Reach and help a loved one with addiction
eLearning course
Teaches you CRAFT
Trainings and groups
Online via Zoom
Blogs and videos
Real family stories
Expert guidance
Applying CRAFT
CRAFT (Community Reinforcement And Family Training) is a science-based training for the family of people with addiction. Recognized by SAMHSA, the federal agency that oversees substance addiction.
Popular posts
My Son is Using Again.
Should I Confront Him?
How Do I Prepare for My Daughter with Addiction to Come Home?
And What About Her Boyfriend?
Real Allies In Recovery Success Stories
Families Share How CRAFT Helped Their Loved Ones with Addiction
How Allies in Recovery works
 Get expert answers to your questions
Learn to apply CRAFT
Improve connection and stop arguments
Manage the situation
Reduce harmful behaviors
Engage into recovery
Allies in Recovery benefits
  Eliminate commute and scheduling
  Anonymity and convenience
  Move at your own pace
  Learn CRAFT in less than 5 hours
  Apply the method immediately
Ready to get started?
Become an Ally in Your Loved One’s Recovery
Build a bridge
Learn effective communication to request change
Understand denial
Cope with relapse and learn the signs of substance use
Heal the family
De-escalate conflict, get to “yes, I want help,” and reduce your stress
Recovery process
Navigate treatment and make a list of options. Encourage wellness
Hundreds of positive reviews
Nothing else that I've participated in or practiced has been anywhere near as impactful as the AlliesInRecovery curriculum via your podcast, modules, and workshop.
- SMART Recovery Facilitator -
The tools I've learned from your website are empowering and it works. I looked at many sites and investigated many groups, many I found to be based on emotion at best or on fear at worst.
- Member -
Your kind words, detailed guidance with the website, and ongoing encouragement have been so refreshing.
- Member -
In the twenty years of struggle and reprieve I've experienced I don't remember ever feeling as supported as I do now.
- Member -
I have become an unofficial ambassador for CRAFT and I've sent many your way. Things are going well now with my loved one – but you have NO IDEA how helpful you have been along the way.
- Member -
Your response is very validating. I teared up a bit in gratitude. I think that my biggest struggle is with uncertainty about my thoughts and decisions… Allies' helps so much with this!
- Member -
I have to be vigilant and tiptoe around … unstable family members for my 54 years, and I am seeing that I don't actually need to live like that moving forward. It is a huge change.
- Member -
I offered to collaborate on an internal email article to share Allies in Recovery with my colleagues. I wish I had come across it sooner.
- Member -
I've only known the Al-Anon and Codependency approach before. I'm finding it so helpful to see addiction and recovery in a new way. It is so liberating.
- Member -
Allies in Recovery is a fantastic program and, for me, is more helpful than Al Anon.
- Member -
The approach makes sense and has really helped me grow as a person. Using the techniques from the modules has helped me dramatically improve communication with my LO with SUD.
- Member -
I am much better at setting boundaries and am slowly reclaiming my own life. I find the principles useful as a guide in all my relationships. My deepest, heartfelt thanks to the Allies' team!!
- Member -
The decades trying to control fix solve etc was exhausting and ineffective. [Allies'] resources are the best there is! I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this program.
- Member -
I love this program! I think it should be available to everyone! Thank you for all that you do!
- Member -
First and only program where I was supported, encouraged, and understood as the mother of an adult son with SUD. I am a different person now and so is my son.
- Member -
I am simply thankful for this resource. Blessings!
- Member -
I love the support group on Wednesday night, the ability to ask questions and have them answered, and the 1/2 day Zoom educational class. I do find the site a bit difficult to move around/find things.
- Member -
I am about to be very active, my boyfriend has had two relapses this year, and I can\'t get him to tell me the truth. He\'s inpatient at the moment, when they picked him up for detox, I didn\'t know if he\'d make it. I had to give him measured amounts for three days before a bed was open, and even though I know I was keeping him alive so he could get better, going into the liquor store to get more vodka made my soul ache... I\'ve had being active in the community on my list since, but the waves of emotion that keep knocking me down are unpredictable and so, so heavy.
- Member -
Helps guide me when I\'m not sure what to do.
- Member -
I am very grateful for the way this all supports me and my loved ones. So, thank you for that!!
- Member -
The log in didn’t work well for me.
- Member -
Thanks for all you do.
- Member -
It’s been a huge support for me. I like the zoom group on Wednesday night. I also find support in the podcast episodes. On the site I wish there was more of an interactive way to connect with other members outside of our meeting time.
- Member -
The modules were very informative without being to much to digest at a time. The suggestion of practicing interactions was so helpful and made it easier to put in practice. I took notes as I went through the modules and during the Zoom calls with Laurie McDougal so I could review as needed and/or jot down questions. While that seems basic, it may help if you suggest that to folks entering the program. The big obstacle my middle brother and I (both Allies) had to overcome was the passive way we had dealt with the ever-worsening alcohol use of our older brother. It was such a relief to build the skills to be more direct and honest while staying kind and supportive. What I learned gave me the courage to go to his doctors with the true picture of what went on at his home then to be direct when accompanying him to his appointments. The combo of how we 3 siblings interacted along with more honest communication with MDs resulted in a huge change for our brother. Thank you so very, very much. He has not had alcohol now in more than a year. Everything is improved!
