CRAFT approach can help…
I Want to Handle Vacation Differently This Time
Her husband's problem drinking usually gets worse on holidays. This time, she wants to avoid getting angry but their small condo might make that challenging. We've suggested some ways to implement CRAFT away from home.
Is He Sabotaging His Recent Success?
mandybrownaz's Loved One has a promising job lead, and is showing hopeful signs here and there. But he still has periods of use – why do Loved Ones sabatoge themselves when they start to succeed in the real world? Dominique Simon-Levine shares her insights.
He’s Out of Jail and Drinking Again
katie1chad 's Loved One is just out of jail, but his plans to turn things around may have evaporated. She wants to help but communications are touch and go. Dominique Simon-Levine frames an approach to keep things moving forward while maintaining peace of mind.
He’s Rewriting Our Past, It’s Delusional
Couples go through a profound change when one of them stops using drugs and alcohol. The family has waited for so long, has lived through so much craziness and fear, frustration and anger, and it is such a relief when they finally stop, that you expect everything going forward to finally let up.
Must I Accept this Backslide?
Fireweed3's daughter is hanging on to recovery by her fingernails. Mom would like to "uninvite" the (using) boyfriend from visiting/staying. What if we flip the solution on its head…what if we see the boyfriend as the reward? Also… what does it mean when an opiate user is smoking pot all day?
Diabetes With Multiple Addictions
1delapisa's Loved One struggles with severe addictions, Type 1 Diabetes and mental illness. He needs substantial support but refuses to discuss it. Dominique Simon-Levine charts a path towards safer ground… And we're putting a call out to members who have experience with longer-term care options when a Loved One also has serious medical conditions.
TV Can Be A Tricky Reward
Settling on appropriate rewards can be quite a challenge. Dominique Simon-Levine explains how to think clearly about rewards so that they are palatable for the whole famiy.
Drama
Addiction and Drama seem to go hand in hand. Here Annie Highwater shares a refreshing approach to avoid engaging with the drama – helping us save our energy for more important things!
The Argument For MAT
When we talk about Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), many questions tend to come up. Read here for Dominique Simon-Levine's thoughtful and well-researched answers to MAT related questions.
I’m Working On My Own Recovery
AB123 is facing some hard truths as she looks back on the past ten years. Her Loved One is finally sober, but he has yet to acknowledge what he put the family through. Dominique Simon-Levine offers sage advice on what to expect at this point in a Loved One's recovery.
I Need Help With Her Living Situation
With trauma in her past, finding safe living options for a Loved One is a challenge. Dominique Simon-Levine lays out a plan and asks the membership: Do others on the site have suggestions for female residential care that is trauma-focused?
His Rehab Didn’t Allow Suboxone
A Loved One has had long stretches of sobriety, but during relapses he has faced enormous challenges getting help. Dominique Simon-Levine details the top considerations for helping him as he leaves rehab.
Where Can He Go After Rehab?
A Loved One will be finishing rehab soon but coming back home is not ideal… He can be angry and hard to be around. Here Dominique Simon-Levine discusses how you can keep your home your own without turning your back on your Loved One.
Addiction Is Like A Flood
Annie Highwater shares more words of wisdom with the community. Here's a lovely reminder for family members that 1) we have work to do! and 2) recovery is a beautiful thing.
I’m Foster Parenting Her Kids
MommaB3 is raising her Loved One's kids, and she's at a loss. It seems impossbile to understand how a parent can choose drugs over their children. Dominique Simon-Levine shares her wisdom to help chart a path forward for the family.
He’s Not Taking The Suboxone…
A Loved One is spinning out of control again. His family member is torn about paying for another 3 weeks at the Suboxone clinic since it seems like he isn't taking it. Dominique Simon-Levine weighs in with an approach to offering the Loved One support.
Showing a Loved One the Door
hopefulin2018 is facing a big transition. It looks like her Loved One will be asked to leave the house in a few weeks. Dominique Simon-Levine lays out a sound approach for embracing this transition with grace and compassion.
I Can’t Bear Another Relapse
Milliemouse is in despair having learned of her Loved One's recent use. She doesn't know whether or not to bring it up. Dominique Simon-Levine examines how a family member can manage their own expectations and thinking around a Loved One's progress.
I’m Worried He’s Relapsing
A family member wonders if she should bring up concerns about relapse. Her Loved One doesn't live near her and he's battling alcoholism on top of serious mental health issues. Take a look at a CRAFT perspective on connecting with an isolated Loved One in early recovery.