CRAFT Class June topic: Communication
Tonight at the Community Hospital in Bremen at 6 p.m.
MARSHALL COUNTY — Michiana Behavioral Health Counselor and licensed Social Worker Amye Gourley is facilitating a class every month to support families who love someone struggling with addiction.
Gourley facilitated the class at David’s Courage last Wednesday covering the topic of communication. She will be teaching the same class at the Community Hospital in Bremen Wednesday, June 16 beginning at 6 p.m.
Positive communication provides the foundation for the CRAFT program. Participants are taught alternative approaches to interacting with their loved one to accomplish two goals: to improve the quality of their own lives and to make sobriety more appealing to their loved one.
The class is taught using the Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) curriculum from the book “Get Your Loved One Sober: Alternatives to Nagging, Pleading and Threatening” by Robert J. Meyers PH.D. and Brenda L. Wolfe, PH.D. Participants are also provid
ed with a workbook for their personal use. The book and workbook are provided to participants at no cost to them.
The program was developed on the premise that concerned loved ones (CSO) have a high level of influence on their loved one. That influence can be positive or negative, even when well-meaning.
As the title of the book suggests, many loved ones resort to nagging, pleading or threatening in desperate attempts to coerce their loved one into treatment and sobriety.
This program does not focus on detachment, though other programs have. The focus of CRAFT is that positive changes or “alternatives” can help heal the relationship. Studies have found that the approach has had success inspiring loved ones to enter treatment for recovery and the results benefit the whole family.
The “alternatives” approach also focuses on one small change at a time rather than trying to move a mountain in a day.
The method used by Bob Meyer in CRAFT training is referred to as “behavioral mapping”.
Though the program is meant to help the CSO make sobriety preferable to addiction, the very least that can be accomplished is a heightened quality of life for themselves.
Participants are welcome to attend sessions as they are able. One class can be beneficial if not all the classes can be attended. Every month the class will cover one of the twelve sections of the book.
Participants are welcome to share their reflections with each other as they complete activities in the workbook. They are also welcome to retain the information and keep their personal experiences to themselves.
The class is meant to educate individuals on how to improve their approach in interacting in healthier ways - both to themselves and toward their family member or loved one.
The program helps the CSO take control of their own behavior. By helping the CSO improve their own quality of life by applying the program, it was discovered that relationships improved and more loved ones entered treatment.
With a strong support, helpful support system it was also discovered that individuals experienced more success in recovery as opposed to those who felt coerced or guilted to change.
Participants learn such techniques as using “PIUS” statements. Each letter of PIUS stands for one of the elements of healthy statements. PIUS statements are: 1. Positive 2. Begin with I. 3. Show Understanding. 4. Demonstrate a willingness to Share responsibility.
Though addicted loved ones are welcome to participate in the class, the class is designed for the concerned loved one. Studies have shown that the people closest to someone struggling with addiction can influence and inspire positive outcomes.
The program does not suggest that a loved one can make the choice to recover for their loved one. Each person is responsible for their own recovery.
But for those individuals who choose to walk alongside their loved ones while they recover — there are evidence based best practices that have been shown to increase the likelihood of their loved one entering treatment and experiencing success in their recovery.
The Community Hospital in Bremen is located at 1020 High Road, Bremen. The class meets at 6 p.m.
Email Gourley at amye4hope@gmail.com for a link to pre-register. Please note that pre-registration is not required to attend the class. Paperwork can be completed in-person.
The program is being sponsored by Project HOPE of Marshall County to promote and facilitate the prevention, treatment and recovery of addiction. Project HOPE offers free education and guidance to families impacted by a loved one struggling with addiction. Community members and neighbors are also welcome to learn more about their role in recovery.
The key to creating a recovery culture is for each individual in a community to identify their role and support their family, friends, neighbors and community within that purpose and function.
No one can do everything, but everyone can do something - the choice belongs to each individual.