Allies in Recovery
Allies in Recovery
Partner CRAFT: Early Recovery
Partner CRAFT: Early Recovery
Partner CRAFT: Early Recovery
Saturday 21st December 2024
Kayla and Isabel discuss early recovery challenges, realistic expectations, and how family members can provide support using Partner CRAFT techniques.
28 minutes
challenging
hopeful
informative
supportive
reflective
About this podcast
Author:
Allies in Recovery
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Creative Recovery Journeys
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Episodes:
296 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Navigating Early Recovery: Expectations & Support
Episode Overview
- Understand the spectrum of early recovery from abstinence to harm reduction.
- Recognize the importance of realistic expectations during recovery.
- Learn how to support loved ones using Partner CRAFT methods.
- Explore alternative support options beyond 12-step programs.
- Adopt the 'positivity detective' approach for better communication.
CRAFT can really help us to readjust, readjust with all of those, maybe thinking the thought patterns that can tend towards the negative when we think about our loved one.
In this episode of 'Coming Up for Air', hosts Isabel Cooney and Kayla Solomon delve into the intricacies of early recovery for individuals dealing with substance use disorder. They explore the concept of Partner CRAFT, a method designed to help family members support their loved ones during this critical phase. Early recovery is described as a challenging period that varies significantly from complete abstinence to harm reduction.
Isabel and Kayla emphasize the importance of understanding this spectrum and adjusting expectations accordingly. Recovery is not merely about abstaining from substance use; it involves engaging in a healing process that can include therapy, support groups, and addressing underlying mental health issues. Isabel shares her personal experiences, highlighting the contrast between family expectations and the reality of a loved one's recovery journey. She discusses the challenges of navigating these expectations and the importance of keeping them in check.
One significant aspect of early recovery is the emotional rollercoaster known as the 'pink cloud', where individuals may feel euphoric temporarily before confronting deeper issues that led them to substance use. Kayla explains the role of family members in supporting their loved ones, emphasizing the importance of patience and understanding. The episode further explores alternatives to traditional 12-step programs, acknowledging the hesitations some individuals may have regarding these meetings.
Kayla, a proponent of the 12 steps herself, suggests focusing on the community aspect rather than the religious or structural elements. Isabel reveals her strategy of maintaining a curated list of resources and support options, ready to share with her loved one during moments of openness or 'wishes and dips'. These moments are opportunities for family members to gently suggest supportive actions.
The concept of the 'positivity detective' is introduced as a method to shift focus from negative to positive interactions, fostering a more supportive environment. Isabel reflects on her own experiences, recognizing the importance of re-evaluating her expectations and maintaining a constructive approach. Overall, the episode underscores the continuous nature of CRAFT techniques, even after a loved one achieves sobriety. It offers practical insights into adjusting expectations and supporting loved ones through their recovery journey.