Supporting Sobriety Podcast

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick sit down to talk about the tricky line between being a sponsor and being a caregiver. They get into how sponsorship can provide structure, support, and accountability—but also how the lines can blur when you're helping someone you love. It’s not always easy to know when you’re helping and when you might be doing too much. In this episode, they share personal stories, talk about setting boundaries, and explain how both sponsors and caregivers can show up in healthy, balanced ways without burning out.

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Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick reflect on their recovery journey. Over the last several years, they've faced significant challenges, but they haven't returned to drugs or alcohol. They discuss how that’s been possible, their caregivers' role, and what it’s like to stay in recovery while handling the ups and downs of everyday life.

Caregivers—whether family, friends, or mentors—can be the difference between staying stuck and moving forward. For many in recovery, that kind of support can shift the entire direction of their lives.

If you're supporting someone struggling with addiction, there are resources available to help:

• Al-Anon Family Groups: Provides support for those affected by someone else's drinking.

  • Website: https://al-anon.org

  • Phone: 1-888-4AL-ANON (1-888-425-2666)Facebook+9Al-Anon Family Groups+9stl-al-anon.org+9Al-Anon Family Groups+1Find Recovery+1

• Nar-Anon Family Groups: Offers support for families and friends of individuals with drug addiction.

  • Website: https://www.nar-anon.org

  • Phone: 877-424-4491Nar-Anon of New Jersey+1Al-Anon Family Groups+1

• Partnership to End Addiction: Provides resources and support for families dealing with a loved one's substance use.

  • Website: https://drugfree.org

  • Helpline: 1-855-378-4373NOT ONE MORE ALABAMAEluna+1Facebook+1

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline: A free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

  • Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

  • Phone: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

  • Find Supporting Sobriety on any major podcast platform, including Spotify and Apple. Follow on social media @sobriety_pod. Please like, subscribe, and rate the show—it helps more people find it.

    Resources mentioned in this episode:

    • Al-Anon Family Groups

    • AA Online Meetings

    • NA Virtual Meetings

    • Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (Available 24/7)

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Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick open up about how alcohol has shaped parts of their lives, the good, the bad, and the wake-up calls, and why Alcohol Awareness Week matters. They talk about those first red flags we sometimes ignore, how easy it is to stay in denial, and why it’s so important for individuals and families to pay attention.

If you're caring for someone who struggles with drinking, it can feel overwhelming. You're not alone. Here are some resources that can help:

Al-Anon Family Groups at www.al-anon.org
Support for people affected by someone else’s drinking

SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Free and confidential help, available 24 hours a day

Partnership to End Addiction at drugfree.org
Tools and guidance for families who want to help

Whether you're trying to support someone, struggling yourself, or just want to understand more, this episode brings a real, down-to-earth take on alcohol and the impact it can have.

Resources Mentioned
Al-Anon Meetings: al-anon.org
AA Meetings: aa.org/meetings
NA Meetings: virtual-na.org
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 or 800-273-8255

Follow Us
You can find us on X and Instagram @sobriety_pod
We're on all the major podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple
Please like, subscribe, and leave a rating if this episode helped you or someone you care about

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Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick explore the challenging yet crucial process of rebuilding family relationships when a sibling is in recovery. They discuss how caregivers can assist children in understanding that, although their sibling's past may involve hurtful behaviors—such as lying, stealing, or causing pain during their addiction—recovery is centered on change. It's not about asking the kids to forget the past; rather, it's about helping them recognize the person their sibling has become today.

They also touch on something real: trust takes time. It’s normal for kids to feel skeptical, angry, or distant from their sibling in recovery, and Matt and Ryan explain why caregivers need to give space for those feelings. Quick forgiveness doesn’t happen on Day One, and that’s okay.

Finally, they share practical advice about reconnecting through small, positive moments. Whether it’s a game night, doing chores together, or just taking a ride, these little wins can help siblings bond without revisiting old wounds.

If you're a caregiver navigating this journey, this episode has some great tips to help your family heal and move forward together.

