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• A. Like emergency room physicians and nurses, New Hope Counselors need to be experts in "triage." Callers may present multiple problems and wounds and we need to focus on what's most important. Obviously, we put first priority on preventing suicides and intervening in other acute crises. Next, we remember our limitations. Callers who are in a drugged state, acutely psychotic, or in need of medical help need to be referred to their doctor. And when helping callers who are dealing with an addiction like alcoholism, focus on the addictive behavior and not on underlying emotional problems.
• B. Addictions include alcoholism, drug addiction (including prescription drugs), eating disorders (overeating, anorexia, bulimia), sexual addiction, co-dependency, workaholism, shopaholics, and toxic faith.
• C. When talking with an addict in denial breakdown the denial by pointing out examples of the negative consequences of the addiction. Don't try to deal with underlying causes or emotional issues until the addict gets out of denial and transitions into recovery.
• D. It is essential to refer addicts to an appropriate 12 Step Recovery group.
• E. To determine if someone is an addict use some or all of the 12 screening questions from Alcoholics Anonymous (In your Quick Reference Manual) or use the acronym "An Addict" below

"AN ADDICT:

is someone with four or more of the following symptoms surrounding their use of a substance or activity:

* Alone. Addicts engage in the compulsion alone at times.
* Nonpremeditated use. They do it more than they planned.
* Amnesia. They have difficulty recalling the events surrounding the episode.
* Depend on high. They want a quick fix, to feel good fast.
* Distracted. They are preoccupied with getting their next high.
* Increased tolerance. They can tolerate more of their compulsion than most people and over time they need to do more and more to get their high.
* Conceal their supply. They know where they can get more and they hide it.
* Tranquilizer. They use their compulsion as a medicine, a kind of panacea.