Advances in Management of Alcohol Use Disorders and Intimate Partner Violence: Community Reinforcement and Family Training

Abstract

Substance use disorders are associated with life-threatening behaviours and substance use is found to strongly trigger criminal behaviour, including intimate partner violence (IPV). Although intimate partners are often subject to aggression and injury, most substance-using offenders refuse to enter formal treatments. Community reinforcement and family training (CRAFT) was developed to help intimate partners to (a) recognize and safely respond to potential violence, (b) improve communication with the substance user; (c) decrease stress, (d) improve self efficacy, and (e) assist in encouraging the unwilling substance user to enter therapy. The underlying operant-based belief is that environmental contingencies are key in encouraging or discouraging substance use. This article discusses why CRAFT may be effective in engaging treatment-resistant patients with substance abuse disorders in formal treatment and to diminish IPV. It is asserted that intimate partners, family members and close friends can make important contributions to assist substance-using offenders.

Childhood Sexual Abuse Associated With Dating Partner Violence and Suicidal Ideation in a Representative Household Sample in Hong Kong

“…Parallel to other studies, behavioral factors such as substance abuse and sexual behavior also showed an independent effect on IPV (Roozen, Blaauw, & Meyers, 2009). Sexual intercourse with the partner led to higher risks of sexual IPV victimization.…”

Relationship Between Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Steps Facilitation and Development of Competencies in Rehabilitation Facilities in Central and Nairobi Regions, Kenya

“…The original AA 12 steps facilitative model was meant to last up to 60 days in a residential setting in the hope that a caring and low-stress environment removed from traditional daily life would facilitate the recovery process. This was however extended over the years to between 3 to 6 months ( Roozen, Blaauw. & Meyers, 2009).…”

“…Competencies are not considered innate but must be developed overtime in order to cultivate and improve performance and continue throughout a person's life (Roozen et al, 2009). Competency is also achieved through training and supervision from knowledgeable instructors and supervisors who in this study comprised of addiction counsellors (Kivlahan, 2013).…”

Outcome Evaluation of a Family-Based Jail Reentry Program for Substance Abusing Offenders

“…Evidence for the CRAFT model has generally been positive, and the approach is considered effective relative to other intervention strategies (for reviews of CRAFT, see Meyers et al, 2011; Roozen, Blaauw, & Meyers, 2009; Roozen et al, 2004; Roozen, de Waart, & van der Kroft, 2010). Overall, empirical evidence suggests that the CRAFT model produces favorable outcomes more so than programs that use only one treatment component (Meyers et al, 1999; Szapocznik, Kurtines, Foote, Perez-Vidal, & Hervis, 1986, 1983).…”