Help for Concerned Significant Others
Individuals who live with, love, or look after problem gamblers may also experience financial and emotional distress. Our evidence-based approach to supporting concerned significant others (CSO) is based on the Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) model developed by Drs. Robert J. Meyers and Jane Ellen Smith of the University of New Mexico. CRAFT is built on the principle that an actively involved partner, friend, or family member will be able to get his or her own needs met and be better equipped to provide positive, measurable support to their loved one’s recovery through:
- education about the nature of gambling disorder and its treatment
- problem solving skills to manage the impact of problem gambling
- communication and assertiveness coaching to improve personal confidence and foster mutual respect
- coping and self-care skills to handle one’s own personal stress