♦ Continuing Care: A Parent’s Guide to Your Teen’s Recovery from Substance Abuse
♦ Principles of Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Treatment: a Research-Based Guide from the NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
♦ Understanding Substance Abuse Services: A Quick Guide for Young People & Caregivers (English) – from the state of Massachusetts
The Drug Policy Alliance’s stance is both ethical and practical, but U.S. policy often diverges from its recommendations
The app, based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, has shown promising results in early trials
Some of the best organizations, support groups, readings, and curricula for young people with SUD in the family
A correlation between SUD and psychosis is real and worrisome, but causation is a harder issue. Read on for details.
Anger evolved with the human brain. Though it may not seem so today, its original function was to keep us safe. Unfortunately, for most of us, anger is a deeply unpleasant experience, one that can damage our relationships and sense of wellbeing. The good news is that we can change this dynamic. This article offers a science-based guide to regulating anger and returning it to its constructive purpose.
Over 30 million people in the United States live with an eating disorder. Some of these conditions are life threatening, but even the least severe cases are detrimental. Young people, especially girls, are particularly at risk. That’s why we were so pleased to discover a nonprofit support and information organization called F.E.A.S.T.
Finding a health professional who truly understands eating disorders is no easy task. And for those who suffer from them, it can be just as hard to avoid the judgments and unhelpful comments of friends, family, or coworkers. This interview with one of the world’s leading experts on eating disorders takes a broom to those old and stigmatizing ideas. It also offers pointers for standing by a Loved One suffering from an eating disorder.
You’d be forgiven if ear acupuncture isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when talk turns to substance use disorder. Numerous studies, however, are documenting the efficacy of a specific procedure (the NADA protocol) for help with craving, withdrawal, and other aspects of addiction. As this article points out, however, the key to success with NADA lies in the details.
Childhood trauma of any kind leaves its mark. Severe or sustained trauma generates certain telltale symptoms in survivors. Licensed therapist and life coach Patrick Teahan, himself a survivor of childhood trauma, breaks down three of the most prominent symptoms. By reaching a deeper understanding of what’s occurring inside us, he argues, we’re in a far better position to overcome the challenges that result.
Some solid, simple guidelines that can reduce (not eliminate) the health risks associated with cannabis. There’s no such thing as zero-risk cannabis use, but this one-page reference sheet from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research provides an excellent, straightforward guide to lowering that risk.
The Recovery Research Institute, affiliated with Harvard Medical School, is dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of addiction. This page on substance use and the family is an extremely well-designed information hub. It’s a great place to start your journey to deeper understanding—or to remind yourself of the basics.
Methamphetamine use is a national crisis—but not one the drug industry has taken much interest in. Fortunately, that may at last be changing, and not a moment too soon. As this article makes clear, both meth users and treatment providers need all the help they can get.
In 2021, only 6% of people in the U.S. struggling with substance use disorder received any treatment, according to this year’s SAMHSA report. That is just one of a great many statistics gathered in this report. Its findings should concern us all.
It’s not the right fit for everyone. But for some it’s a real alternative to the total-abstinence approach. For many people in the United States, getting a handle on their alcohol use has long meant seeking out an abstinence-based program such as AA or Smart. While these programs have helped millions, they do not work for everyone.
We all know how destructive “wildfire” anger can be. The good news is that a suite of skills and practices—known as anger management—can help us manage, limit, and even learn from our anger. The techniques are rather straightforward, but the details matter. This article is a great place to familiarize yourself with the basics.
Verywellmind is a health website that takes pride in its quality, professionally-reviewed information. In this article, they make it clear how the CRAFT approach differs from old-school “interventions,” and why its outcomes are so much better overall. This is also a great general overview of the CRAFT approach, hitting the highlights of the skills and resources you can access through Allies in Recovery.
A brave and loving look back, and a plea to others to think broadly about options for their Loved Ones. Jaclyn Brown lost her brother Marc to heroin in 2018. While she and her sister tried to support him, the clarity of hindsight is making it painfully clear to her the steps she might have taken, if only she’d known they were possible. But her essay is not about self-judgment; it’s about reaching out to others with a message of hope.
Evidence of a correlation exists, and is worrisome. A causal link, however, is still very much in question. Do dabbing and other forms of high-potency cannabis use cause psychotic episodes? We can’t say that definitively yet, but there’s enough evidence of a link that warnings are merited. This article lays out the facts as we know them.
The typical phases, bright spots, hard moments, and takeaways in SUD treatment and recovery. An amazing resource from The Addiction Policy Forum this is a new map of SUD treatment and recovery experiences, from trigger events and seeking care all the way to long-term support.
Dr. John. F Kelly is one of the world’s leading authorities on recovery from alcohol and other drugs. In this PDF version of his slideshow, he reviews both the long-term data and the latest research on numerous approaches to recovery.
