ABSTRACT
CRA is rooted in the idea that the substance user’s community (e.g., family, friends, job, church) plays an essential role in the recovery process. CRA relies heavily on positive reinforcement and operant techniques while specifically avoiding confrontation (Azrin, 1976; Hunt & Azrin, 1973). CRA is a menu-driven program that typically begins with a functional analysis of the triggers for substance use, as well as the positive and negative consequences. e functional analysis allows the therapist and client to determine what the client is gaining from the substance use, so they can identify healthy, enjoyable alternative activities that can compete with the drinking or drug use. Following the functional analysis, the client and therapist negotiate a commitment to a manageable period of sobriety that is not experienced as overwhelming by the client. is procedure is referred to as “sobriety sampling.” A fundamental strategy of the CRA program involves identifying and setting goals of the client’s choosing, including a number of different life areas. In the process of setting goals it often becomes apparent that the client is lacking the skills necessary to achieve these goals. e therapist can then employ various techniques (e.g., problem-solving, communication skills, drink/drug refusal, etc.) to increase the chance that the client will be successful. Job counseling, relapse prevention, and relationship therapy are examples of useful treatment approaches that may be employed. e use of specific techniques listed above is optional depending upon the client’s needs, and thus, treatment is quite individualized (see Meyers & Smith, 1995; Smith & Meyers, 2001, 2004; Smith, Meyers, & Miller, 2001).
