Discussion Blog
Latest Discussion Blog Post
Does This Story Have An Ending?
Recovery journeys are often long and difficult—believe us, we know—but CRAFT skills can help you not lose your way.
Discussion Blog Posts
She’s on Methadone but Still Using Meth
A Loved One has finally started treatment, but she has a long ways to go. The family member wonders, is she just doing this to get me off her back? Take a look at how Dominique Simon-Levine uses a CRAFT approach to work with this situation.
Loved One with Diabetes Goes to ER with Severe Withdrawals
1delapsia's Loved One landed in the ER, in the midst of full-blown withdrawals, narrowly escaping a diabetic coma. The doctors spelled out the situation in no uncertain terms: the addiction is the gravest threat to his health right now. See how to take a CRAFT approach in the aftermath of this scare.
Victories!
When you are feeling low and discouraged, perhaps you will find strength and encouragement in the experiences of other members who have used to CRAFT successfully with their Loved Ones. If they can, you can!
Member Poll – Let’s Talk About Frustration
Polling all members! Author and recovery enthusiast Annie Highwater is doing some research on the topic of frustration… Read her post and send in a comment. We look forward to hearing what you have to say!
On The Topic Of Trust
We often find ourselves wondering how to repair the bonds that are broken when trust has been violated. In this thoughtful exploration of the topic of trust, Annie Highwater shares her insights about the repair process. You won't want to miss the gems of wisdom shared in this post!
He’s Stopped Drinking… Now He’s Smoking Pot
Back from detox – and a brush with death – a Loved One appears to have been "scared straight…" Now he's using pot daily and this family member wonders how to approach the use. Read on to see Dominique Simon-Levine's suggestions for approaching this topic.
My Little Brother Is Using Like I Used To
When all but one member of a family is in recovery and living a sober lifestyle, how do we approach this Loved One's use without being too overbearing? We've been through so much – how can we use CRAFT to help prevent him from going down the wrong path? See Dominique Simon-Levine's take on using CRAFT in this household.
Loved One On Methadone, Still Struggling With Other Drugs
A Loved One is on methadone, but has still been using crack and alcohol. He heard Adderall might help with the crack cravings, and is trying that now, but just getting it on the street – very expensive. Reeling from her LO's heavy drug use, spending, and possible repercussions of this use on his access to methadone, 123peace reaches out for guidance.
My Granddaughter Just Got Evicted
A family member sees her Loved One in a lot of trouble. She struggles with mental health issues as well as addiction. She just got evicted and needs help fast. Dominique Simon-Levine shares her persepctive on how to proceed in this difficult situation.
She’s Coming Home and I Need Help
A family member faces concerns about her Loved One coming home after a residential program. How can we use CRAFT when a Loved One has been sober, in treatment, but is still on shaky ground? Dominique Simon-Levine shares a CRAFT approach for this fragile time of transition.
He’s Not Adhering to Our Contract
Frustrated that her Loved One is back home but not holding up his end of the bargain, a family member writes in for help. What do we do when a Loved One is so close to seeking treatment but doesn't follow through? Dominique Simon-Levine lays out an approach for this family member to consider.
This is MY Home!
A family member struggles with her Loved One's reaction to being locked out after curfew. Eventually, there will come a time when he can no longer enjoy the comforts of home. Take a look at a CRAFT perspective on this transition.
She’s Trying to Moderate Use on Her Own But I Don’t See it Working
An Allies member has trouble knowing when to engage/ disengage. He lives with his Loved One, who is trying to moderate on her own, but the strategy does not seem to be working. See how to voice your concerns using CRAFT principles in this situation.
Celebrating Positive Steps
Wins can come when you're least expecting them. Read an inspiring report of a member's recent success using CRAFT. Positive steps like these don't mean the problems are all gone, but they are hard-won and worth celebrating!
I Don’t Feel Like Celebrating Valentine’s Day
An Allies member feels too angry to celebrate Valentine's day with her husband. She is exhausted from shouldering all of the responsibility in their family. We've laid out options for getting her and her family the support they need.
Pot Use and Launching A Loved One Into Adulthood
What happens when our Loved Ones seem to "say the right things" about something they're going to do, but never follow through? Family members want to help launch their Loved Ones into a state of greater independence and responsibility, but sometimes the gap between what's happening now and what we want for them seems so vast. See how to examine these issues from a CRAFT perspective.
College As A Reward?
A Loved One acknowledges that she has a problem and needs help, but a busy schedule got in the way of her getting to the appointment. Fireball wonders how to broach the subject again, and in the meantime, how she can leverage college tuition as a reward. CRAFT outlines a method that can be most effective when it is fine-tuned for each family's unique situation…
Chronic Pain and Addiction
The underlying chronic pain a Loved One suffers from, in addition to her addiction, requires a change in approach when presenting treatment options. With the loss of her current housing soon approaching, this crossroads could be a golden opportunity to get this Loved One the help she needs. See how CRAFT approaches this opportunity to reach out a helping hand…
Trusting A Loved One in Early Recovery
AB123 writes in that her Loved One is 90 days sober, but she's scared to let him come back home. His recovery has just begun… there is so much more to work though. They need time to rebuild the trust that was broken. CRAFT offers support in this delicate time of transition.
I Feel Like a Married Single Mom
After 12 years of her Loved One's addiction, having single-handedly provided for their family for all of these years, Hope2006 is at a loss. All of the patience, love and compassion she used to have seem long gone, and resentment keeps mounting. CRAFT looks at where to best focus our energies when these feelings weigh us down…