Resources and Information for Families
In this article you will find resources for families to help you cope with addiction. Learn about the multiple types of counseling that are available.
These links are for information only and to help patients become better informed about approaches to therapy.
Consider CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training)
CRAFT is an evidenced-based and empirically-supported method shown to be effective in guiding loved ones to accept help.
The Center for Motivation and Change describes this sort of treatment very well.
PHMC Research & Evaluation also pioneers programs that use compassionate and effective techniques based on principles of psychological behavior therapy. PHMC was formerly known as the Treatment Research Institute.
We highly recommend the book Get Your Loved One Sober by Robert J. Meyers, PhD and Brenda L. Wolfe, PhD which is based on CRAFT a “proven prevention program.
Family Resources Related to Teens
WebMD – Teen Depression – This page explains the symptoms of teenage depression and why adolescents become depressed. When a teenager’s irritable mood lasts for over two weeks, the irritability may be more than just a bad mood. This is particularly true if the irritability is accompanied by symptoms of depression, such as:
- apathy
- physical pain
- difficulty concentrating
- difficulty making decisions
- memory loss
- loss of interest in activities
When these symptoms are present for more than two weeks your teen could be facing a serious form of depression. There are many different reasons why a teenager may become depressed including family problems and other environmental stressors.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) for Teens – The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), created this Web site to educate adolescents ages 11 through 15 (as well as their parents and teachers) on the science behind drug abuse. It has a section for facts about different kinds of drugs such as anabolic steroids, ecstasy, inhalants, marijuana, prescription drugs, stimulants, tobacco, and other drugs. There is also a FAQ section and personal stories from teenagers about their experiences.
Family Resources Related to Children
Helping Teenagers With Stress (PDF File – Feel free to reprint). This pamphlet is part of the American Academy of Child Psychiatry’s Facts For Families series. It provides parents and teenagers with ways to cope with their stress.
Bullying (PDF File – Feel free to reprint). This pamphlet is part of the American Academy of Child Psychiatry’s Facts For Families series. It discusses adolescent bullying and ways to help your child cope.
“Parenting as Therapy for Child’s Mental Disorders” (Carey, Benedict, The New York Times, 12/22/06). The science behind nondrug treatments for childhood behavioral disorders is getting stronger.
“Living With Love, Chaos and Haley” (Belluck, Pam, The New York Times, 10/22/06). Families of children diagnosed with mental disorders often sort through conflicting advice without quality support.
“What’s Wrong With a Child? Psychiatrists Often Disagree” (Carey, Benedict, The New York TImes, 11/11/06). More and more children are being treated for psychiatric problems. But naming those problems remains more an art than a science.
Take the Next Step
We can help you find the treatment or therapy that will work for you. Contact the JFA office with any questions and to schedule a consultation. With the guidance and support of a therapist, you can start recovery now.
