About CRAFT

(Community Reinforcement and Family Training)

Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) was developed by Robert J. Meyers, PhD and Jane Ellen Smith, PhD to teach families how to support loved ones who are using drugs/alcohol without the use of detachment (Al-Anon/12 step approach) and/or confrontation (Johnson Institution-style intervention). More specifically, CRAFT draws on behavioral principles and cognitive-behavioral techniques to help families respond in ways that may influence positive change.

Change can be messy. Even with step-by-step instructions, it rarely if ever follows a linear pattern.  Indeed, the change process typically resembles a circle (or spiral) due to varying feelings and needs along the way. CRAFT demystifies the change process so we can meet our loved ones where they are — with genuineness, acceptance and empathy. 

CRAFT also provides a framework for us to understand (and possibly influence) our loved one’s behaviors and communicate intentionally for connection and change. Most importantly, CRAFT cultivates a self-care mindset that can significantly improve our coping and wellbeing.

In clinical research, CRAFT is proven to reduce a loved one’s substance use, increase a loved one’s access to treatment, and/or improve family wellbeing (i.e. less stress, anxiety, depression).  

Please refer to the Resources tab for more information about CRAFT.

Invitation to Change

The folks at Center for Motivation and Change developed an approach that blends CRAFT with Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Called Invitation to Change (ITC)®, this model brings mindfulness and compassion into the picture, providing families a more holistic view of the problem along with correlating skills to address them. I have received training in ITC and use it in my practice as well.

Please refer to the Resources tab for more information about Invitation to Change®.