Supporting a Loved One With SUD

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and family togetherness. However, for individuals and families grappling with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs), this period can be fraught with unique challenges. While the festive atmosphere fills the air, those in recovery or struggling with SUDs may find themselves confronting heightened stress, emotional triggers, and social pressures. This article aims to provide practical and compassionate guidance on how to support loved ones with SUDs during the holidays, integrating insights from the Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) program.

Understanding the Holiday Challenges for Those with SUDs

Holidays often amplify the everyday pressures experienced by those with SUDs. The ubiquity of alcohol at parties, family gatherings, and even casual meet-ups can pose significant risks for relapse. Additionally, the emotional intensity of the season – from joy to stress or loneliness – can trigger cravings or substance use as a coping mechanism. Recognizing these challenges is the first step in creating a supportive environment.

Creating a Supportive Holiday Environment

• Alcohol-Free Celebrations: Consider organizing holiday gatherings without alcohol. This gesture can significantly reduce the risk of relapse for your loved one and is a powerful way to show support for their recovery journey.
• Awareness and Sensitivity: Stay attuned to your loved one’s emotional state. The holidays can evoke a wide range of feelings, and being mindful of their comfort level during gatherings is essential.
• Respect for Boundaries: If your loved one decides to skip an event or leave early, respect their decision. It’s crucial to support their strategies for maintaining sobriety, even if it means altering traditional holiday plans.
• Inclusive Planning: Engage your loved one in the planning process for holiday activities. This inclusion can ensure that events are comfortable and enjoyable for them, aligning with their recovery needs.

Integrating CRAFT Principles in Holiday Support

Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) is an innovative approach that empowers families and friends of people with SUDs. Its principles can be effectively applied during the holiday season to support your loved one.

• Positive Communication: CRAFT emphasizes the importance of positive, non-confrontational communication. During the holidays, use affirming language and show appreciation for your loved one’s efforts in recovery.
• Encouraging Treatment and Healthy Behaviors: If your loved one is already in treatment, reinforce the importance of staying engaged. CRAFT encourages the promotion of healthy behaviors – consider planning activities that align with their recovery goals, like outdoor adventures or wellness-focused gatherings.
• Setting Healthy Boundaries: CRAFT teaches the importance of setting boundaries that protect both the individual with SUD and family members. During the holidays, this might mean setting limits around certain activities or conversations that could be “triggering.” Being supportive to someone close to you who is struggling with a SUD is important, however you also need to meet your needs first.
• Fostering Connection: Connection is a key concept in CRAFT, and the holidays offer a unique opportunity to strengthen bonds. Engage in activities that foster closeness and understanding, such as shared hobbies or volunteering.

Navigating Holiday Stress with CRAFT Strategies

The holiday season, while festive, can also bring unique stressors, particularly for those with SUDs and their families. Implementing strategies from the CRAFT program can be instrumental in navigating these stresses effectively. Here are some key approaches:

• Recognize Triggers: Be vigilant about potential triggers during the holidays. This awareness can help in planning events that minimize the risk of relapse.
• Support Networks: Encourage your loved one to stay connected with their support networks, including AA or NA meetings, which often have special sessions during the holidays.
• CRAFT Group Support: If you’re involved in a CRAFT group, share your holiday-related concerns and strategies. These groups provide a platform for discussing challenges and finding collective solutions.

Setting Boundaries and Avoiding Codependency With Family Members Still in Active Addiction

Supporting a loved one with SUD does not mean enabling their addiction. The holiday season can blur the lines between support and codependency, especially when a family member is still in active addiction. Setting boundaries is not only crucial for your well-being but also for the long-term recovery of your loved one. Here are some tips on how to navigate this challenging aspect:

