Of Course Your Kid Doesn’t Want To Go To Treatment; Meeting Treatment-Resistant Youth With The CRAFT Approach, with Lara Okoloko

Of Course Your Kid Doesn’t Want To Go To Treatment; Meeting Treatment-Resistant Youth With The CRAFT Approach, with Lara Okoloko

In this episode of 'Hopestream for parenting kids through drug use and addiction', host Brenda Zane welcomes Lara Okoloko, a seasoned therapist and expert in the CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) approach. Lara sheds light on why many teens resist traditional treatment methods and offers alternative strategies that can be more effective for younger individuals.

She emphasises that most treatment options are designed for older adults with severe substance use disorders, making them less appealing to teens with mild to moderate issues. Lara's expertise spans over 14 years, and she brings a wealth of knowledge on how to meet treatment-resistant youth with compassion and practical techniques. Lara discusses the stigma surrounding labels like 'addict' or 'alcoholic' and the reluctance of young people to embrace lifelong abstinence.

She explains that family therapy, especially when guided by a therapist trained in systemic strategic approaches, can be as effective as sending a teen to a treatment facility. This method focuses on repairing the family unit rather than isolating the individual, which can often lead to better outcomes. Brenda and Lara also tackle the misconceptions perpetuated by popular media, such as the TV show 'Intervention', which often portrays a one-size-fits-all approach to addiction treatment.

They argue that these portrayals contribute to a narrow understanding of what effective treatment looks like, particularly for younger people. The episode is packed with practical advice for parents, including the importance of clear communication and setting boundaries with younger teens. Lara highlights the need for parents to express strong disapproval of substance use while maintaining warmth and involvement in their children's lives. This balanced approach can significantly reduce the likelihood of substance use disorders developing.

For parents grappling with the challenges of a child's substance use, this episode offers a fresh perspective and actionable steps grounded in evidence-based practices. Tune in to gain valuable insights and find hope in knowing you're not alone in this journey.