Application of Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) to Sex Addiction
“Can addiction be cured?”
“How should I interact as a family member?”
“I don’t want to talk to anyone about it, and I’m too embarrassed to consult a professional. But I’m stuck in a dilemma. What should I do?”
“How long does treatment take?”
These questions are often asked more by the family members of those struggling with addiction than by the individuals themselves.
“CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training)” is an approach that has shown effectiveness in treating substance addiction, and its principles can also be applied to process (behavioral) addictions such as sex addiction and shopping addiction (process addictions refer to dependencies where the pleasure is derived from behaviors rather than substances). The goal is for the individual with sex addiction and their family to work together towards a healthier lifestyle.
- Note: Gambling addiction and adult gaming addiction are excluded.
In this piece, we will focus on sex addiction specifically.
Common manifestations of sex addiction include excessive use of dating apps, frequent visits to sex services, compulsive masturbation or prolonged pornography viewing, group sex, and obsession with sexual crimes (such as voyeurism, groping, exhibitionism, and engaging in acts with minors).
While there are many differences between men and women regarding sex addiction, understanding the basics is essential.
Main Features and Approaches of CRAFT:
- Focusing on Reinforcing Alternative Behaviors Rather Than Sex Addictive Behaviors:
- Support the individual in obtaining rewards from healthy activities instead of sex addictive behaviors. For example, encourage hobbies, exercise, and social interactions with friends.
- Family’s Role:
- Rather than directly managing, monitoring, or controlling the individual’s sex addictive behaviors or finances, support the creation of an environment that encourages voluntary change.
- Aim to improve family communication and deepen mutual understanding.
- Collaboration with Therapists:
- Therapists may provide families with knowledge about sex addiction and guidance on how to respond.
- For the individual, consider combining CRAFT with other therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. Collaboration with medical institutions for prescriptions may also be necessary.
Specific Steps of CRAFT:
- Identifying Sex Addictive Behaviors:
- Work with the individual and their family to identify specific sex addictive behaviors.
- Exploring Alternative Behaviors:
- Find alternative activities that the individual is interested in and enjoys, to replace sexual behaviors.
- Reinforcement Schedule:
- Create a schedule for providing specific rewards for engaging in alternative behaviors. Rewards can be social, such as expressions of gratitude or spending enjoyable time together, rather than monetary.
- Family Education:
- Educate the family about sex addiction and provide guidance to avoid enabling behaviors, such as giving excessive allowances to prevent illegal activities. Discuss the importance of family self-care as well.
- Improving Communication Skills:
- Train families to improve communication skills, avoiding phrases like “Why don’t you…?” or “You should have…”
CRAFT Considerations:
- Flexible Response Tailored to Individual Situations:
- Since the degree of sex addiction and family situations vary, it’s important to adapt the program to each case rather than applying a standard program uniformly.
- Professional Support:
- Due to the complexity of sex addiction, seeking support from professionals is recommended.
- Long-Term Commitment:
- Behavioral change takes time, so a long-term perspective is essential. It’s advisable to think in terms of years rather than months.
- Handling Illegal Behaviors:
- When illegal sexual behaviors, theft, or trespassing are involved, families may face significant difficulties. It may be challenging even for general clinics or counseling services that deal with addictions. Kamishika Psychological Consulting provides support for sex crimes.
Benefits of CRAFT:
- Enhanced Treatment Outcomes through Family Involvement:
- Family cooperation improves the continuity of treatment, leading to better outcomes.
- Promoting the Individual’s Voluntary Change:
- Encouraging the individual’s voluntary change makes the treatment effects more likely to last long-term.
- Improved Family Relationships:
- Improved communication among family members can enhance overall family happiness.
Summary:
CRAFT is an effective approach for treating sex addiction by involving family cooperation and promoting voluntary change. However, considering individual situations and the complexity of sex addiction, it’s important to design an appropriate program under the guidance of professionals. If you or someone close to you is struggling with sex addiction, don’t hesitate to consult a specialist.
References:
- Smith, J. L., & Meyers, R. J. (2012). CRAFT: Motivating Treatment for Addiction Patients – Programs and Manuals for Families and Therapists. Tokyo: Kongo Publishing.
- Yoshida, S. (2021). The Book of CRAFT for Leading Addiction Patients to Treatment: How to Be and Interact as a Family. Tokyo: Daiwa Publishing.
For more detailed information, feel free to contact Kamoshika Psychological Consulting. There are many anonymous consultation services available to protect your privacy. Use internet searches to find the right consultation service for you.
Keywords: Tokyo, CRAFT, Community Reinforcement and Family Training, sex addiction, addiction, sex crimes, family therapy, treatment, Kamoshika Psychological Consulting.
Related Possible Keywords:
- Sexuality, sexual behavior disorders, sex addiction, impulse control, addiction recovery
Related Links:
Kamoshika Psychological Consulting (https://kamoshika-psych.com/)
National Center for Addiction Services Administration (https://www.ncasa-japan.jp/)
Kazato hospital (http://www.aizato.or.jp/hospital/izon.html)
NPO ASK (https://www.ask.or.jp/)
NPO SOMEC (https://somec.org/)
精神保健福祉センター一覧(全国精神保健福祉センター長会 (https://www.ncasa-japan.jp)
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