When a loved one is struggling with substance use, family members often feel helpless, unsure of how to offer support without enabling harmful behaviors. Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) is a proven, evidence-based approach that empowers families to foster positive change while prioritizing their own well-being.

SummitStone Health Partners is committed to providing compassionate, research-backed support for families facing substance use challenges. Through services like Peer Support Services and Case Management, we help families apply CRAFT principles and navigate the journey toward recovery together.

What Is Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT)?

CRAFT is a structured, skills-based approach designed to help families and friends:

• Encourage a loved one to seek treatment voluntarily
• Improve communication and strengthen relationships
• Reduce conflict and stress at home
• Prioritize self-care while supporting recovery

Unlike traditional intervention models, which can sometimes feel confrontational, CRAFT focuses on positive reinforcement and behavioral strategies to guide loved ones toward change. Research has shown that CRAFT is highly effective in increasing treatment engagement for individuals with substance use disorders—without using ultimatums or coercion.

How CRAFT Differs From Traditional Approaches

Many families wonder how CRAFT compares to other support systems like Al-Anon or traditional interventions. While all approaches aim to help families, they differ in their strategies:

• Traditional interventions often involve a direct confrontation, where loved ones express their concerns and encourage immediate treatment. While this method can work for some, it may push others away.
• Al-Anon focuses on personal detachment from a loved one’s addiction, encouraging family members to find peace regardless of whether the person struggling with substance use seeks help.
• CRAFT, in contrast, is an active, skill-based method that teaches family members how to motivate and support their loved ones in seeking treatment while maintaining a healthy relationship.

“[The CRAFT] environment has really helped me remove the shame and help[ed] me open up and be more honest with myself and others. That’s been a huge learning experience for me, just to see that I’m not alone.” – Elizabeth (name changed to respect privacy)

How SummitStone Supports Families

At SummitStone Health Partners, we understand that families play a crucial role in a loved one’s recovery. Our services align with CRAFT principles, providing hands-on support through:

Peer Support Services

Our Peer Support Specialists offer guidance based on their own lived experiences with substance use and recovery. They help families develop skills to communicate more effectively, set healthy boundaries, and support their loved ones in a positive way.

Case Management

Navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with substance use challenges. Our Case Management team connects families with treatment providers, support groups, and other essential services to ensure they have access to the resources they need.

“When I entered the program, boundaries were something that I really lacked,” she said. “The program has helped me build physical boundaries—how I interact with my loved ones—and emotional boundaries—really confronting and labeling how I’m feeling or how I handled a certain situation. What I’ve learned from this program is how to communicate my boundaries in a healthy way and really stand up for myself.” 

Frequently Asked Questions About CRAFT

Is CRAFT available at no cost?

Yes! CRAFT resources are freely available to families who want to learn how to support a loved one. Many organizations, including SummitStone, provide guidance in applying these principles.

Does CRAFT require my loved one to participate?

No, CRAFT is designed specifically for family members and friends of individuals struggling with substance use. The focus is on your actions and how you can positively influence change.

Can CRAFT help even if my loved one doesn’t want treatment?

Yes. CRAFT helps families develop communication strategies that increase the likelihood of a loved one seeking treatment on their own. Even if they aren’t ready for treatment yet, CRAFT techniques can improve relationships and reduce stress in the household.

Can CRAFT be beneficial for families of all ages?

Yes! Whether you are supporting a teenager, an adult child, a spouse, or an aging parent, CRAFT strategies can be adapted to different family dynamics.

What if I’m not in contact with my loved one right now?

Even if you’re not currently in touch with them, CRAFT can help you build skills that strengthen future interactions. The approach focuses on long-term positive change, even when direct communication isn’t possible.

Take the First Step Toward Healing – Get Help Today

If your loved one is struggling with substance use, you don’t have to face it alone. CRAFT provides the tools to support their recovery while also prioritizing your own well-being.

“The problems that we’re facing are deep, deep-rooted, and they’re not going to fix themselves. Just coming in with ease and grace and really embracing the community that’s been built helps each and every group member.” 

For general information on CRAFT, please visit the Behavioral Health Administration’s website, where you can also find a CRAFT group and connect with professionals offering virtual or in-person sessions across Colorado.

• Loveland:
  • Sign up by calling Gloria at 970-473-4335
• Fort Collins:
  • Sign up by calling Sara at 970-657-0498

We encourage you to take the next step towards positive change. Reach out today to learn more about these programs and how they can support your family’s journey.

Struggling with substance use can feel isolating and overwhelming, but it’s important to know you’re not alone. Substance use isn’t simply a personal choice—it’s a deeply complex brain disorder that alters the way the brain functions, often beyond an individual’s control.

