Your most useful first record is a short, current summary built withthe governed core guide to polysubstance rehab inCalifornia, followed by a written question list forLiving Longer Recovery admissions covering call preparation, currentavailability, fit review, and next steps.
Use one row per substance in a simple table. Record the name or description, usual amount if known, route, frequency, last use, recent changes, and any problems noticed after stopping or reducing use. Add a confidence column such as “confirmed,” “approximate,” or “unknown.” That small distinction helps the person on the call understand where follow-up is needed without treating guesses as facts.
Below the table, note recent overdoses, emergency visits, falls, seizures, severe confusion, unusual sleepiness, chest pain, pregnancy possibility, or other urgent concerns, if any. This is not a self-assessment of level of care. It is a factual summary for qualified professionals. If current symptoms may be dangerous, do not wait for routine admissions conversations. Call 911 for urgent danger or use 988 by call, text, or chat for crisis support. If you are unsure whether a symptom is urgent, seek prompt professional guidance rather than relying on an article.
- Substances used, including alcohol, prescriptions, nonprescription products, and unknown pills or powders
- Usual amount, route, frequency, and last use, with “unknown” where needed
- Recent changes, such as heavier use, a new substance, or an interrupted prescription supply source, stated factually and without speculation about diagnosis or treatment needs. For