1-855-662-7474The CRAFT program (Allies in Recovery) is an effective and powerful invention to assist you in encouraging your loved one to voluntarily enter treatment, as well as help you learn ways to take care of your own needs. A critical aspect of the program is being prepared when the person you are trying to help indicates they are open to treatment. When this window of opportunity opens, you ideally want to be ready with suggestions on where they can go and be prepared to help facilitate the process. This means having some knowledge of the problem of addiction, levels of care, types of treatment, and what is available in your community.
Given the time and effort you will put into CRAFT, adding this extra burden can feel overwhelming. Yet if you are not prepared to help facilitate access to the best treatment, your efforts with CRAFT will likely lead to more disappointment.
The good news is that the NM 5-Actions Program™ can assist you in the necessary preparations and ensure the process is not overwhelming. Here are the recommended steps to take:
Watch Videos about Addiction
Educate yourself about the problem and solution to addiction by watching the videos in the NM 5-Actions Program™. Origins of Addiction is a good place to start, as well as the videos in Overview of the Solution.
Most videos are 3-4 minutes long and in 1-2 hours you will have a strong foundation of knowledge to better understand the nature of addiction and treatment. If you have been operating on the assumption that once your loved one addresses addiction all will work out, it’s important to understand the necessity of dealing with the underlying roots for long-term successful outcomes.
Use the Personal Roadmap Tool
Use the Personal Roadmap Tool on the dashboard to access content if you are seeking answers to specific questions. The tool allows you to select from one of six categories and then directs you to individualized content.
For example, if you believe your loved one has challenges with alcohol, marijuana, and food, select “Learn About Specific Addictions” and then check the boxes for these three and click submit to get to the right videos.
Connect with Treatment Connection
Learn about treatment options in your community through Treatment Connection, a service funded by the New Mexico Human Services Department, Behavioral Health Services Division. Searching this database will provide you a good starting point, and then you can refine your search using the available filters on the site. Also, seek out information on programs from those whom you feel comfortable asking about referrals (e.g., family, friends, physician).
Make a List of Programs & Services
Make a short list of programs you believe might be a good fit and call them to inquire about their services, openings to accept new clients, and other questions you may have based on knowledge you have from the NM 5-Actions Program™ or CRAFT. After connecting with each program, prioritize them in the order you think would be best for your loved one or friend, and be ready to employ when the time is right.
Use the 5-Actions Program? Free Phone Support
If at any point in the process you feel stuck, confused, or overwhelmed with navigating the treatment system, call the New Mexico Crisis & Access Line. The trained clinicians can help you better understand treatment options and assist you in getting your loved one or friend access to care. Also, consider calling the New Mexico Peer-to-Peer Warmline to talk with someone with lived experience of addiction and who can offer support and input on treatment and recovery.
855-4NM-7100 (1-855-466-7100) – available from 7 am-11:30 pm MDT (text 6 pm-11 pm)
Allies in Recovery
Lastly, understand that CRAFT is about a lot more than just getting your loved one into treatment. Addiction touches everyone in a family, so learning more about how addiction impacts families, the role of trauma in relationships, and how to heal long-standing family patterns is critical work for long-term recovery success. Allies in Recovery can get you on the right path.
Access the program for free by going to the “Get Started” section in the top navigation. Click on the “Sponsored Membership” button and enter your email and zip code (for promo code). Select “State of New Mexico” from the Sponsoring Organization drop-down menu and follow the next steps to complete registration.