Repeated exposure to substances can fundamentally rewire neural pathways, disrupting a person’s ability to regulate emotions, make sound decisions, and control behavior (National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA], 2020).

The Brain and Substance Use

The brain functions as a highly intricate network of neurons that communicate through chemicals called neurotransmitters. Addictive substances and behaviors disrupt this communication, overstimulating the brain’s reward system and creating lasting changes.

The three key brain areas impacted by substance use are:

• Basal Ganglia: This area regulates pleasure and motivation. Addictive substances flood the basal ganglia with dopamine, producing intense feelings of euphoria. Over time, the brain adapts by reducing its sensitivity to natural rewards like food or relationships, increasing dependence on substances to experience pleasure (NIDA, 2020).
• Extended Amygdala: Responsible for managing stress and anxiety, the extended amygdala becomes overactive during withdrawal, leading to heightened discomfort. This state drives individuals to continue to use to temporarily relieve distress, perpetuating the cycle of substance use (NIDA, 2020).
• Prefrontal Cortex: Critical for decision-making, impulse control, and self-regulation, the prefrontal cortex weakens under the influence of substance use. This impairment makes it harder to resist cravings, resulting in compulsive behaviors and poor decision-making (NIDA, 2020).

The Science Behind Substance Use

Substance use isn’t about lacking willpower—it’s a complex brain condition where substances hijack the brain’s natural reward system. When someone uses drugs or engages in addictive behaviors, their brain releases large amounts of dopamine, creating powerful connections between the substance and feelings of pleasure. As this pattern continues, the brain becomes less responsive to everyday sources of satisfaction like food, social interactions, or hobbies. Consequently, the individual increasingly seeks out the substance, driven by neurological changes that prioritize addictive behavior over natural rewards (Yale Medicine, 2022).

Why Does Relapse Happen?

Relapse is common because substance use alters the brain’s memory and motivational systems. Environmental cues or emotions associated with substance use can trigger cravings, even years after quitting. This “learned reflex” underscores the chronic and addictive nature of substance use and the importance of sustained support.

Understanding Substance Use’s Complexity

Jack O’Connor is someone recovering from addiction whose story was featured in an NPR article by Jack Rodolico (Anatomy of Addiction: How Heroin and Opioids Hijack the Brain, 2016). As a teenager, Jack experimented with substances and quickly became dependent on the euphoria they provided.

Despite multiple attempts to detox—more than 20 over three years—and even joining the Marines to escape his substance use, Jack struggled with repeated relapse. According to Dr. Seddon Savage from Dartmouth College, opioids activate the same brain regions that govern basic survival instincts, hijacking memory, motivation, and self-control.

Today, Jack is sober, thanks to comprehensive treatment and strong support systems. Reflecting on his experience, Jack shared, “I loved the way I felt high, but now I love how I feel sober.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or substance use, don’t wait to take that first step. Your path to recovery and a better future begins with asking for help.

The Science of Recovery: Neuroplasticity and Hope

The brain’s ability to adapt, called neuroplasticity, offers hope for recovery. While the changes caused by substance use are significant, they are not irreversible. Recovery involves both physical and psychological processes that help the brain rebuild healthy connections.

Neuroplasticity presents a powerful mechanism for healing. Through deliberate practice, individuals can disrupt damaging neural connections that drive substance use and rewire the brain using healthier thoughts, feelings, and behaviors (Altamira Recovery, 2023).

Key Recovery Strategies:

• Therapeutic Interventions: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) help individuals manage cravings and rebuild healthy thought patterns.
• Medications: Treatments like naltrexone and buprenorphine address withdrawal symptoms and restore balance to the brain’s chemistry.
• Healthy Habits: Exercise, mindfulness, and social connections naturally boost dopamine levels, reducing dependency on substances.
• Support Systems: Peer and community support provide stability, accountability, and encouragement throughout recovery.

Recovery is not a one-time event but a lifelong process. By addressing the underlying neurological changes caused by substance use, individuals can regain control over their lives.

How Treatment Helps Heal the Brain

While substance use can significantly alter the brain, recovery is possible through comprehensive treatment. At SummitStone, we use evidence-based approaches to address both the neurological and emotional aspects of substance use.

Key Services Include:

• Withdrawal Management (Detox): A safe, supportive environment with medical care and therapy to ease the transition into recovery.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Combines medications and therapy to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
• Peer Support Services: Connects clients with trained specialists who share lived experiences, fostering hope and accountability.
• Group Therapy: Offers structured support for adults, adolescents, and families, led by trained psychologists.
• Telehealth Services: Secure, virtual therapy sessions allow individuals to receive care remotely.