- Member -
More meetings similar to Wednesday evenings.
- Member -
I like mostly all the things about the site.
- Member -
It was such a relief to find a program that protects the relationship between my loved one and me. Your wise counsel made it possible for me to have a conversation with my loved one FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER. That conversation was calm, thoughtful, and nonconfrontational. It resulted in an immediate change in my loved one\'s behavior, not a complete cessation of alcoholic consumption, but part of an overall shift in food, exercise, and alcohol consumption that has been maintained. Many thanks for your outstanding program. I know there are almost always setbacks, but the overall shift is so good. Thank you for what you have created for families.
- Member -
I like that I can move freely in the modules based on what I’m experiencing at the time and I can review them over and over.
- Member -
AIR gives me a caring perspective and teaches me how to talk to my loved one. I highly recommend it for parents.
- Member -
Podcasts are very helpful, modules are very informative. Love the support from the group, but for me a smaller group would be more helpful... 30 people can be intimidating.
- Member -
I would like to see practical resources such as how to navigate insurance, medication info, cutting edge studies for treatment etc., lists of detoxes or rehabs other resources. Thanks. P.S. I am sure that loved ones could help compile or have a committee that works on gathering info. Between us all we are a wealth of info I am sure!
- Member -
I love AIR! The modules were so helpful. I do feel like they could use an upgrade.
- Member -
Very supportive for my needs and rays of hope for my loved one.
- Member -
It would be nice to have more zoom meetings.
- Member -
Your podcasts have been so helpful and I would listen with my husband while our daughter was in treatment. You guys helped us get on same page and understand we were not alone.
- Member -
I prefer the podcasts with the main hosts.
- Member -
My loved one just isn\'t ready.
- Member -
Kayla\'s group is too large to get much help as only a few people get to spend much time with her - but her group and her support has been somewhat helpful.
- Member -
I’m grateful for the support and guidance. I don’t think that I have the skill set to offer anything as far as content improvements could go. But it would be great if there were some printable lists as quick reminders for some of the actionable responses and printable lists of proper terminology. That would be helpful.
- Member -
It’s a very good site. It’s just a long journey and often difficult to keep heart when our son won’t really take steps to help himself. He’s still in denial or can’t/won’t accept help despite 3 stays in rehab.
- Member -
It would be nice if there were more options for the zoom meeting instead of once per week.
- Member -
Only he could seek help I needed to understand that and be supportive but not judgmental and angry.
- Member -
The podcasts are great and the incorporation of CRAFT principles help. Thanks.
- Member -
More time to go through the lessons.
- Member -
About the same time I discovered Allies In Recovery (AIR), I found the Center for Motivation and Change and the Invitation to Change (ITC) approach for families and friends. The ITC approach is enhanced CRAFT, with a section on Understanding which IMO is absolutely essential so we can first understand the driver behind substance use. I found the modules on the Allies in Recovery website helpful but incomplete as compared to ITC. Maybe it\'s because ITC relies on meetings in conjunction with written material to support learning and promote discussion. Since \"one size doesn\'t fit all,\" the discussion aspect with a certified ITC facilitator allows participants to discuss the gray areas. I found the AIR modules a little too black and white. And, in all fairness, I never attended an AIR group meeting. AIR too heavily promotes the CRAFT founders recovery percentages and time lines. ITC does not do that because it\'s about family and friends changing in their time, and in turn inviting their loved ones to change as well. I would like to see AIR collaborate with the CMC:FFC and ITC. What a powerhouse that would be!
- Member -
I appreciate all the support and guidance gained through the many resources that Allies in Recovery provides. Amongst the most helpful for me are the weekly support group meetings (led by Kayla Soloman) and the podcasts. The modules are also helpful, and I know it would help to review them periodically. My loved one\'s journey is complicated by substance use and significant mental health circumstances. Although I understand how the Allies resources can be applied to situations prompted by serious mental health conditions, it would be helpful to hear more about this, as well as how to keep working the \"tools\" when a loved one is so resistant to any treatment (e.g. substance use treatment or mental health treatment).
- Member -
Modules were easy to navigate and I loved the option to either listen/watch or read the module.
- Member -
The Wednesday group is my anchor. Thanks so much.
- Member -
I love the support group but the time doesn’t work well at all. I wish another group or skills training like Laurie used to do was available earlier in the day starting anytime be tween 12pm and 3pm. Thank you for everything you do.
- Member -
I wish it were free. The podcasts are excellent!
