DIAL A-L-C-O-H-O-L / HOTLINE

Series: Hotline

Year Published: 1976

Description: This alcohol awareness film "Dial A-L-C-O-H-O-L" was part of a series that features the story of young people who are working at hotline for alcoholics. This episode "Hotline" was likely the pilot. It follows the daily operations and challenges of an Alcohol Hotline staffed by young volunteers under adult supervision. Repeated calls from a troubled, intoxicated man test the patience and skills of the volunteers, while neighborhood complaints and licensing regulations create pressure to maintain proper supervision. Mike Kennedy, a new volunteer, is introduced and guided through handling callers safely, distinguishing between types of alcohol, and understanding alcohol absorption, metabolism, and its effects on the body and brain. The hotline team provides advice on safe drinking, addressing hangovers, and managing problematic drinkers, while emphasizing the importance of adult oversight. Throughout, the volunteers navigate crises, mentorship, and learning experiences, balancing helping callers with meeting regulatory and safety requirements. 0:00 – Opening set-up and main titles. Discussion about supervision and complaints from neighbors regarding the Alcohol Hotline. 2:28 – A volunteer expresses support for the hotline and promises to check in later. 2:42 – Incoming calls at the Alcohol Hotline introduce a troubled caller seeking help. 3:45 – The caller threatens to shut down the hotline; volunteers discuss handling the situation. 4:18 – Neighborhood complaints escalate, and the hotline volunteers manage a hangover situation. 5:43 – Mike Kennedy is introduced as a new volunteer; discussion about adult supervision and responsibilities. 6:27 – Volunteers handle calls from intoxicated individuals and advise babysitters on alcohol safety. 7:23 – Detailed explanation of alcohol types, safe consumption, and hazards of non-beverage alcohol. 9:51 – Training on alcohol absorption, oxidation, and its effects on the body and brain. 13:27 – A troubled caller continues to test the volunteers’ patience; discussion about alcoholism and facing problems. 19:03 – Volunteer engagement extends late into the day; learning and mentorship continue. 20:00 – Advising on safe drinking quantities and alcohol content in beverages. 21:39 – Discussion on the difficulties with abusive drinkers and referrals to professionals. 22:19 – Volunteers explain proof vs. alcohol percentage and confront lack of adult supervision. 23:01 – Advice given about alcohol metabolism, calorie intake, and exercise’s effect on alcohol. 26:12 – Licensing inspector Mr. Clawson issues a warning regarding adult supervision. 27:00 – Volunteers plan to cover for absent staff to avoid closure. 28:09 – Repeat calls from the cranky caller; Mike addresses the situation with guidance from other volunteers. 29:19 – Confusion arises when Mike realizes he was speaking to Paulie Green instead of the previous caller.

Online Copy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC5mIogBjks

Metadata Source:YouTube