Discussion Blog
Latest Discussion Blog Post
When Stepping Back Is the Best Help You Can Give
No one wants a Loved One to suffer. No one wants a Loved One to relapse. But in our worry about such possibilities, we can stumble into behaviors that stand in the way of change—behaviors that make problematic substance use easier for our Loved Ones than it otherwise would be. Fortunately, CRAFT can help us learn to offer support within our chosen boundaries: the kind of support that truly encourages progress.
Discussion Blog Posts
Q & A: Key Observations—the eLearning Exercises
Dominique Simon-Levine, in this Question & Answer discussion, introduces you to the Key Observations exercises. You'll understand what they are, what they're for, and why they are key.
Can You Leave Tough Love Behind?
The idea of changing our whole mindset can seem daunting. Yet as the family of an addicted Loved One, there are some basic, and fundamental shifts you can make. It doesn’t mean turning your whole life upside down.
What to do if you find drugs in his room
You've had some suspicions. You decide to look around in her room. You can’t believe what you’re seeing. Slowly your mind comes clear… she’s still using … she’s been lying.
Do You Need Guidance with Your Situation?
Use this space to post a general comment or a question, or share a personal experience. Also, come here to read comments & questions from other AiR members and see the responses …
One Father’s Thoughts on Faith & Addiction
A father talks about how faith has helped him and his family to navigate the rough waters of addiction. Dominique Simon-Levine shares advice on feeling more calm and centered.
Zinged!
You may know the feeling well – their behavior can feel like a slap in the face. Dominique Simon-Levine invites us to practice remaining centered despite the questionable behavior of our Loved Ones.
What If They’re Always High or Drinking?
Part of the CRAFT approach involves using rewards to encourage your Loved One in moments of non-use. But what if they seem to always be using? What then?
How to Find and Focus On the Core Issues
Does it seem like everything in your Loved One's life is wrong? Are you having trouble figuring out where to start? Dominique Simon-Levine talks about how she guided one mother to focus on the central problem.
Are You Running the Marathon Too?
A father talks about dealing with his son's addiction and recovery. For him, the experience has been like an ultra-marathon, requiring great amounts of perseverance, endurance and drive.
You’ve Got a Plan!
Pause and take a deep breath. You've made it to this site – this is a HUGE step. Dominique Simon-Levine explains how the AiR resources will help you put together a plan.
The Ups & Downs of Being the Parent of …
Your Loved One's newfound sobriety feels fragile and shaky. Are you wondering what you can do to keep them on track?
No Matter How Far Down the Scale …
Dominique Simon-Levine reminds us that anyone and everyone CAN get sober. In this post she explores the power of sharing your story, which is a key element of AA meetings.
What If My Loved One Isn’t Suffering Natural Consequences?
Your intentions are good. You care deeply about your Loved One. But could you be preventing them from taking a necessary stumble?
But What If They Lose Their Car?
Are you feeling confused about the best way to help your Loved One? Do you wonder about enabling? Dominique Simon-Levine raises the key questions to ask yourself.
Whatever Your Put in Front of Your Sobriety You Will Lose
Have you been focusing on your Loved One’s material things, their job, or their continued relationships — as opposed to their sobriety?
Is Your Loved One Using or Not Using?
A father shares a story of a family gathering in which his son may or may not have been high. When you are unsure of how to respond to your Loved One, the first question to ask is, "Are they using or are they not?"
Could Your Thinking Be Distorted?
Recovery is a process. Putting down a drink or a drug doesn’t instantly fix bad habits, low or no skills, or the other struggles of life. You must be prepared for the hard emotions to continue.