- Member -
The best part of allies in recovery is helping me know how to interact with my loved one. What to avoid. Keeping healthy boundaries. Also not getting in the way of natural consequences. The ability to ask questions and have a session with a member of allies in recovery to discuss specifics and get insight was huge help. I think that the biggest help was knowing that I had to let go and let my loved one live his life and be accountable for his own decisions. So, biggest growth happened when he moved out after getting a DUI, getting put on probation etc. He had never had many consequences from his poor decisions and finally he did. I think allies in recovery helped me to be able to also deal with stress better - knowing that letting my son try on his own and that he might fail, that this was necessary for him to grow (hopefully) in positive ways. Made me feel less stressed. And more happy for any small positive things.
- Member -
I like the support. During this time period my son kept using and is currently incarcerated in MA. He will do a minimum of 6 months and it is difficult at this time to broach the subject as he is just trying to get thru each day. Unfortunately they don’t have substance abuse programs which is extremely disheartening How does someone talk to an incarcerated loved one while incarcerated. I’m at a loss regarding that! Also I can’t seem to find the podcasts that are talked about.
- Member -
Extremely supportive- would like more educational resources in terms of practicing CRAFT skills.
- Member -
I am so pleased with the support that Allies in Recovery provides. Thank you.
- Member -
Love the modules, groups and podcast! Laurie\'s office hours really helped me get through some particular tough times.
- Member -
Love the podcasts and bummed there are no additional group calls after Laurie left.
- Member -
It’s helpful and accessible.
- Member -
I would like to see practical resources such as how to navigate insurance, medication info, cutting edge studies for treatment etc., lists of detoxes or rehabs other resources. Thanks. P.S. I am sure that loved ones could help compile or have a committee that works on gathering info. Between us all we are a wealth of info I am sure!
- Member -
I felt the change of hosts for the podcast was abrupt and unexplained.
- Member -
Lessons in using CRAFT. Similar to what Laurie used to do.
- Member -
I need to spend more time on the site!
- Member -
I have no problem with the site or the CRAFT training. A lot of recovery depends upon the addict/user. I see less tension between users and their families.
- Member -
I use what I learned in Allies in Recovery every day. I went through the Monday evening classes 2 years ago and it has literally saved my life and the life of my son. I wish there was a site closer to where I live because I would definitely use their resources more. Thank you to all of you for giving us a new lease on life.
- Member -
Allies is the most important support for family members of a loved one with SUD ever!
- Member -
I was listening to the series to help me maintain consistent positive regard with my teenage daughter, who has been struggling with drinking and vaping. She has engaged in various treatment. I recommend Allies, because I think it\'s useful. I\'d love to see it more broadly promoted even. Thank you for having it available in Massachusetts.
- Member -
Add modules for loved on in treatment and after completing treatment.
- Member -
Allies has been a lifesaver and such a comfort to me. I refer to and register to the modules over and over again; the same with the podcasts. The Allies resources are absolute lifelines and I am so, so thankful to all the amazing people who have made it possible. What a gift. A suggestion for improving the site is about how the question/answer topics are arranged and presented. I find the photographs of random people associated with each entry to be distracting and beside the point. Also, I would love it if the questions were ordered by general topic instead of date. It\'s too hard to wade through them all the way they are currently organized. I realize there are links to general topic areas, and I have used them, but I still find this section of the Allies site needlessly difficult to navigate.
- Member -
I would like to see an added option for the last 3 questions as I do not know about my loved one\'s use at this time. I can only assume that it is positive from what I gather in our communication but I do not know for sure.
- Member -
I may not be the best person for the survey. I attended the program over a year ago.
- Member -
I read the blogs and listen to the audios. I learn something each time. I don’t pay for 1:1 but I attended the free opportunity after completing the modules. I liked having the opportunity to ask a personal question directly. I was referred by my physician and I have given her my thanks and positive feedback about the resource. Thank you all for the service.
- Member -
I like this site very much. Unfortunately, my son died before I could use the site much. Heart attack, complications of diabetes, and alcohol use. Thank you for this site! I have spread the word.
- Member -
Meet our team
Decades of experience applying CRAFT to a diversity of families and situations
Dominique Simon-Levine, MPH & Ph.D., studied CRAFT under Dr. Robert Meyers, and founded Allies in Recovery in 2003. She oversees the daily operations of the organization and has been featured on HBO and NPR.
Isabel Cooney co-hosts our podcast series for people using CRAFT with a significant other, called “Partner CRAFT.” She’s also a regular contributor to our Discussion Blog, and a CRAFT devotee.
Kayla Solomon, trained in CRAFT by Dr. Robert Meyers, is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and has been serving families faced with addiction for over 20 years.
Clinically proven results
| 93% | of families surveyed found Allies In Recovery reduced their anxiety, worry, and anger |
| 80% | said Allies in Recovery was helpful in getting their loved one to accept care |
| 67% | found Allies in Recovery helpful in reducing their loved one’s use of drugs and alcohol |
Successful treatment engagement
✔ Step out of isolation into a constructive, compassionate and learning community
✔ Become trained and empowered to influence your loved one’s recovery journey
✔ Remember: when you are doing better – you’re better able to help your loved one
Allies in Recovery for Family
We partner with government, employers, health plans, and clinics to make family training on addiction available and affordable
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