Supporting Sobriety Podcast

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick share their overdose experiences to help identify when someone may need critical help. Due to the rise of fentanyl, this discussion is more important than ever. Alcohol can also cause overdose, known as alcohol poisoning. Joining The Show:  Justin Phillips, MA Founder and Executive Director of Overdose Lifeline, Inc. Created the organization after her 20-year-old son die...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss their daily commitment to sobriety through "living amends." They talk about how, early in recovery, addicts often try to recover what they've lost and may try to make amends with their caregivers, which can have a big impact on relationships. The guys share their own experiences, giving practical insights into how making amends works and how it affects caregivers...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick are making living amends by working on their recovery every day. Whether you're new to recovery or have been at it for a while, the amends process can be challenging. In twelve-step recovery programs, two steps are dedicated to this process: first, you must become willing to make amends and then make them. Sometimes, our amends are met with resistance, and the people we...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick understand that recovery brings hope. Recovery has given them lives better than they ever dreamed of. In this episode, they explore different aspects of the recovery process: effective communication, allowing space for personal growth, supporting the lives of those in recovery, and practicing self-care. Today's Guest: A very hopeful conversation comes your way via a very...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss detoxing your body, which is the first tangible step in recovery, but it should always be done professionally. The guys answer important questions like, what does it feel like? Do you shake uncontrollably? Do you go into life-threatening delirium tremens (DTs), including audio and visual hallucinations? Are you scared or ashamed of entering the detoxification cen...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick share their personal experiences and emotions as they both prepare to celebrate recovery milestones in the next two months. They reflect on the significance of their upcoming sober birthdays and how these celebrations motivate them to continue their journey. Introduction with Matt and Ryan [00:00 - 03:00] Matt and Ryan introduce the concept of a sober birthday and set th...

 Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick delve into why summer parties can be particularly challenging for those recovering from substance abuse. These gatherings often feature a lot of alcohol and sometimes drugs, which can trigger memories of past substance use for your loved one. They discuss the pressure that addicts might feel to either drink to fit in or risk feeling left out if they don’t. It’s a delica...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick delve into the challenges that summer parties pose for those in recovery. These gatherings often feature alcohol and sometimes drugs, which can evoke memories of past substance use for your recovering loved one. The hosts explore the pressures to conform and the feelings of exclusion that can arise when someone abstains from drinking in a social setting. Striking the rig...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss the stress addiction places on families, sharing their personal battles and recovery experiences while offering tips for caregivers on self-care, recognizing addiction signs, and seeking support. Joining the Show: Captain Brandon Dreiman Background: Captain with 22 years at the Indianapolis Fire Department. Roles: Coordinator of Firefighter Wellness & Support...

Denial offers strong opposition to the caregiver trying to save the life of their suffering addict or alcoholic, and the situation can seem impossible. Can you help when they refuse to say, “I’m an alcoholic?” Can they be treated without admitting, “yes, I’m an addict?” Are they using more excessively? Do they say, “That’s just who I am,” while nursing hangover after hangover? Do they refute your...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick delve into the delicate balance between addicts responsibly using prescription drugs and the steps caretakers can take to prevent relapse when their loved ones are prescribed medication. Drawing from their own experiences with medications as barriers to recovery, Matt and Ryan emphasize the importance of communication between caregivers and addicts, especially when legal...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick explore how regular exercise affects individuals caring for loved ones grappling with addiction. The perks they discussed include feeling less stressed, dealing with problems better, and having a good way to let off steam. Matt talks about his path to fitness and how it changed him during three years of getting better. Ryan talks about how going for runs has helped him i...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick dive into one of the toughest situations families face when dealing with addiction: what to do when a loved one gets arrested. They share their own experiences and offer hope for those navigating the legal system amidst addiction struggles. Joining the Show: Guest: Judge Brandi Foster Kirkendall, Johnson County, Indiana. Judge Brandi, a respected figure in the legal comm...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick reflect on their milestones and discuss their recovery journey. The guys acknowledge the well-documented ups and downs of recovery, especially for those supporting loved ones through it.  Joining the Show Kelly Pope is a dedicated mother who has stayed steadfast in her support for her son's journey toward recovery. Despite numerous challenges, Kelly's unwavering commitme...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick reflect on the guilt and shame of their loved ones during active addiction. The benefits of attending support groups like Al-Anon discussed community, mental health prioritization, and acceptance of the disease. Recovery communities are essential healing components, offering support and understanding. Guest: Terri Stacey, Hall-of-Fame Broadcaster, wife of a recovering al...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick delve into the profound realm of spirituality in recovery. They emphasize the importance of finding a higher power in long-term recovery and recognize that spirituality manifests uniquely for each individual. Matt and Ryan share personal insights into understanding spirituality's role in recovery, fostering a supportive environment for spiritual growth, and remaining ope...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss one of the most challenging aspects of dealing with a loved one in active addiction: tough love. Tough love may initially seem harsh, but it can catalyze positive change when executed correctly. Establishing healthy boundaries not only benefits the individual struggling with addiction but also allows caregivers to prioritize their well-being and recovery. Guest:...

  Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss the interplay between depression and addiction. Depression exacerbates addiction, and untreated depression can lead to relapse. Importance of addressing mental health, avoiding substance use for coping, and building support networks. Today's Guest: Marcus Watts, Founder of Alone is a Lie, shares his journey battling depression and alcohol addiction. Despite per...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick share personal experiences with potent drugs and the importance of access to Narcan in emergencies. Today's Guest:  Joining the Supporting Sobriety Podcast is Bree Baldwin from Overdose Lifeline (overdoselifeline.org), discussing harm reduction efforts and Narcan's role in saving lives. Discussion Points with Timestamps: 4:09 - 5:05: Understanding Narcan Ryan explains th...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick share their personal experiences with substance use during their teenage years. They share insights into recognizing signs that your teenager might be using drugs. They are joined by guest April Rhodes, a mother who tragically lost her son to fentanyl. Matt and Ryan highlight the familiar feeling among teenagers who use drugs of not fitting in with their peers. They shar...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick delve into the pervasive stigma surrounding addiction, sharing personal anecdotes that highlight its impact. They're joined by Lindsey Bland, Manager at Eskenazi Mental Health Center Adult Addiction, who offers professional insights into the harmful effects of addiction stigma and how it hinders individuals from seeking help. Main Discussion Points: 1) Recognizing the Ch...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss how stigmas exacerbate addiction. Ryan recounts being labeled a "crackhead," which deterred him from seeking help, while Matt remembers being diagnosed as an alcoholic in therapy, facing societal obstacles to getting assistance. They explore prevalent stigmas, such as addiction being a choice, substance quantity defining addiction, the misconception that alcoholi...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick share stories about enablers in their lives. Specifically, they discuss the people who helped them buy drugs and alcohol and those who perpetuated their addictive patterns. They emphasize the importance of showing unconditional love and being present for your loved ones as they battle with addiction. They also stress the significance of not advancing addiction by avoidin...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick, along with guest Petros Colla, Business Development Representative for TruHealing Treatment Centers, delve into the critical aspects of navigating the treatment terrain for individuals grappling with substance use disorder. The discussion revolves around three key elements: detox, insurance, and investments in the recovery journey.  Timestamps with Discussions: 2:56 - 4...

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick delve into the crucial aspects of conducting an intervention for a loved one struggling with addiction. Scott Watson joins them from Heartland Intervention LLC, who sheds light on the significance of motives and timing in the intervention process. Timestamps: 4:53-5:25 - Navigating the Decision: Matt explores the challenging decision families must make when contemplating...