What Is the CRAFT Approach?

Written by: Janet Fluker, M.Ed., M.S.

Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) is intended to help family members of someone who has Substance Use learn how to steer their loved one away from substance abuse. It is a great method for someone that’s refusing treatment or refusing to admit they are no longer in control of how much they consume.

Instead of an old-school intervention where the family and friends get together and ask the person to enroll in a rehabilitation program, the CRAFT method encourages close significant others (which the program calls CSOs) to reward their loved one when they choose sobriety or show control. The goal of the program is for the family to stay connected to their loved one so they can have a positive influence. This is done by improving communication and recognizing positive behavior.

Another critical aspect of this method is that it encourages families to step back and allow bad consequences to happen when the person consumes. While the goal is to get the person dealing with substance use in your life to admit they have a problem and get help, the CRAFT method also helps the loved ones prioritize their mental health and improve their happiness.

Ready to take the first step towards healing and supporting your loved one on their journey to recovery? The Summit’s compassionate team is here to guide you through. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier future for you and your family. Reach out today to get started.