How to Use This Script

This script is designed to be read aloud during your coaching session. "You" sometimes addresses you as the coach and sometimes your loved one — just as it would in a natural conversation. Speak it in your own voice; paraphrase where it feels right. Sections in blockquotes are exercises to do together.

You: "This is the most serious session in the program. We need to talk about safety — yours and theirs."

You: "Substance use can create dangerous situations. Driving under the influence. Overdose. Violence — either directed at you or at themselves. Leaving children unsupervised. Bringing dangerous people into the home. These are not hypothetical risks for many families."

You: "A safety plan is not a sign that things are hopeless. It's a sign that you're being realistic and responsible. Emergency rooms have fire exits. Airplanes have oxygen masks. You need a plan for the worst-case scenario."

Key Safety Questions:

Has your loved one ever been violent or threatening while under the influence?
Have they ever driven under the influence?
Have they ever overdosed or come close?
Are there children in the home who could be at risk?
Do you have access to Narcan/naloxone if opioids are involved?
Do you have a safe place to go if you need to leave quickly?

You: "If the answer to any of those is yes, we need a concrete plan. Not 'I'll figure it out in the moment' — because in the moment, your brain will be flooded with adrenaline and you won't think clearly."

You: "Your safety is non-negotiable. I don't care how much you love them. If you are in danger, you leave. You can love someone and refuse to be in danger at the same time."

Crisis Numbers:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Poison Control (overdose): 1-800-222-1222

Nervous System Regulation Exercise: Physiological Sigh

You: "Before we go further, let's do something together. This is called the Physiological Sigh — it's the fastest evidence-based way to calm your nervous system in real time."

You: "Here's how it works: Take a sharp sniff in through your nose. Then immediately sniff again — a second, deeper inhale on top of the first. Now exhale slowly and fully through your mouth. Let it all go."

You: "Let's do that two more times together. Double inhale through the nose... long exhale through the mouth."

Why this works: The double inhale maximally inflates the alveoli in your lungs, which triggers the parasympathetic nervous system on the exhale. Stanford research confirms this is the single fastest voluntary method for reducing acute stress.

You: "How does that feel? Even one cycle can shift things."

Nervous System Regulation Exercise: 5-4-3-2-1 Sensory Grounding

You: "Let's practice a grounding exercise. This one uses your senses to anchor you right here, right now."

You: "Name 5 things you can see. Say them out loud. Now 4 things you can touch — reach out and feel them. 3 things you can hear. Listen carefully. 2 things you can smell. And 1 thing you can taste."

Why this works: This engages your prefrontal cortex and redirects attention from internal distress to external sensory input. It interrupts the amygdala's alarm response and anchors you in the present moment.

You: "This is especially powerful during flashbacks or panic. You can guide your loved one through it: 'Tell me five things you can see right now.'"

Go Deeper