Discussion Blog
Latest Discussion Blog Post
Straight to Treatment After Jail? Do I Stick to My Guns?
Sometimes we can see the likely future: our Loved One returns to the shelter of home, hides away in their room, and simply doesn’t get the treatment they need to make progress with their SUD. Allies’ member HelenBo doesn’t want to see that happen with her son, who is struggling with heroin and other substances. What other housing options will he have upon release? As Laurie MacDougall writes, there are often more than we realize. At the same time, such transitions are critical moments for our Loved Ones. Having a list of specific housing and treatment options at hand—along with the CRAFT skills to communicate about them effectively—can make all the difference.
Discussion Blog Posts
You’re Invited to a Special Screening of the Film “If Only” in Reading, MA
You are invited to a special screening of the short film "If Only" – the story of two teenage boys who experiment with, and become addicted to opiods. The event is *free of charge* but reservations are required. Click here to reserve your spot.
Cows Do It With Grass, We Do It With Thoughts
If you were a cow, much of your day would be about eating. And part of your unique digestive process would involve ruminating: the process of bringing back up what’s already been chewed and swallowed, in order to chew and swallow it some more…
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.