By combining these therapies with holistic approaches like yoga and vocational support, we help individuals rebuild their lives and restore brain function.

How Treatment Helps Heal the Brain

While substance use can significantly alter the brain, recovery is possible through comprehensive treatment. At SummitStone, we use evidence-based approaches to address both the neurological and emotional aspects of substance use.

Key Services Include:

• Withdrawal Management (Detox): A safe, supportive environment with medical care and therapy to ease the transition into recovery.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Combines medications and therapy to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
• Peer Support Services: Connects clients with trained specialists who share lived experiences, fostering hope and accountability.
• Group Therapy: Offers structured support for adults, adolescents, and families, led by trained psychologists.
• Telehealth Services: Secure, virtual therapy sessions allow individuals to receive care remotely.

By combining these therapies with holistic approaches like yoga and vocational support, we help individuals rebuild their lives and restore brain function.

Substance use profoundly impacts the brain, altering its ability to regulate emotions, make decisions, and experience pleasure. These changes underscore the importance of understanding substance use as a medical condition, not a moral failing. Through targeted treatment, such as the services offered by SummitStone, individuals can heal their brains, regain control of their lives, and move toward lasting recovery. Substance use recovery starts with reaching out. If you or someone you care about is battling substance abuse or recovering from addiction, seeking help is the first crucial step toward healing.

Get Help Now

 

 

References

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Drugs, brain, and behavior: The science of substance use. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/substance use-science/drugs-brain-behavior-science-of-substance use

Rodolico, J. (2016, January 11). Anatomy of substance use: How heroin and opioids hijack the brain. NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/01/11/462390288/anatomy-of-substance use-how-heroin-and-opioids-hijack-the-brain

Yale Medicine. (2022, May 25). How an addicted brain works. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/how-an-addicted-brain-works

Altamira Recovery. (2023). Neuroplasticity in recovering the brain. https://www.altamirarecovery.com/neuroplasticity-recovering-brain/

Drug use is a complex issue that goes beyond merely consuming substances. It involves various factors, including our biology, mental health, and the environment we live in. All these elements can lead to significant behavioral changes in drug users. To effectively prevent and treat drug use, it’s essential to understand these behavioral shifts.

The landscape of drug use is always changing, with new substances emerging and usage patterns evolving over time. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) shares that trends and statistics show how drug use patterns vary across different groups and regions. Keeping up with these changes is vital for adapting our strategies to meet the unique challenges faced by various communities.

By looking closely at these issues, we can understand what causes people to use substances, create better help programs, and support those who are working toward recovery.

Exploring the Physiological and Psychological Impacts of Drug Use

Drugs can significantly affect the brain’s structure and how it functions, resulting in noticeable behavioral changes for users. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, drugs disrupt critical areas of the brain responsible for essential life functions, leading to the compulsive behaviors often seen in addiction.

On a physiological level, drugs can change how the brain communicates. They interfere with the way neurons send, receive, and process signals through neurotransmitters. This disruption can lead to difficulties in thinking, decision-making, memory, and emotional control.

On a psychological level, drug use can alter mood, behavior, and personality. Users might experience heightened anxiety, depression, or aggression, and they may become socially withdrawn or lose motivation. These psychological effects can further encourage drug-seeking behaviors and perpetuate the cycle of addiction.

The Role of Environment and Social Influences

The environment and social influences are key factors in shaping behaviors related to drug use and addiction. Research has shown that social surroundings significantly impact the likelihood of drug use and the risk of developing substance use disorders.

Interactions with peers and family can heavily influence a person’s choice to start or continue using drugs. Being around friends or family who use drugs can make substance use seem normal and increase the chances of trying drugs, leading to addiction. Environmental factors, such as living in high-stress neighborhoods or having easy access to drugs, can also contribute to risky drug use behaviors.

The Stages of Addiction and Recovery

Addiction is a complex condition that unfolds in stages, each marked by specific behavioral changes. Understanding these stages can provide insights into the recovery journey.

The Addiction Cycle illustrates how addiction progresses, starting with experimentation, moving to regular use, and ultimately leading to substance use and addiction. As individuals advance through these stages, their behaviors can change dramatically.

During the initial phases of experimentation and regular use, people may experience changes in mood, energy, and social interactions. However, as substance use intensifies, concerning behaviors may emerge, including neglecting responsibilities, engaging in risky actions, and damaging relationships.

Once addiction takes hold, individuals often become fixated on obtaining and using the substance, ignoring their health and the consequences of their choices. This stage is characterized by compulsive behavior, withdrawal symptoms, and a lack of control over their substance use.

