Family Program Handbook - 23

Positive Communication
CRAFT Intro & Guidelines
CRAFT stands for the Community Reinforcement and Family Training Approach. It was developed by Dr. Robert
Meyers and is a research-based therapy program. It was created for family members of individuals with substance use
problems who were refusing to go to treatment. The CRAFT book written for family members is call Get Your Loved
One Sober: Alternatives to Nagging, Pleading and Threatening by Robert J. Meyers, PhD, and Brenda L. Wolfe, PhD.
There are seven positive communication guidelines outlined in CRAFT. The goal is to use them to improve your verbal
interactions with your loved one. When used, you are more likely to be heard and understood, and your loved one is
less likely to get defensive and more likely to listen.
CRAFT Positive Communication Guidelines:
* Be Brief-Lengthy communication tends to include irrelevant information, which " turns off " the listener. Brief
communication keeps the focus on the main point.
* Be Positive-Aim for upbeat, positive wording that indicates what is wanted versus what is NOT wanted.
Avoid blaming, overgeneralizing, and name-calling.
* Be Specific-Refer to specific behaviors versus thoughts and feelings, as behaviors are easier to measure,
detect, and reinforce. Vague requests often go unanswered or get misinterpreted.
* Label Your Feelings-Feelings stated calmly and nonjudgmentally, and in a non-accusatory way, are more
likely to be heard and evoke empathy. Name a feelings word (i.e. afraid, hurt, grateful) versus saying, " I feel that
you... "
* Offer an Understanding Statement-Your loved one is less likely to get defensive and more likely to listen if
you express empathy. Verbalize some understanding of the issue at hand, from their perspective. You do not
have to agree with their perspective in order to express empathy.
* Accept Partial Responsibility-This does not mean you blame yourself for the situation. However, is there
a small item for which you can accept some responsibility? This demonstrates that you are not interested in
simply blaming them and you are willing to consider your own role.
* Offer to Help-Usually, offers to assist are received as non-blaming and supportive. Consider making an offer
to help your loved one that falls within your boundaries and reflects healthy helping.
For family members: Meyers, R.J., & Wolfe, B.L. (2004). Get Your Loved One Sober: Alternatives to Nagging, Pleading, and
Threatening. Center City, MN: Hazelden Publishing.
For professionals: Smith, J.E., & Meyers, R.J. (2007). Motivating Substance Abusers to Enter Treatment: Working with
Family Members. New York: The Guilford Press.
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Family Program Handbook

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