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 care about might reject our attempts. In those moments, focusing even more on our recovery is essential.

Today's Guest:

Brittany Hill is the Clinical Director at The Recovery Village in Indianapolis. She specializes in art therapy and has many years of experience in clinical leadership. Brittany has managed three outpatient facilities in rural areas for a non-profit mental health organization. She has worked with children, parents, foster and adoptive families, and individuals in recovery. Brittany is passionate about creating and leading engaging group sessions for both patients and staff.

Discussions and Timestamps: 

13:21 - 13:33 - Introduction to Brittany Hill

13:45 - 14:05 - The process of forgiving can be painful and complex. Caregivers need to acknowledge their feelings, which is an important first step.

14:07 - 15:12 - Dealing with the onset of emotions that come with the initial forgiveness process. This may be the most challenging time in your loved one's recovery.

15:14 - 16:22 - Recovering addicts want immediate forgiveness, but this doesn't happen. Compassion and patience are important for caregivers, especially when repeated betrayals occur.

16:29 - 18:43 - Ryan shares a friend's story about wanting to be forgiven. Brittany offers suggestions for dealing with setbacks when forgiveness is not accepted. Professional help is strongly recommended. The caregiver needs to acknowledge their loved one’s recovery.

18:55 - 20:13 - For caregivers willing to forgive but facing resistance from other family members who are skeptical about the addict’s recovery or intentions, it's important to work on yourself behind the scenes, such as seeing a therapist, to gain the tools needed to handle such situations.

20:30 - 21:48 - Recovery is a journey that sometimes includes relapses. Your loved one may try their hardest to recover but then experience a setback. How will this affect you? What does this mean for their recovery? Does their relapse signal that you can't trust them?

22:00 - 23:00 - Brittany Hill offers a message of hope.

Resources: 

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Guest Info: 

You can learn more about the Recovery Village in Indianapolis at therecoveryvillage.com/locations/indianapolis.

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