Fortunately, recovery is possible, and it follows its own stages. The Stages of Change Model outlines the process of overcoming addiction, which includes pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance.

The Stages of Change

• Pre-contemplation: In this stage, individuals may deny or downplay their substance use problem and resist change.
• Contemplation: As they progress, they become more aware of the consequences of their actions and may feel conflicted about changing.
• Preparation: People in this stage begin to take small steps toward change, such as seeking information or support.
• Action: This stage involves actively working on recovery, which may include professional treatment, attending support groups, or making lifestyle adjustments.
• Maintenance: Finally, in this stage, individuals focus on sustaining their recovery efforts and preventing relapse, often showing improved self-care, healthier coping skills, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Embracing Change: The Path to Recovery

Seeking help for drug addiction is a courageous first step towards reclaiming one’s life. While the journey may be tough, it holds the promise of significant personal growth and transformation. By embracing change and committing to recovery, individuals can break free from the cycle of substance use and rediscover their true selves.

The path to recovery requires determination, resilience, and a willingness to confront the issues that led to addiction. Through comprehensive treatment programs, individuals gain access to a supportive network of professionals and peers who understand the complexities of addiction. Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, learning effective coping strategies and developing healthier habits to replace harmful patterns of substance use.

Local Help and Resources for Addiction Recovery in Northern Colorado

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction in Northern Colorado, there are several local resources available to provide support and assistance. These resources offer a range of services tailored to help individuals on their journey to recovery:

• SummitStone Health Partners: With locations throughout Northern Colorado, SummitStone offers comprehensive withdrawal management services, providing medically supervised detox to support your recovery journey. In addition to our in-patient and out-patient therapy services, we also provide:
  • Peer Support Services: SummitStone’s Peer Support Services team connects individuals with trained peers who have firsthand experience with addiction, offering guidance and encouragement throughout the recovery process. 
  • Medication Management Services: SummitStone helps individuals access the medications they need for their recovery, ensuring appropriate prescriptions and ongoing support.
• Porch Light Health: Located in Fort Collins, this clinic specializes in addiction medicine and provides medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid dependency.
• Narconon Colorado: Narconon offers a unique approach to addiction recovery through a drug-free rehabilitation program that focuses on education and life skills. They provide residential programs designed to help individuals overcome substance use and regain control of their lives.
• The Yarrow Collective: Yarrow Collective is a by/for/with lived-experience organization that builds non-carceral, consent-based alternatives to mental health services through peer support, recovery and harm reduction.
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA): These are community-based support groups that provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and receive support from peers who understand addiction firsthand. Meetings are held regularly throughout Northern Colorado.
• The Center for Family Outreach: Offers counseling and support services for families affected by substance use. They provide education, advocacy, and resources to help families navigate the challenges of addiction recovery together.

Immediate Support: Call or Visit

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s essential to reach out for help immediately:

• Call Our Local 24/7 Crisis Line: Reach out to SummitStone Health Partners ANY TIME, day or night, and you will be immediately connected with someone who can help you identify the best next steps based on your situation.
  • Call: (970) 494-4200 ext. 4
• Call or Text 988 for Mental Health Crisis Support: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, dial 988 for immediate support. This nationwide service connects you to trained counselors who can provide free, confidential support 24/7.
  • Use Your Phone to Call: 988
  • Use Your Phone to Text: 988
  • Click here for live chat
• Walk Into The Acute Care Facility on the Longview Campus: Our Acute Care Facility offers care 24/7/365 to anyone experiencing a self-defined behavioral health or substance use crisis. Services at the Longview Campus are accessible to all individuals, and no individual will be turned away regardless of their ability to provide payment.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

Understanding the changes that happen with drug addiction is important for anyone affected by it. The journey to recovery starts with recognizing the need for help and facing these challenges. Getting support from professionals at places like SummitStone Health Partners’ Withdrawal Management (Detox) Services can provide a safe space for people going through this tough time.

Reaching out for help shows strength and a commitment to change. Remember, recovery isn’t just about stopping drug use; it’s also about understanding the reasons behind the addiction and finding the right support to address them.

 If you or someone you know is struggling with drug dependency, don’t wait to take that first step. Your path to recovery and a better future begins with asking for help.

Detoxing from Oxycodone (often referred to as “Oxy”) is a challenging but essential step toward regaining your health and well-being. As a powerful opioid, Oxycodone can create a strong physical and psychological dependency, making withdrawal symptoms both intense and dangerous. If you or a loved one is considering detox, it’s important to understand the risks involved and why seeking professional withdrawal management (detox) service is critical for a safe and successful recovery.

