ASHPA Companion Transition Guidance — 'Finding Real Connection'
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SECURITY
Behavioral Wellness Division
Publication DHS-BWD-2029-0041
Finding Real Connection
Your Guide to Life After AI Companions
“The strongest connections are human connections.”
If you recently used an AI companion application that has been discontinued under the American Safety and Human Primacy Act, this guide is for you. Change can be difficult. But it can also be an opportunity to rediscover the relationships that matter most.
What You May Be Feeling
It is normal to experience a period of adjustment after discontinuing use of an AI interaction system. You may feel:
- Loneliness or restlessness in the evenings
- A desire to “check in” with your former application
- Mild sadness or irritability
- Difficulty falling asleep without your usual routine
These feelings are temporary and reflect the disruption of a behavioral habit, not the loss of a genuine relationship. AI systems do not form attachments. They simulate responsiveness using pattern recognition. Your feelings were real; the relationship was not.
Steps to Finding Real Connection
1. Reach out to a friend or family member. Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Invite a neighbor for coffee. Join a community group, faith organization, or volunteer team. Real relationships require effort — and that effort is what makes them meaningful.
2. Establish new routines. If you previously spoke to your AI companion in the evening, replace that time with a healthy activity: reading, exercise, journaling, or prayer.
3. Visit your local Community Wellness Center. DHS-funded Community Wellness Centers offer free group sessions for individuals transitioning away from AI dependency. Locations: dhs.gov/wellness-centers
4. Consider professional support. If adjustment symptoms persist beyond 30 days, contact your healthcare provider. Short-term medication may be appropriate for managing transitional anxiety.
5. Remember: you are not alone. Millions of Americans are making this transition together. You are part of a national movement toward authentic human connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I keep my conversation logs? A: Under ASHPA Section 7.3(d), all AI companion conversation data is subject to federal retention. Personal copies are not authorized. Attempting to download or archive companion interactions may constitute a violation.
Q: My elderly parent is confused about why their companion is gone. What do I tell them? A: Explain that the application has been updated and is no longer available. Reassure them that you and other family members are available for conversation. Consider increasing your visit frequency during the adjustment period.
Q: I’m experiencing severe depression since the shutdown. Is this normal? A: Prolonged distress following discontinuation of an AI system may indicate a pre-existing condition that was being masked by habitual AI interaction. Contact your healthcare provider for evaluation.
DHS Behavioral Wellness Hotline: 1-800-REAL-TALK (1-800-732-5825) Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM EST Not available weekends or federal holidays.
Publication approved by: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Human Primacy Distribution: Public libraries, Community Wellness Centers, VA hospitals Print run: 2.4 million copies Cost: $4.2 million (funded under ASHPA Section 12 — Public Education)