Supporting Sobriety Podcast

Not all recovery houses are the same. Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick break down the difference between standard recovery homes and Oxford Houses—one’s a structured group home with rules, and the other is self-run by the people living there. They dig into whether these places help or if they sound good on paper. Spoiler: When done right, they can change lives. Oxford Houses stand out becaus...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick are back after a two-month break, and they’ve got a lot to say about why sometimes you just need to step back. The holidays weren’t exactly smooth sailing—there were challenges, surprises, and plenty of lessons along the way. Ryan spent time in Buffalo, catching up with an old friend and making sure to hit meetings to stay on track. Matt had a wild expe...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick talk about how tough the holidays can be when you’re in recovery. They share three tips to help you get through it: dealing with the hurt of not being invited when "The Invitation May Not Be Coming," staying sober by setting boundaries because "Somebody Is Going to Chip You," and finding ways to enjoy the season, even if things look different, because "It’s t...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick talk about recovery houses and how you can help support them in your community. Recovery houses are a lifeline for many people dealing with addiction or alcoholism. Ryan opens up about his time in a recovery house, and Matt offers ideas on how you can get involved to make a difference. Timestamps and Discussions: 3:34 - 6:45: Ryan shares what it was like moving into a re...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick talk about how you can give without spending much money. They start with the value of putting in some elbow grease—helping out or giving your time to make life easier for someone else. Then, they look at volunteering, using your time and energy to support a cause or help those in need. Finally, they bring up the idea of giving “old school” with simple, homemade gifts or...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick talk about hosting a Thanksgiving filled with connection, gratitude, and memories that matter. Whether you're in recovery or supporting someone who is, the focus is on simplicity, creating a welcoming atmosphere, and keeping the day meaningful. They share tips to make Thanksgiving enjoyable and inclusive without sacrificing fun or tradition. Key Takeaways Set the tone: S...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick dive into the challenges caregivers face when they’re supporting someone in active addiction while struggling with their own substance use. We explore key questions: Are you drinking to cope? How are you feeling? If you’re using, what and how much? Caregivers are the backbone of families, but you need to prioritize your own well-being. When you don’t take care of yoursel...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss the complex dynamics between an addict and their caregiver during the holiday season, specifically focusing on whether or not to attend Thanksgiving dinner. Family gatherings come with numerous considerations: How long has your loved one been sober? Is the environment supportive? Will there be people drinking or using substances, potentially creating discomfort?...

In the last episode of our series on America’s fentanyl crisis, Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick break down two critical issues: how fentanyl is increasingly mixed into various drugs, including counterfeit pills sold online, leading to sudden overdose deaths, and how fentanyl addiction often begins with a prescription. They discuss the deadly and hidden risks of fentanyl in the drug supply and explore t...

In this third installment of the fentanyl series, Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick dive deeper into the epidemic, focusing on understanding addiction from all angles, listening to loved ones without judgment, and empowering rather than controlling them. Matt and Ryan discuss their personal journeys with addiction, school experiences, and the support (and challenges) from caregivers. They’re joined by Ju...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick continue their conversation about the fentanyl crisis. They explain how dealers lace drugs and how users use social media to communicate with dealers, often using emojis to hide their actions from loved ones and police.   This episode builds on our ongoing series about fentanyl, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives in recent years. Two women from a treatment...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick dive into the complexities of the fentanyl crisis, discussing how the drug has killed hundreds of thousands in recent years. Fentanyl is dangerous not only because of its strength but also because it's often mixed with other drugs. People are using it both knowingly and unknowingly, as it's found in pills, powder, and even marijuana. Law enforcement is seeing more fentan...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss how everyday household items can be used as drug paraphernalia. They cover items like PVC pipes, spoons, and even fruit. The episode is about helping caregivers recognize these things, but the focus is on behavior changes as the real warning signs. Instead of getting caught up in objects, pay attention to how your loved one is acting.   Timestamps & Key Takea...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick explain that the 12th Step is more than just sharing our message with others—it's about showing the caregiver how we can be there for each other. They discuss how putting this Step into action shows our commitment to real change and helps create a healthier, more supportive environment. It's not just about recovery—it's about growing stronger relationships as we move for...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss the 10th and 11th steps of recovery. They explain how everything in the earlier steps leads to this point, focusing on personal growth and spiritual connection. These steps help someone in recovery become more aware of themselves and reflect on their daily actions. This process helps them build a stronger, healthier relationship with their caregiver, bringing mor...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss Steps 8 and 9, which focus on making amends and repairing the harm caused by addiction. They explain how to create a list of those who were hurt, the right way to make amends, and why this process is essential for recovery. Caregivers will gain insights into how these steps help rebuild relationships and support their loved ones during this crucial part of the jo...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick explore how Steps 6 and 7 of the twelve-step recovery process can help your loved one’s journey and improve their relationship with you. Step 6 is about letting go of what holds you back, while Step 7 is seeking help to make those changes. Together, these steps focus on acceptance and humility, which are key to long-term recovery.     Timestamps and Discussions: 3:33 - 5...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick continue talking about the steps in their recovery journeys, sharing how the twelve steps have made a positive difference in their lives and improved their relationships with those who support them. The idea is that these steps often provide the answers to what addicts or alcoholics are struggling with. By working through the steps, we can get better with ourselves, whic...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick explore the first three steps of the twelve-step recovery process, which guide addicts in recognizing the problem, finding hope, and surrendering control. Despite their different journeys with addiction, both found healing through these steps.   This episode is designed to show caregivers how important the Twelve Steps are for their loved ones. Understanding these steps...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick have personal experience with addiction, having used different drugs and seen firsthand how addiction worsens over time. It often starts casually but becomes more severe as use continues. For caregivers, understanding the stages of addiction can help in finding the right support for their loved one. Addiction is a progressive, incurable condition that can be fatal withou...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick talk about dealing with substance use in the workplace and how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can help your loved one get the support they need. They’re not HR experts, but both have been through similar struggles with addiction at work. Society is starting to see addiction as a disease, and more employers are showing understanding toward those who need help....

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick talk about how recovery is different for everyone, noting that each person has their own challenges. They discuss the difficulties of being a caregiver, especially the emotional stress it can cause. They also highlight the hard task of picking the right treatment provider for a loved one and how important this choice is for a successful recovery. They also discuss how ad...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss unrealistic expectations and how they can mess things up for caregivers and those in recovery. They share their own experiences with unrealistic expectations, like thinking relapse isn't part of recovery or that someone gets better immediately after they stop using or drinking. They also discuss the misconception that relationships improve instantly. This episode...

The stigma around addiction can prevent people from seeking recovery. In this episode, Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss how loved ones can understand and overcome this stigma by addressing common misconceptions. These include the beliefs that an addicted person is immoral, that they can stop using whenever they want, and that addiction is untreatable. Our position is that addiction is a progress...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss what boundaries look like early in recovery and how setting healthy boundaries can impact relationships. Whether you, as the caregiver, are setting a boundary or your recovering loved one is establishing one, it's important to teach people how to treat you. Boundaries can be tough because poor communication can lead to setbacks. Matt and Ryan cover five key point...