Despite great controversy, detoxing from marijuana can bring on a variety of withdrawal symptoms. Let’s take a closer look.
Self-image can be changed, argues this insightful bestseller from 1960. But such change is real work.
Fisher, our longtime colleague, has just appeared in an Allies’ podcast, and in the country’s top newspapers.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts, feelings and behavior together, and how each of these affects the others.
Dr. Xavier Amador sketches his own journey, and introduces a vital framework for how to relate to a Loved One suffering from anosognosia, a common aspect of mental illness in which the affected person is unaware, or cannot perceive, their own condition.
The author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma explains how the fast food industry taught us to abandon cooking, and how much healthier we can be when we return to home meals.
New clinical studies of therapies involving psychedelics show great promise.
A weekly meeting to learn about both trauma and the steps trauma survivors can take.
David Scherer, PhD has been a collaborator on the Allies team from the start. He is a retired clinical psychologist and professor emeritus in the Psychological and Brain Sciences Department at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He worked with adolescents and families for over 35 years, doing research and publishing articles on adolescent development and how to most effectively treat troubled adolescents. Here is a selection of his publications.
MAT (medication-assisted treatment) is the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a whole-patient approach to the treatment of substance use disorders (SUD). Research shows that when treating substance use disorders, a combination of medication and behavioral therapies is most successful.
Learn more about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and the research shaking things up around improved health and the origins of addiction.
Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT) is an evidence-based approach , also known as Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy, or Behavioral Marital Therapy. BCT is designed for married or cohabiting individuals seeking help for alcoholism or drug misuse. BCT sees the substance using patient together with the spouse or live-in partner. Its purposes are to build support for abstinence and to improve relationship functioning.
There are still very few pharmaceutical options to block the effects of stimulants on the body. However, there are more and more therapy options showing encouraging results in treating addiction to stimulants such as crack cocaine and cocaine, methamphetamines, amphetamines and prescription stimulants. Learn more about these promising approaches here.
Unlike traditional Freudian psychoanalysis, which probes childhood wounds to get at the root causes of conflict, CBT focuses on solutions, encouraging patients to challenge distorted cognitions and change destructive patterns of behavior. CBT treats problems and boosts happiness by modifying dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, and thoughts
If your Loved One or anyone you know is using opiates, you should know how to reverse an overdose. Here's the basic information you need to know to be prepared.
Here is a list of Dominique Simon-Levine's speaking engagements over the last few years including up to the present date. Upcoming talk at the Recovery Community Summit organized by Oregon Recovers. Dominique will be speaking with Cordelia Kraus, LPC, CADC-I, certified CRAFT clinician, Senator Lew Frederick whose daughter is in recovery and with Jennifer Stratton, LPC and Lynn Emmons, LCSW, both trained in CRAFT.
"Most people who have experienced trauma go without adequate services and supports. Unaddressed trauma significantly increases the risk of mental and substance use disorders and chronic physical diseases." -SAMSHA
DBT is a compassionate and evidence-based treatment for those suffering. Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a cognitive behavioral treatment that was originally developed to treat chronically suicidal individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and it is now recognized as the gold standard psychological treatment for this population. In addition, research has shown that it is effective in treating a wide range of other disorders such as substance dependence, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders.
Here are some awesome online resources for those who want to explore relaxation or meditation techniques, or go deeper with their practice. Self-care is a KEY part of the CRAFT Method: a family member who is centered and self-aware is a family member who can be vastly more effective in helping their addicted Loved One. Check out these resources!
Here are resources for families whose Loved One suffers from serious mental illness in addition to substance use disorder.
A detailed list of signs and symptoms of drug use, withdrawal, dependence—for each type of drug. This is essential information for families implementing CRAFT at home: recognizing the signs of active use help you know when to reward, and when to step away.
This is a collection of resources specifically directed to parents who are facing a child's addiction and exploring how to get a teenaged Loved One to accept treatment.
This page puts together all of our treatment-related resources. Learn about evidence-based approaches, levels of treatment providers, or peruse the online treatment resource locators we've selected.
DISCLAIMER: Allies in Recovery does not directly recommend or endorse any of the resources listed. We have simply gathered a listing of resources that move prove helpful to you. We leave it up to you to determine if they offer you support or a service(s) you need, as well as, if they are appropriate for your situation.
