How Families Can Support a Loved One’s Substance Use Recover

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Support for families navigating a loved one’s substance use is available. Whether your loved one is a teen, young adult, partner, spouse, or sibling, family-based strategies can help restore hope, improve communication, and reduce harmful behaviors.

The CRAFT Approach: Community Reinforcement and Family Training

CRAFT is a research-supported method that focuses on helping families encourage healthy behaviors while improving their own well-being. The model equips family members with tools to create positive change—even if their loved one is not currently seeking help.

What CRAFT Teaches Families

Families are guided to support lifestyle changes that are more rewarding than substance use. Through small, consistent steps, you can encourage progress by:

• Using effective communication skills
   
• Reinforcing non-using behaviors with rewards
   
• Removing unintentional incentives for substance use
   
• Allowing natural consequences to occur
   
• Prioritizing your own emotional and physical well-being
   

Over ten structured sessions, families receive hands-on practice using these techniques in a way that’s adaptable to their specific circumstances.

Working Together on Recovery Goals

You are not alone. Most people facing substance-related issues live with or maintain contact with close family members. That relationship becomes a powerful source of influence. Even if your loved one lives away from home, the family bond remains a key motivator in positive behavior change.

Understanding Safety Tools: Narcan and Fentanyl Awareness

One early session also covers safety planning, including how to recognize and respond to potential overdose situations. Narcan (naloxone), a nasal spray that reverses opioid effects, is available in pharmacies and harm reduction centers. Participants also learn about tools like the OpiRescue app for added preparedness.

Key CRAFT Goals for Families:

1. Help reduce harmful behavior related to substance use.
    
2. Encourage engagement in healthy routines or recovery actions.
    
3. Strengthen family well-being through self-care and support.
    

You Have More Influence Than You Realize

Family support is especially critical for those aged 18–25, when most substance challenges begin. Roughly 90% of this age group lives with family or remains closely connected—meaning your role matters.

Even with older adult children or loved ones who live independently, your support can still make a meaningful difference. In CRAFT, we build on that connection to foster change.

What to Expect in CRAFT Family Sessions

In this series, families learn through discussion, real-world examples, and guided strategies. Common topics include:

• How to approach difficult conversations calmly and productively
   
• Identifying patterns that influence substance use
   
• Encouraging new, healthier routines without conflict
   
• Learning when and how to offer rewards
   
• Managing relapse concerns with confidence and boundaries
   

Each session is practical and adapted to the unique needs of each participant.

Important Insights for Families

• You are not expected to carry all the responsibility.
   
• CRAFT does not ask families to “fix” the person—it teaches you to support change, step by step.
   
• Long-term change happens through consistent, caring action.
   

Confidentiality Reminder

We value privacy. Participant input during group sessions is considered confidential. Attending means you agree to be respectful and discreet with others’ shared experiences.

Final Thoughts

CRAFT is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each family member brings their own wisdom, insight, and experience. Together, the group creates a powerful network of support. By showing up and using the tools you learn, you can begin to see progress—both for your loved one and for yourself.

FAQs

1. What makes CRAFT different from other family support options?
CRAFT helps families engage their loved ones in healthy change at a higher success rate than traditional methods, according to studies by organizations like Partnership to End Addiction (drugfree.org). It focuses on influence, not confrontation.

2. Can I rely only on the support group at my loved one’s program?
Those groups are often helpful but may be limited in scope. CRAFT provides structured strategies that go beyond general emotional support.

3. Can I miss sessions and just read the recap emails?
Attending sessions in person or via Zoom offers a much deeper learning experience. Recap emails are helpful for review but are not a substitute for the weekly material.

4. My loved one is doing better—do I still need this?
Yes. CRAFT prepares you to support ongoing progress and to prevent setbacks. Even in calmer phases, the skills learned will help your relationship thrive.

-Nancy Hamilton - Certified CRAFT Coach