809: The Call

2024/12/8

This American Life

Howard Glass

Mary Harris

Howard Glass介绍了美国最早的热线电话服务的起源，以及其匿名性和亲密性的重要性。 Mary Harris讲述了一次发生在名为“Never Use Alone”的戒毒热线上的紧急求助电话，详细描述了接线员Jessie和吸毒者Kimber之间的对话，以及急救人员Stephen Murray的及时救助。 Jessie分享了她参与热线服务的经历，以及她与女儿Kaylin之间复杂的关系，她强调了挽救生命的优先性。 Stephen Murray讲述了他作为急救人员的经历，以及他如何参与到“Never Use Alone”热线中，并分享了他与Kimber的互动。 Kimber讲述了她吸毒成瘾的经历，以及她如何通过热线服务获得帮助，最终戒毒并开始了新的生活。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why did Stephen Murray become involved with the Never Use Alone hotline?

Stephen, a paramedic, saw the increasing danger of street drugs like fentanyl and realized the importance of ensuring drug users weren't left alone. He made cards to distribute the hotline number and convinced needle exchange programs to include the cards in their kits.

How did Jessie's approach to her daughter's addiction change over time?

Initially, Jessie tried to force her daughter, Kaylin, to change through rehab and other interventions, which pushed Kaylin away. After a physical altercation in a Krispy Kreme parking lot, Jessie shifted her focus to ensuring Kaylin's survival, regardless of her drug use, tattooing 'Fucks' on her arm to symbolize her new, limited concern.

What was the significance of the call between Kimber and Jessie?

The call was significant because it led to Kimber's overdose being successfully managed by paramedics, thanks to Jessie staying on the line. This interaction eventually led to a deeper connection between Kimber, Jessie, and Stephen, and Kimber later joined the hotline team.

How did Kimber's life change after her overdose?

Kimber moved to Vermont, got sober, and became pregnant. She also started working for the overdose hotline, Safe Spot, as the operations coordinator, celebrating two years of sobriety and her baby's first birthday.

What was the turning point for Jessie in her relationship with her daughter Kaylin?

The turning point came after a physical fight in a Krispy Kreme parking lot, where Jessie realized her relentless pushing for change was harming her relationship with Kaylin. She decided to focus solely on keeping Kaylin alive, regardless of her drug use.

How did Stephen's personal experience with addiction influence his work as a paramedic?

Stephen's experience with addiction made him more empathetic and understanding towards those he treated. He developed a gentler approach to handling overdoses, ensuring a calmer environment for the person being revived, and he actively promoted the Never Use Alone hotline to prevent people from using drugs alone.

What role did the Never Use Alone hotline play in Kimber's journey to sobriety?

The hotline provided a safety net for Kimber, allowing her to use drugs under supervision, which prevented multiple overdoses. This support system helped her transition to rehab and eventually sobriety. The hotline also connected her with Jessie and Stephen, who became key figures in her support network.

Shownotes Transcript

One call to a very unusual hotline and everything that followed.

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Prologue: Ira talks about a priest who set up what may have been the first hotline in the United States. It was just him, answering a phone, trying to help strangers who called. (2 minutes)
Act One: The Never Use Alone hotline was set up so that drug users can call if they are say, using heroin by themselves. Someone will stay on the line with them in case they overdose. We hear the recording of one call, from a woman named Kimber. (13 minutes)
Act Two: An EMT learns he was connected to the call, in more ways than he realized. (16 minutes)
Act Three: Jessie, who took the call, explains how she discovered the hotline. She keeps in touch with Kimber. Until one day, Kimber disappears. (16 minutes)
Act Four: We learn what happened to Kimber after she called the line. (10 minutes)

Transcripts are available at thisamericanlife.org)

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