• Understanding Codependency: Codependency occurs when a person develops an unhealthy emotional reliance on a loved one with addiction, often sacrificing their own needs and enabling the addictive behavior. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward change.
• Defining Boundaries: Setting boundaries is about defining what you are comfortable with and what you are not. It involves clear communication about your limits and the consequences if these limits are not respected. For example, you might decide not to provide financial assistance that could be used for substances, or choose not to attend events where your loved one is under the influence.
• Communicating Boundaries: Once you’ve defined your boundaries, communicate them to your loved one in a firm yet compassionate manner. Be clear and direct about what you will and will not tolerate.
• Sticking to Boundaries: The most challenging part of setting boundaries is adhering to them. This often requires consistent reinforcement and might involve tough decisions, like leaving an event if your loved one is using substances.
• Seeking Support: Dealing with a loved one’s active addiction can be emotionally taxing. Seeking support through therapy, support groups, or CRAFT can provide you with the tools and emotional resilience required to maintain healthy boundaries.
• Avoiding Enabling Behaviors: Be vigilant about behaviors that might enable your loved one’s addiction. This includes covering up for their actions, bailing them out of financial or legal troubles related to their addiction, or ignoring their substance use.
• Prioritizing Self-Care: In the process of setting boundaries, don’t forget to take care of your own emotional and physical well-being. Engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation is crucial for maintaining your strength and resilience.
• Flexible Yet Firm Approach: While it’s important to be firm in your boundaries, also be prepared for flexibility as situations evolve. The goal is to support recovery, not to punish or control your loved one.

By setting boundaries and avoiding codependency, you create a healthier dynamic for both yourself and your loved one. This approach can be particularly effective during the holiday season, a time that can be both joyous and challenging for families dealing with SUD.

Discover the Benefits of CRAFT Groups 

One of the most effective resources available for families dealing with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) is the Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) program. With an impressive success rate, as research highlights that seven out of ten family members who participate in CRAFT successfully engage their loved one in a treatment program, CRAFT stands out as a beacon of hope and practical assistance.

Why Join a CRAFT Group?

• Effective Engagement: CRAFT equips you with strategies to gently and effectively encourage your loved one to seek and start treatment. This is particularly crucial if they are reluctant or unsure about getting help.
• Reducing Harmful Substance Use: Through CRAFT, you learn techniques that can help reduce the incidence of substance use within your family, creating a safer and more supportive home environment.
• Self-Improvement and Empowerment: The program isn’t just about supporting your loved one; it’s equally about your growth. You’ll gain skills in positive communication and setting healthy boundaries, enhancing your own life and well-being.
• Community Support: CRAFT groups bring together people who are facing similar challenges. This community aspect provides a sense of belonging and mutual support, which is invaluable.

Taking the Next Step

Finding a CRAFT group near you can be a transformative step for your family. These groups are not just support networks; they are hubs of learning and empowerment. By joining a CRAFT group, you’re not just helping your loved one; you’re also taking a significant step in your journey towards personal growth and family healing.

CRAFT Groups meet both online and in-person throughout Colorado. Find a CRAFT Group near you on this online directory. Remember that CRAFT is about building resilience, understanding, and a supportive community that navigates the complexities of SUD together. It’s an investment in your family’s future and a step towards a healthier, more harmonious life.

Help is Available at Porch Light Health

Supporting a loved one with SUD during the holidays is a delicate balance of celebration and mindfulness. By incorporating CRAFT principles and being attuned to the unique challenges of the season, you can create a supportive, inclusive, and joyous environment. Remember, the greatest gift you can offer is your understanding, support, and unconditional love. In this journey, you are not alone; resources like CRAFT groups and compassionate healthcare providers are there to assist.

For those in Colorado and New Mexico, Porch Light Health offers an extensive network of support. With over 60 points of care spread across these states, Porch Light Health provide a comprehensive approach to treating SUD, including Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT), behavioral services, and psychiatric care. Porch Light Health also offers CRAFT groups weekly. Their dedicated team understands the complexities of substance use disorders and offers personalized, empathetic care. If you or your loved one is struggling with SUD, consider reaching out to Porch Light Health. Embrace the opportunity for a healthier future – take that courageous step towards recovery and wellness with a trusted partner in your journey. For more information, call Porch Light Health at 866-394-6123 today!