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 progressive and incurable disease, but it can be managed by abstaining from mind or mood-altering substances.

Joining the Show:
Former Indiana State Senator Jim Merritt, R-Indianapolis, joins us. Elected to the Senate in 1990, Merritt is the longest-serving caucus chairman in the history of the Indiana General Assembly, having served since 2004. While in office, he created Aaron's Law, signed by Governor Mike Pence in 2015, which expands the use of naloxone to the public.

12:30 - 14:02: Merritt discusses his journey as a lawmaker and why he chose to fight addiction and seek funding for resources to help people.

14:06 - 16:04: Merritt talks about the politicization of addiction, emphasizing a personal, non-punitive approach to addressing the mental health crisis, and discusses the "Kill Heroin" initiative.

16:18 - 17:58: A needle exchange in a small Southern Indiana community caught the attention of Indiana lawmakers. Merritt discusses how laws like needle exchange faced resistance.

18:28 - 19:06: How a needle exchange program positively impacted a community.

19:19 - 21:14: The fear among users when someone dies while using. Good Samaritan laws are in place to help in these situations, showing how stigma is enhanced.

21:50 - 24:22: Laws vs. empathy. There is an ongoing debate among lawmakers regarding drug-related issues and overdoses, with some favoring legal intervention over treatment while others support immunity for those needing medical attention.

24:33 - 26:30: How perception perpetuates stigma. Addiction affects many people. How can we help people understand that addiction is not a moral dilemma?

26:35 - 28:28: Merritt shares volunteer stories and real-life experiences of how addiction impacts communities and how untreated addiction worsens over time.

28:40 - 30:57: Society still struggles to accept addiction as a disease. Despite this, there is progress, with a growing acceptance and hope for those affected by addiction.

30:41 - 32:15: Jim Merritt is working on some amazing projects. Check out where you can find his work!

Resources: 

You can find us on X and Instagram: @sobriety_pod. Supporting Sobriety is also available on major podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple. Please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast!

Al-Anon: Al-Anon.org

AA Meetings: aa.intergroup.org/meetings

NA Meetings: virtual-na.org

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255 (24/7)

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