HALT LINE GUIDELINES

February ‘05

What the Halt Line is:

One alcoholic talking to another alcoholic – Isn’t that what AA is all about?

Volunteers:

1. Give out current meeting list information.

2. Talk and/or listen to a sober alcoholic in danger of picking up a drink.

3. Talk and/or listen to a sober alcoholic who is visiting town.

4. Talk to a “drunk”. You may be the link in the chain that could save their life.

5. Refer the caller to the Intergroup office and provide normal office hours to the person.

This could involve business calls, literature order, speaker information, etc. (See below)

What the Halt Line is not:

1. We are not a counseling service, nor do we give medical advice or opinions. If a person is ill, it will be more appropriate for the caller to contact their own doctor. If it is an emergency, the caller should call 911 for an ambulance them self. It is very important that we understand we live in a litigious society. – The Halt Line represents AA. – We do not want to leave AA open to a lawsuit.

2. It is not a taxi service. Do not feel you have to arrange rides for the caller. Intergroup & Halt Line Chairpersons have a list of 12 step people willing to volunteer their time. You as a volunteer may contact the chairpersons for assistance returning calls back.

3. The Halt Line is not a referral service. In keeping with traditions, we do not refer callers to treatment or medical centers.

4. We are not allied with any group or organization; therefore, we do not give out meeting list information for Al-Anon, NA, ACOA, SA, etc. These organizations have their own phone services. Like us, they derive benefit by answering their own calls.

What you need to be a volunteer:

1. A phone (Touch Tone)

2. One year of sobriety is recommended.

3. Current Local Meeting List & outside area AA phone numbers list.

4. At least one available hour to volunteer during each week.

Worcester Intergroup Office Hours: Mon: 10-2, Tue: 10-8, Wed: 10-8, Thurs: 10-8, Fri: 10-2, Sat: 9-2

100 Grove Street, Suite 309, Worcester, MA 01605 Telephone: 1-508-752-9000