How CRAFT Can Make a Difference

Unlike other approaches, CRAFT teaches you how to stay involved in a positive ongoing way, while also taking care of yourself.  ~ Parent’s 20 Minute Guide

Do you know about Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT)?

CRAFT is a method for helping friends and family members change how they interact with someone they love who is misusing alcohol or other drugs.

What I like about CRAFT is the approach works to change lives. It provides a comprehensive strategy for interacting with your teen or young adult in a way that works! It is an approach that can help get your child into treatment and get their life back from addiction.

As we know, there are no guarantees with addiction. At the same time, don’t you want to know about every available option so that you can make the best possible choices for your family?

Drs. Robert J. Meyers and Jane Ellen Smith of the University of New Mexico developed CRAFT. Interestingly, CRAFT has proven to be significantly more effective and benefits both substance users and their families. It gives them a plan of action and a more positive outlook.

What I learned about CRAFT is that it provides tools to communicate with your child in a more positive way for a parent or other family member.

You might wonder why that is important. It is essential because when you encourage your child to seek recovery in any form, you want them to HEAR your message.

CRAFT gives you strategies and tools to communicate more effectively with your child. As your child hears your message and feels that you are listening too, the chances are better that your child will be open to changing their behavior.

Studies have shown that families who use CRAFT have about a 70% chance that their loved one will enter treatment.

CRAFT teaches parents how to:

1. Identify what is behind their child’s substance use.

2. Break the patterns that lead to or increase your child’s drinking or using.

3. Develop and improve communication skills to have more productive discussions.

4. Help your child find treatment resources when they express interest in treatment.

5. It helps family members take care of themselves and reconnect with their values.

I’ve heard from many frustrated parents who are in pain because of their child’s substance use. CRAFT is not a quick fix. Instead, it is an option that might make a difference for you and your family.

Everyone concerned about their child’s drug or alcohol use should know that CRAFT exists. It gives you tools that help promote change in a kind, compassionate way.

Be sure your family knows all their options. That gives you the best chance of overcoming substance use.

This article was updated in February 2022. 

Consider getting access to Regain Your Hope, an online course that gives you an action plan to help your child. There is hope and change is possible.  Hang in there, Cathy