When Someone You Love Struggles with Substance Use
You do not have to navigate it alone. CeDAR’s free CRAFT Skills Group offers compassionate, practical support for family members, partners, friends and other loved ones affected by someone else’s substance use.
Whether your loved one is actively using substances, currently in treatment or unsure about making a change, CRAFT can help you respond more effectively while also protecting your own well-being.
Open to adults connected with CeDAR and members of the broader Colorado community. No referral is required.
FORMAT
A 12-Week Virtual Group Program via Zoom
SCHEDULE
Tuesdays
4:00–5:15 p.m.
START DATE
August 18, 2026
COST
Free
No referral required
Support Your Loved One Without Losing Yourself
Substance use affects more than the person who is using. Family members and other loved ones often experience worry, frustration, conflict, guilt and exhaustion—especially when they are unsure what to say, what to do or how to help.
Community Reinforcement and Family Training, commonly called CRAFT, gives loved ones a practical set of skills for responding to substance use in ways that support healthier behavior and reduce unnecessary conflict.
CRAFT does not ask you to control another person or force them into treatment. Instead, it helps you focus on the actions, communication and boundaries that are within your control.
In This Group, You Will Learn How To:
- Improve communication and reduce conflict
- Set healthy, effective boundaries
- Respond to substance use in ways that encourage positive change
- Recognize and reinforce healthier behavior
- Avoid responses that unintentionally support continued substance use
- Increase the likelihood that your loved one considers treatment or recovery support
- Reduce stress, guilt and burnout
- Prioritize your own physical and emotional well-being
- Connect with others who understand what you are experiencing
Who Can Attend?
Anyone age 18 or older who has a loved one affected by substance use that is seeking practical tools, support, and guidance on how to encourage recovery while improving their own well-being. This includes family members, spouses, partners, friends, and other loved ones.
Your loved one does not need to be enrolled at CeDAR, currently in treatment or ready to make a change for you to participate.
Why CRAFT?
CRAFT is an evidence-based approach developed specifically for people concerned about someone else’s alcohol or drug use. It teaches family members and other loved ones how to encourage healthier choices, improve communication, support treatment engagement and take better care of themselves.
Unlike confrontational approaches, CRAFT emphasizes collaboration, positive reinforcement, realistic boundaries and personal safety. The goal is not to punish, shame or pressure your loved one. The goal is to create conditions that make healthier behavior and help-seeking more likely.
Research-supported CRAFT programs focus on reducing harmful substance-related behavior, encouraging treatment engagement and improving the well-being of concerned family members. NIAAA (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism) also identifies CRAFT as more effective than a confrontational “intervention” approach for helping someone become more willing to consider treatment.
What to Expect
A Structured 12-Week Program
The group follows a skill-based curriculum, with each session building on practical strategies introduced throughout the program.
A Supportive Virtual Setting
Participate from a private location using a computer, tablet or smartphone with an internet connection.
Practical Skills You Can Use
Sessions focus on real-life communication, boundaries, self-care and responses to substance-related behavior.
Respect and Confidentiality
Participants are encouraged to share only what feels appropriate. The group is designed to provide education, support and useful tools without judgment.
Connection with Others
You will meet other people who understand the uncertainty and emotional strain that can come with loving someone affected by substance use.
Questions or Ready to Reserve Your Spot?
CeDAR Outpatient Scheduling
Hosted by CeDAR Outpatient Services
At CeDAR, we believe recovery involves healing individuals, families and communities.
CeDAR provides evidence-based addiction treatment and recovery support through compassionate, person-centered care. Our outpatient services help people and families build practical skills, strengthen recovery and create healthier lives while remaining connected to their homes, work and communities.
FAQs
What does CRAFT stand for?
CRAFT stands for Community Reinforcement and Family Training. It is a skills-based approach for family members, partners, friends and other people concerned about someone else’s substance use.
Does my loved one need to be in treatment?
No. The group may be helpful whether your loved one is actively using substances, currently in treatment, considering a change or not yet interested in receiving help.
Does my loved one need to be a CeDAR patient?
No. The group is open to CeDAR community and their support persons as well as members of the Colorado community.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. Call the CeDAR Outpatient Scheduling Department at 720.848.3037 to learn more or reserve your spot.
Is the group truly free?
Yes. The CRAFT Skills Group is offered at no cost.
Is the group virtual or in person?
The group is virtual. Participants will need access to a private location and an internet-connected computer, tablet or smartphone.
Do I have to attend all 12 weeks?
The program is designed as a 12-week group, and sessions build on one another. Participants are encouraged to attend the full program. Call the scheduling team if you have questions about attendance or availability.
Is CRAFT the same as an intervention?
No. CRAFT does not rely on confrontation or a surprise intervention. It teaches concerned loved ones practical communication, reinforcement, boundary-setting and self-care skills that can support healthier behavior and increase openness to help.
Are there any age limits or requirements to participate?
Participants must be 18 years of age or older. The group is open to adult family members, spouses, partners, friends and other loved ones affected by someone else’s substance use.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Support is available whether your loved one is actively using substances, in treatment or not yet ready to consider change.
Join CeDAR’s free virtual CRAFT Skills Group and learn practical ways to support your loved one while also caring for yourself.
Call the CeDAR Outpatient Scheduling Department at 720.848.3037.
Free. Virtual. No referral required.