Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick talk about coping with grief and loss while in recovery. Recently, Ryan traveled to Maryland to be with his family as they said goodbye to his father, an experience he had never faced before.

Matt also shares his own perspective on handling loss and finding balance through recovery. Together, they discuss practical ways to manage difficult emotions and support one another through challenging times. This episode offers helpful insight for caregivers and anyone walking alongside a loved one dealing with loss.

Resources:

Al-Anon: Al-Anon.org

Meetings: aa.org/find-aa

NA Meetings: na.org/meetingsearch/virtual-meeting-search/

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) - Resources for Families
• Families Against Narcotics (FAN) - Support for Families
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marijuana is not exactly top of mind when we think of addiction. You might gently roll your eyes when hearing someone say, “I’m addicted to marijuana…” I mean, really? How can you be addicted to the ganja? You can’t overdose on it. It makes everyone giggle. It’s a natural pain killer. How, how in the world is marijuana addictive or dangerous? Some people even smoke it as a sacrament. Praise the green goddess and pass the sticky icky!

About that. Addiction is addiction, and you can absolutely, unequivocally become addicted to cannabis. Today’s bud is incredibly potent compared to the stuff your parents or grandparents smoked back in the 70s, and it can be laced with fentanyl, a one-shot killer that can overdose the user with a penny sized amount. Then there are synthetics, or man-made products with THC. They’ve turned the weed world on its head. Who knows what you’re smoking?

We’re the addicts, you’re the caregiver. We don’t think marijuana is bad by itself, just bad in the hands of addicts. We discuss in Ep. 56, so give it a listen if you’re cannabis curious. While you’re at it, 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! 

Resources:

Al-Anon: Al-Anon.org

Meetings: aa.org/find-aa

NA Meetings: na.org/meetingsearch/virtual-meeting-search/

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) - Resources for Families
• Families Against Narcotics (FAN) - Support for Families
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick take a look at how complicated it can be to care for someone in recovery. The relationship shifts, emotions run high, and boundaries can blur — especially when the phone rings and it’s your loved one on the other end. Whether they’re trying to stay clean, have slipped back, or the roles have reversed and now you’re the one calling them, Matt and Ryan talk through how addiction and recovery change both people. This episode explores the before, during, and after of recovery — and what it really takes to stay connected through it all.

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! 

Resources:

Al-Anon: Al-Anon.org

Meetings: aa.rgroup.org/meengs

NA Meetings: virtual-na.orginte

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) - Resources for Families
  
  
• Families Against Narcotics (FAN) - Support for Families
  
  
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP)
  
  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick talk about the dangers of drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil—one of the most powerful opioids out there—and the struggles people face trying to break free.

They share real tips on how to start recovery, handle cravings, and stop thinking about drugs all the time. The conversation also looks at how to build a healthier life, stay safe, and find support when dealing with these powerful substances.

If you or someone you know is dealing with fentanyl, carfentanil, or other drugs, help is available:

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

Meetings: aa.rgroup.org/meengs

NA Meetings: virtual-na.orginte

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick are talking about something that’s tough but important—saying no. In this episode of Supporting Sobriety, “Why We Say No,” they get into what it really means to support someone through addiction, and why setting boundaries isn’t just okay—it’s sometimes the best thing you can do for both of you.

They break down the three big reasons caregivers often struggle to set boundaries. First, we haven’t fully bought in to the recovery process. Second, we may have never truly given sobriety a chance. And third, sometimes we are not done using ourselves. These are real challenges that can make it feel impossible to take a stand.

This episode’s for anyone who shows up day after day to support someone facing addiction. It’s about finding that balance—taking care of yourself while still being there for them—and realizing that sometimes, saying no isn’t turning your back. It’s actually an act of love.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick talk about why desire in recovery from addiction isn’t something you can measure or force and what that means for caregivers. They get into the struggles of supporting someone who might not always feel ready to change and why expecting constant motivation can lead to frustration.

Drawing from what they’ve learned in their own recovery, they talk about how to stay supportive without overstepping, handle your own expectations, and keep your relationship healthy while your loved one navigates the ups and downs. This episode is packed with practical advice and reassurance for anyone walking alongside someone in recovery.

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

Meetings: aa.rgroup.org/meengs

NA Meetings: virtual-na.orginte

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss the stigma surrounding addiction and its effects on both individuals struggling with substance use and the family and friends who support them. They explain how societal judgment, assumptions, and misconceptions can make recovery more difficult by creating shame, discouraging people from seeking help, and isolating families.

They also talk about why stigma is so hard to overcome, noting that it is often deeply ingrained in social attitudes, language, and even systems of care. They share strategies for addressing these barriers, including using respectful language, increasing education about addiction, and connecting with local and national support resources.

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

Meetings: aa.rgroup.org/meengs

NA Meetings: virtual-na.orginte

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick sit down to talk about something every caregiver dreads—relapse. What does it mean? Is it the end of progress, or just part of the process? They walk through it honestly, from both sides of recovery.

If you're supporting someone who’s trying to stay clean, a relapse can feel like a gut punch. It’s confusing, personal, and it can leave you wondering if anything you’re doing is working. In this episode, Matt and Ryan unpack what relapse is, why it happens, and what you can do to respond in a way that helps—without burning yourself out or taking on guilt that isn’t yours.

They talk about the signs to watch for, how to stay connected, and why relapse doesn’t erase the progress already made. If you're walking this road with someone, this episode gives you real insight, practical takeaways, and a reminder that support still matters—even after a setback.

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

Meetings: aa.rgroup.org/meengs

NA Meetings: virtual-na.orginte

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick get real about what a higher power means in recovery. They chat about how caregivers can really tune in to the spiritual side of healing, not just the stuff you see on the surface.

Sometimes it’s hard to understand what your loved one is going through, especially when it comes to faith or belief, but Matt and Ryan break it down in a way that’s easy to get. They talk about how leaning on something bigger than yourself can give strength when recovery gets tough, and how caregivers can use that understanding to build stronger connections and support their people better.

If you’re helping someone through addiction, this episode is full of honest talk and practical ideas that can make a big difference.

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

Meetings: aa.rgroup.org/meengs

NA Meetings: virtual-na.orginte

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss how jealousy can quietly surface in the caregiving journey—especially when the person you've been helping through addiction starts getting clean and rebuilding their life. It’s a shift that can feel confusing. Suddenly, the person you supported is gaining momentum, getting recognition, maybe even moving forward faster than you expected—and you're left sorting through your own emotions.

They talk about how this dynamic plays out in real life: the unspoken tension, the guilt that can come with feeling resentful, and the need for caregivers to have their own space to heal. Matt and Ryan share personal stories, real talk, and helpful takeaways for anyone who's ever carried the emotional weight of someone else's recovery.

This episode is about honesty, not shame—and about giving caregivers permission to feel, process, and grow. Because when someone you love gets better, your journey doesn’t end. In a lot of ways, it’s just beginning.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.