The community reinforcement approach (CRA) is a treatment methodology for substance use disorders adapted for clients who are reluctant to pursue treatment. It has shown promise for several types of clients, including adolescents. By recruiting family members, CRA applies persuasive techniques to convince the person needing help to get it. At Pines Recovery Life Detox in South Florida, we have a community reinforcement and family training (CRAFT) program that has changed countless lives. Learn more about the community reinforcement approach for addiction treatment from our team by calling 800.263.3869 or filling out our online form.
What Is the Community Reinforcement Approach?
In the past, families and loved ones have had limited options when it comes to dealing with people with drug and alcohol addictions. Family members could either enable the behavior or take a tough-love approach by withdrawing all emotional and financial support. CRAFT offers a middle ground that makes it far more likely you’ll get your loved one to agree to drug and alcohol detox
The community reinforcement approach for addiction treatment offers lessons for family members to help them understand what triggers substance abuse. By improving communication skills, it can break down barriers that exist within the family dynamic. The primary focus is on behaviors that can trigger substance abuse.
What Does CRAFT Involve?
In the community reinforcement approach for addiction treatment, clients and therapists work to pinpoint goals. They take a close look at the function substances serve in the client’s life. Next, the clinician leads a discussion of positive social behaviors such as social activities that can fulfill the same functions.
CRAFT goes a step further, involving family members and loved ones in the sessions and goal setting. This method can help families work as a team to overcome the harmful effects of alcohol and drug use disorders.
Some of the transferable skills learned in CRAFT include:
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Job-hunting skills
First developed by psychologist Nathan Azrin, the community reinforcement approach has been used by clinicians since the 1970s. It’s now an accepted evidence-based therapy technique.
CRAFT at Pines Recovery Life Detox
The community reinforcement approach to addiction treatment derives from operant conditioning. Operant conditioning uses both positive rewards and negative consequences. If you participate in Pines Recovery Life Detox’s CRAFT program, you will organize your life activities around your community to reinforce abstention from drugs and alcohol. Consequently, you’ll learn healthy behavior that can eventually replace the reward of using drugs and alcohol. For example, positive social relationships would be a reward that comes from increased sobriety.
Does the Community Reinforcement Approach for Addiction Treatment Work?
Evidence suggests that the community reinforcement approach has a highly effective short-term impact. You will talk to your therapist about the negative consequences of taking drugs or drinking alcohol. Additionally, you’ll learn about the disease model of substance abuse and how to abstain from drug and alcohol use. Further, the core principles of this approach are backed by empirical data.
At Pines Recovery Life Detox, we take a comprehensive look at the entire family. Therefore, CRAFT therapy coincides with other detox therapy programs such as:
- Inpatient detox
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Women’s detox
- Men’s detox
A community reinforcement approach in conjunction with other programs will help you avoid relapse and increase the likelihood of lifelong recovery.
Learn More About the Community Reinforcement Approach for Addiction Treatment
Involving the family in addiction treatment holds special promise when it comes to adolescent and teen substance abuse treatment. The community reinforcement approach for addiction treatment has led to many positive results for past clients. Reach out to Pines Recovery Life Detox today if you’re ready to put addiction and your distant memory and focus on positive changes for a healthier and happier life in South Florida. Contact our team in South Florida by completing our online form or calling 800.263.3869 to find out more about our services or to sign up for treatment today.