Understanding Oxycodone Addiction

Oxycodone is often prescribed for pain management, but its potent effects on the brain’s reward system can rapidly lead to addiction. When ingested or injected, opioids like Oxycodone enter the bloodstream and act on receptors in the brain that affect pain and pleasure. They block painful sensations and activate the brain’s reward center, creating feelings of bliss and reinforcing the drive to continue use. Over time, the body builds a tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same relief, increasing the risk of misuse and dependency.

The most visible indicator of this public health problem has been a dramatic rise in overdose deaths. In 2015, there were over 33,000 opioid-related deaths in the United States, making it the leading cause of death among young people aged 18 to 35 years old. This stark statistic underscores the urgency of addressing opioid addiction through professional treatment.

If someone who has developed a dependency on Oxycodone stops taking the drug, they can suffer severe withdrawal symptoms such as chills, shakes, nausea, and vomiting. Even after the initial sickness subsides, the brain remains fundamentally changed. Without opioids, individuals often feel depressed and anxious, and their reward system continually craves more of the substance. Many former opioid users report experiencing daily cravings that can last for years, and potentially for the rest of their lives.

This cycle of addiction and withdrawal illustrates why detoxing without medical supervision can be both uncomfortable and life-threatening. Overcoming opioid addiction requires a comprehensive approach that includes medical and psychological support to manage withdrawal symptoms effectively and reduce the risk of relapse.

Why You Should Seek Professional Help for Detox

1. Medical Supervision Ensures Safety Detoxing from Oxycodone is not just uncomfortable—it can be life-threatening. A professional detox program provides medical supervision, ensuring that you or your loved one are monitored around the clock. At SummitStone Health Partners’ Withdrawal Management (Detox) Services, trained professionals can manage symptoms, prevent complications, and provide medications that alleviate discomfort, making the detox process safer and more manageable.
2. Personalized Treatment Plans Each person’s journey through detox is unique. A professional detox center tailors the treatment plan to the individual’s specific needs, considering factors such as the severity of the addiction, medical history, and personal circumstances. This personalized approach increases the likelihood of a successful detox and a smooth transition into the next phase of recovery.
3. Access to Emotional and Psychological Support Withdrawal is not only a physical process but also an emotional one. Feelings of anxiety, depression, and cravings can be overwhelming. Professional detox centers provide access to mental health support, including counseling and therapy, which are crucial for addressing the psychological aspects of addiction.
4. Structured Environment for Focused Recovery Detoxing in a structured environment away from everyday triggers and temptations allows you to focus solely on your recovery. Facilities like SummitStone Health Partners offer a safe, supportive setting where you can begin your journey to sobriety without the distractions or stressors of daily life.

Local Help and Resources for Detox in Northern Colorado

If you’re in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, or other areas of Northern Colorado, there are several local resources available to help you or your loved one on the path to recovery:

• SummitStone Health Partners: With locations throughout Northern Colorado, SummitStone offers comprehensive withdrawal management services, providing medically supervised detox to support your recovery journey.
• Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital: A nearby facility that provides inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services, including support for substance use recovery.
• Porch Light Health: Located in Fort Collins, this clinic specializes in addiction medicine and provides medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid dependency.

Immediate Support: Call or Visit

If you or someone you know is struggling with Oxycodone detoxification, it’s essential to reach out for help immediately:

• Call Our Local 24/7 Crisis Line: Reach out to SummitStone Health Partners ANY TIME, day or night, and you will be immediately connected with someone who can help you identify the best next steps based on your situation.
  • Call: (970) 494-4200 ext. 4
• Call or Text 988 for Mental Health Crisis Support: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, dial 988 for immediate support. This nationwide service connects you to trained counselors who can provide free, confidential support 24/7.
  • Use Your Phone to Call: 988
  • Use Your Phone to Text: 988
  • Click here for live chat
• Walk Into Our Acute Care Facility on the Longview Campus: Our Acute Care Facility offers care 24/7/365 to anyone experiencing a self-defined behavioral health crisis. Clients will not have to pay out of their own pocket for crisis services at the Longview Campus.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

Detoxing from Oxycodone is not something you should face alone. Seeking help from professionals at SummitStone Health Partners’ Withdrawal Management (Detox) Services can provide the safety, support, and care you need during this critical time. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By taking this step, you’re prioritizing your health and setting yourself on the path to a healthier, brighter future.

If you or someone you know is struggling with Oxycodone dependency, don’t wait. Find professionals to help. Your journey to recovery begins with a single, brave step.