While the group can provide support, if the group or the person in crisis becomes overwhelmed, it may be best for someone to speak to them one-on-one.

Plan Ahead: Have a plan for who might step aside with the person and who will continue to act as the convener for the remaining group.

Things to Do

1. Set Reasonable Expectations: Let them know they have your support while making it clear you are not a professional. 

"I’m happy to support you, but I want to make sure you also have professionals in your corner. Can I help you contact anyone?"

1. Name Needs and Boundaries: If you are uncomfortable with the intervention, say so and try to find someone who is comfortable.
2. Actively Listen: Avoid distractions, ask clarifying questions, and summarize what they have said.
3. Validate: Let the person know you see and understand their perspective.
4. Support Their Solutions: Generally, people do not want advice unless requested. If they move from venting to problem-solving, use reflective questions to help them find their own solutions.

"Have you been in a situation like this before? What helped then?" 

Helpful language:

• “You are not alone in this.” 
• “I am here for you.”
• “I may not understand exactly how you feel, but I care about you and want to help.”
• “You are important to me and the group”

Things to Avoid:

• Minimizing or Comparing:

This often happens inadvertently, as an attempt at consolation.

Avoid phrases like “ It could be worse” or “at least” (No matter how trivial you think someone’s concern is, avoid giving the impression that you are brushing it off.)

• Making decisions without their consent

Whenever possible, involve the person in any and all decisions that impact them

 LifeRing Crisis Resource

If you encounter someone who is angry, use verbal de-escalation to calm them down.

• Key Concept: You cannot reason with an enraged person. Your only objective is to reduce their level of arousal so discussion becomes possible.

  Your Demeanor: Appear calm, even if you do not feel calm.

   

  4 Things To Do	4 Things To Avoid
  Focus on Calming: Remember you are not trying to do anything except calm the person down.	Do Not Yell: Don't get loud or try to yell over a screaming person.
  Neutral Expression: Keep your face neutral. A smile could be misinterpreted as mockery.	Avoid constant eye contact: Allow the person to break their gaze and look away.
  Create Space: Allow extra physical space between you and the person.	Don’t act Defensively: This is not about you. Don’t take things personally.
  Give Choices: Offer positive, safe alternatives (e.g., "Would you like to talk one-on-one or take a break from the group?").	Don't Interpret Feelings: Don't ask how a person is feeling (you can see they are angry).

Consider the following scenarios and plan a response that you and the group are comfortable with ahead of time.

Scenario 1: Attendee requires medical intervention If someone is showing physical or mental signs of being under the influence:

• Is medical intervention needed? (Call 911/National Emergency Number) .
• Are you familiar with the "Good Samaritan Laws" in your state?.
• Do you administer Naloxone for overdose reversal  after calling 911?

Scenario 2: Impaired driving If someone attends under the influence but intends to drive home, ask yourself:

• Do you confiscate their keys?.
• Do you pay for a Lyft or Uber? If so, does the money come from the group or personal contributions?.
• Do you drive the person home and have someone follow you?.
• Is the person a stranger or known to the group? Is the situation safe?.
• Do you call law enforcement to protect potential victims of a DUI?.