Parenting coach Cathy Taughinbaugh interviewed Dr. Robert Meyers, the creator of the CRAFT approach (Community Reinforcement and Family Training), to find out how CRAFT came about and to share how he worked with Cadence Online to adapt CRAFT into Parent CRAFT for the parents of teens and young adults dealing with substance abuse.
Dr. Meyers talks about how the idea for the CRAFT approach evolved and how this set of skills with a focuws on family members can help parents change behaviors in their kids. He offers his top three messages for parents dealing with substance abuse:
- You are not alone. You’re among millions of other parents in dozens of other countries that are having the same kind of problem.
- “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” Try a positive approach instead of “tough love” and negativity. Catch your loved one doing something positive instead of catching them always doing something negative.
- Help yourself first. If you are dealing with a child using drugs or alcohol, you’re probably depressed, anxious, tired and angry. The idea is to take care of your issues and get your life back. Get your power back so you’re more capable of handling a child who is having some difficulties. You’ll be stronger and able to handle difficult situations in a positive way.
Read the full article: Cathy Taughinbaugh Blog, “How the Powerful CRAFT Approach is Saving Lives”