► Read the Wikipedia entry on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy here
► SAMHSA's page on Trauma-Informed Approach and Trauma-Specific Interventions ► Stephanie Covington on Trauma-Informed Treatment
EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is an easy-to-learn self-help technique that combines three ingredients: Tapping on acupressure points, Focusing on the identifying problem, and Affirmations. Tapping, as it is sometimes called, calms the emotions around an issue, so that you can think more clearly about the problem. EFT can help you gain emotional freedom so that you can begin doing more of what you really want in life. This simple technique often provides rapid relief from physical and emotional issues, relief from traumatic memories, phobias, persistent grief, anger, guilt, anxiety, addictive cravings, and physical discomfort. EFT Research This link provides a meta-analysis of 51 studies that looked at EFT Clearing Fear and Worry Here is a demonstration using “scripts”: Clearing Fear and Worry – Tapping with Brad Yates:
TED Talk With Brené Brown This is a 20:20 minute TED Talk presenting Brené Brown’s research on empathy, belonging, and love. In a poignant, funny talk, Brené Brown shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity. TEDX Talk With Louie Schzartzberg & Brother Steindl-Rast This is a 9:56 minute TEDx Talk presenting Louie Schwartzberg’s stunning time-lapse photography, accompanied by powerful words from Benedictine monk Brother David Steindl-Rast. The video serves as a meditation on being grateful for every day. Zen Habits With Leo Babauta This is an ad-free website created by blogger, journalist Leo Babauta. Babauta discusses his experience with things such as simplifying, living frugally, parenting, happiness, motivation, eliminating debt, saving, eating healthily, successfully implementing good habits, and achieving goals. The blog also shares some helpful tips for self-care and habit breaking. Radical Acceptance with Tara Brach This is the website of Tara Brach, a leading western teacher of Buddhist meditation, emotional healing and spiritual awakening. Her website offers free audio and video talks and guided meditations. She is also the author of the books Radical Acceptance, Radical Self-Acceptance, and True Refuge: Finding Peace and Freedom in Your Own Awakened Heart.
The American Psychological Association Here's the scoop on anger from the American Psychological Association The Mayo Clinic on Anger Here are 10 tips on how to deal with anger from the Mayo Clinic Managing Your Anger 10 more tips on managing your anger
► A Special Focus on Anger ► CALM Energy ► Compassion, Hope & Happiness ► Crisis Numbers ► Emotional Freedom Techniques ► Managing Difficult Emotions & Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) ► Meditation & Relaxation ► Self-Care Posts on the Allies Blogs
Al-Anon Family Groups This is the official website of Al-Anon Family Groups is an informational website for friends and families of problem drinkers. The National Alliance on Mental Illness This is the official website of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI is an organization that is dedicated to building better lives for individuals and families affected by mental illness. This is an informational website.
► AiR's Resource Finding Methodology ► Information, Support & Resources ► Pregnancy, Early Parenting & Recovery ► Self-Help Resources for Your Loved One ► Substance Abuse & Asperger's ► Teens & Substance Abuse
Illustration © Eleanor Davis → A Special Focus on Anger → Compassion, Hope & Happiness → Crisis Numbers → Emotional Freedom Techniques → Managing Difficult Emotions & Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) → Meditation & Relaxation → Self-Care Posts on the Allies Blogs
This is a Massachusetts initiative, a website designed to support women who struggle with substances, during pregnany or early motherhood. https://journeyrecoveryproject.com/#/home
Dominique Simon-Levine is the Founder and CEO of Allies in Recovery. She launched Allies in Recovery in 2003. Her work has been featured on HBO and NPR. She is a facilitator and a trained speaker on issues of addiction and the family.
Here is a link to read Dominque Simon-Levine's study based on research with jail detainees.
If you'd like to plunge deeper into the theory, research and methodology of CRAFT and the studies on CRAFT, we provide a reading list here.
CRAFT is featured in this HBO film, Addictions, in the publications of Dr. Robert J. Meyers, in the 20-Minute Guide, and on the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids website.
If you would like to plunge deeper into the theory and methodology of the CRAFT method, here are some books/articles/documents to peruse.
This section contains some specific recommendations for applying CRAFT in particular circumstances (an older Loved One, a Loved One who wants to try moderation, or a Loved One who is always high on something). For detailed guidance on applying CRAFT in more general circumstances, see the Discussion Blog where our experts guides members on applying CRAFT to their circumstances.
Moderation is the practice of learning to consciously limit the amount one consumes of alcohol or drugs. The research on alcohol suggests that moderation may work for those with less severe addiction problems. Where the line is between severe and less severe problem use is not entirely clear. It depends on several things, including the amount your Loved One ingests, the reasons for their use, the context in which they use, and their biology.
If your Loved One is always high or drinking, how do you know when to step in with rewards, and when to step away, remove rewards and allow natural consequences when you suspect or see use?
If your parents or neighbors were ill or needed help, you’d do everything you could to help, wouldn’t you? But when that same older person show signs of having a problem with alcohol or prescription drugs, it’s hard for most people to know what to do or say.
Get educated on addiction — its roots, its treatments, the signs & symptoms of your Loved One's drug use…
Visit the Rethinking Drinking website to learn the answer to "How much is too much?" and more…
Here is a hand-picked selection of excellent resources on treating addiction, the disease of addiction, the signs & symptoms, etc. Featuring Doctors Ruth Potee, John Fitzgerald, and more…
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