CRAFT: A Proven Path to Healing and Recovery for Families in Calgary

Are you a family in Calgary struggling with a loved one's addiction? Are you feeling overwhelmed, helpless, or even alienated by traditional intervention methods? There is hope. The Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) model offers a scientifically-backed, compassionate alternative that empowers families and fosters lasting change.

What is CRAFT?

CRAFT is a behavioral therapy approach that shifts the focus from confrontation to collaboration. Instead of staging interventions or ultimatums, CRAFT equips families with communication skills, positive reinforcement techniques, and self-care strategies to encourage their loved one's recovery journey.

Why CRAFT Works for Calgary Families

1. Evidence-Based: Research consistently demonstrates CRAFT's effectiveness. In a landmark study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, CRAFT was found to be twice as effective as traditional interventions or Al-Anon in motivating individuals to seek treatment.
2. Strengthens Family Bonds: CRAFT fosters a positive and supportive environment within the family, replacing blame and resentment with empathy and understanding.
3. Reduces Enabling Behaviors: CRAFT teaches families how to set healthy boundaries and avoid inadvertently reinforcing addictive behaviors.
4. Improves Family Well-being: By prioritizing self-care and coping mechanisms, CRAFT empowers family members to reduce stress, improve relationships, and regain a sense of control.
5. Accessible in Calgary: Many therapists in Calgary are trained in CRAFT, making this valuable resource readily available to local families. We can work with anyone in any city in Canada all online. Here is a great article I wrote on "How To Help A Loved With Addiction."

How CRAFT Works

• Skill-Building: Family members learn communication skills to encourage positive behaviors and discourage substance use without judgment or blame.
• Positive Reinforcement: CRAFT teaches families to identify and reward their loved one's sober behaviors,increasing the likelihood of sustained change.
• Functional Analysis: Families learn to understand the triggers and patterns of their loved one's substance use,enabling them to offer more targeted support.
• Self-Care: CRAFT emphasizes the importance of family members taking care of their own physical and emotional well-being to avoid burnout and resentment.

Is CRAFT Right for Your Family?

CRAFT is particularly effective for families who:

• Have a loved one who is resistant to treatment
• Want to avoid confrontational interventions
• Are looking for a supportive and empowering approach
• Wish to improve their own well-being while helping their loved one
• Are seeking addiction counselling for families in Alberta
• Are looking for Evidence-based addiction treatment in Calgary

Seeking CRAFT Support in Calgary Alberta

If you're ready to explore CRAFT for your family, several resources are available in Calgary:

• Therapists: There are a few therapists who specialize in CRAFT. A simple online search can connect you with qualified professionals. We are one of the leading clinics in Canada that have an excellent reputation for working with families online. 
• Support Groups: CRAFT-based family support groups provide a safe space for families to share experiences and learn from others.

Publicly funded family addiction support services in Calgary are available through Alberta Health Services (AHS) and various community organizations. Here are some key options:

Alberta Health Services (AHS):

• Addiction Helpline: 1-866-332-2322 (24/7 confidential support, information, and referrals)
• Community Addiction and Mental Health Clinics: Offer counseling, support groups, and referrals for families affected by addiction. You can find your nearest clinic on the AHS website.
• Family Support Programs: Some AHS clinics offer specific programs for families, providing education,counseling, and coping strategies.

Community Organizations:

• Calgary Counselling Centre: Offers affordable counseling services for individuals and families, including those impacted by addiction.
• Hull Services: Provides various programs and services for children, youth, and families struggling with mental health and addiction issues.
• Fresh Start Recovery Centre: Offers a family program to help loved ones understand addiction and develop coping skills.

Additional Resources:

• Alberta Family Wellness Initiative (AFWI): Provides resources and workshops on various family-related topics, including addiction.

Finding the Right Support:

• Contact the AHS Addiction Helpline: They can assess your needs and connect you with appropriate resources.
• Reach out to Community Organizations: Many offer free or low-cost family support services.
• Ask Your Family Doctor: They can refer you to specialists or therapists who work with families affected by addiction.

Getting started with the CRAFT model for addiction online services

Addiction and substance misuse impact entire families. While there are no quick fixes, the CRAFT model of addiction offers a tried and true way to help restore sanity in your home. As you start to acknowledge your fears and talk openly about your realities, things will start to feel more manageable.

Whether you’re looking to help a family member stop drinking, looking for an al-anon alternative, or simply have a question about substance use of any kind, feel free to reach out to us. We’ve helped dozens of families live more peaceful lives using the CRAFT model for addiction.

We can help you make sense of what's going on, answer questions, and provide effective tools and strategies to communicate differently; ultimately to live better whether the loved one is actively consuming substances or is currently in some kind of recovery process. You can contact me through the contact page as well.

Here is a great overview of CRAFT presented the the CCSA (Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addiction.

I’d also like to invite you to read more about my personal story here.

If you’re ready to explore the potential of working together, I’d love to chat.

Phone or Text: 250.896.8494
Email: Coach@MichaelWalsh.com
Chat: Start a WhatsApp chat

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Michael is based in Victoria British Columbia Canada. The other Recovery Coaches on the team are based in Nanaimo, Vancouver British Columbia Calgary, Edmonton Alberta, Toronto Ontario, Montreal Quebec, and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Because we all work virtually — we can work with anyone no matter what city, province or country around the world. We have clients all across Canada and the USA, Seattle, Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, New York City, Denver, Nashville, Berlin, Tel Aviv, London, Singapore and Australia.