Using CRAFT to Help Your Child Accept Treatment: Insights from Brenda Zane
Episode Overview
Use positive communication to influence behaviour. Recognise windows of opportunity for treatment discussions. Reinforce good behaviour with rewards. Understand what motivates your child. Prioritise self-care as a parent.
Let's drive to the airport right now and get on a plane and go somewhere to get help.
Brenda Zane, the compassionate host of Hopestream, dives into the practicalities of using Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) to help parents encourage their children to accept treatment for substance misuse. As a Mayo Clinic Certified health and wellness coach, Brenda brings her personal experience as a parent who nearly lost her son to addiction, making her insights incredibly relatable and heartfelt.
This episode is a goldmine for parents who are desperate to find effective ways to communicate with their children about seeking help. Brenda shares a poignant story about her own journey with her son, illustrating the emotional rollercoaster that many parents will find all too familiar. She talks about the moment when she almost convinced her son to get on a plane for treatment, only for him to change his mind at the last minute.
It’s a story that encapsulates the hope, frustration, and heartbreak that come with trying to help a loved one struggling with addiction. Brenda explains the core principles of CRAFT, focusing on positive communication, reinforcing good behaviour, understanding motivational hooks, and the importance of timing. She emphasises that this approach is not about tough love but about building a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
One key takeaway is the importance of recognising windows of opportunity when your child might be more receptive to the idea of getting help. Brenda also highlights the importance of self-care for parents, noting that taking care of yourself is crucial in this challenging journey. This episode is packed with practical advice and emotional support, making it a must-listen for any parent navigating the difficult waters of their child's substance misuse.
Brenda's warm and empathetic approach provides a comforting space for parents to feel understood and supported. So, if you're looking for effective strategies to help your child while also taking care of yourself, this episode offers invaluable guidance. Why not give it a listen and see how CRAFT can make a difference in your life?