Find Drug Addiction Help with 2 minute drill

Instruct the caller to:

1. Grab a pen and piece of paper so you can provide them additional instructions.
2. Ask if they are willing to go to a meeting tonight or tomorrow and provide them a referral to a particular meeting (all personnel who answer the phones should have a meeting directory handy.)

These are the additional instructions for the caller to write down:

• Go to the meeting
• Get a meeting directory at the meeting
• Use the directory to plan the next week of meetings (go to meetings every day – or to at least 4 to 5 weekly.)
• Make at least one phone call daily (get a phone list and also phone numbers of people you meet at the meetings)
• Purchase a “Big Book” – the basic text of the meeting you attend (read a little every night.)
• Get a “welcome chip” at the meeting when they offer it
• Share at a meeting as soon a possible (introduce yourself to the meeting stating you are new and need help staying sober.)

Be sure to provide a detox warning: that discontinuing certain drugs including, but not limited to, alcohol, benzodiazapines, barbiturates, GHB, and some of the newer designer drugs can be fatal if not under the care of a physician.  If they are considering discontinuing such drugs, they should present to an emergency room if withdrawal symptoms appear.

(Please distribute to all intake staff if you find this helpful – Download a printable version here.)