Resources:

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) - Resources for Families

• Families Against Narcotics (FAN) - Support for Families

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP)

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! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss something that comes up a lot in recovery—introducing other drugs like cannabis. "But cannabis is medicinal!" "Suboxone helps people get off heroin!" "I’m an alcoholic, drugs are fine!" These are real thoughts and arguments, showing how tricky recovery can be.

We’re talking about this because of the stigma around addiction and the reality of the recovery process. We also dig into chronic pain—what happens when your loved one in recovery needs a narcotic for a medical issue? How do you handle that?

Ryan breaks down why caregivers need to be involved and why the addict has to be honest about what they’re taking. Suboxone is a tool for getting off heroin, but it’s still a drug, and it can be misused. We’ll talk about how to know if your loved one is using it the right way—or just using.

And then there’s the reality of addiction itself. You’ve heard the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. That split personality? A lot of people in addiction—and their caregivers—know it too well. Matt shares his own story: finally quitting drinking in his late 20s after a binge that started in middle school and wrecked his time in college.

We’re here to help you understand the balance, the risks, and the role you play in your loved one’s recovery. Let’s get into it.

Substance Use & Recovery Support

• SAMHSA National Helpline – Free, confidential treatment referral and information for individuals and families facing substance use disorders. 📞 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
  www.samhsa.gov

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – Support groups and resources for people recovering from alcohol addiction.
  www.aa.org

• Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – Support groups for individuals recovering from drug addiction.
  www.na.org

Medications for Addiction Treatment

• Suboxone Information – Learn about how Suboxone is used to treat opioid addiction and its potential risks.
  www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment

• National Harm Reduction Coalition – Education and resources on harm reduction strategies, including medication-assisted treatment.
  www.harmreduction.org

Cannabis & Recovery

• Marijuana Anonymous (MA) – A 12-step program for individuals struggling with cannabis use.
  www.marijuana-anonymous.org

• SMART Recovery – A science-based approach to addiction recovery, including discussions on cannabis use in sobriety.
  www.smartrecovery.org

For Caregivers & Family Members

• Al-Anon & Nar-Anon – Support groups for family members of individuals struggling with substance use.
  www.al-anon.org
  www.nar-anon.org

• Partnership to End Addiction – Resources and support for families navigating a loved one's addiction.
  www.drugfree.org

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Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick are back for another deep dive into the realities of addiction and recovery. Today, we’re tackling Suboxone—one of the most debated drugs in the recovery world.

Some say it’s a lifesaver, giving people a real shot at staying off opioids. Others argue it’s just swapping one addiction for another, with its own set of side effects and risks. So what’s the truth? Does Suboxone truly help, or is it the disease in disguise?

We’ll break it all down—the claims that Suboxone gets you high, the medical community’s stance, and the real-life impact it has on people in recovery. Plus, we’ll hear from Brandon Dreiman, a former Indianapolis firefighter and recovering addict, who brings his own experience to the table.

This is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Let’s get into it.

Medical & Addiction Recovery Resources

• SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) – www.samhsa.gov

  • Information on medication-assisted treatment (MAT), including Suboxone, plus a treatment locator.

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – www.drugabuse.gov

  • Research-based information on Suboxone, opioid addiction, and recovery options.

• Mayo Clinic – www.mayoclinic.org

  • Medical perspective on Suboxone, including potential side effects and how it works.

Additional Resources

• Al-Anon – Al-Anon.org
• AA Meetings – aa.rgroup.org/meetings
• NA Meetings – virtual-na.org
• Suicide Prevention Hotline – (800) 273-8255

Follow & Support the Show

Please find us on X and Instagram: @sobriety_pod
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
If you like what you hear, please like, subscribe, and leave a rating!

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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 because they’re run by the people in them, with no outside management calling the shots. On the other hand, regular recovery homes often have staff overseeing everything. Matt and Ryan get real about the good and bad and what works for people trying to stay clean. If you’ve ever wondered whether these places are a lifeline or a letdown, this episode has the answers.

To find Oxford House locations nationwide, visit their house directory at https://oxfordhouse.org/house-directory. This resource allows you to search for houses by state and city and offers contact information and vacancy details.

Oxford House maintains individual state websites for state-specific information, including local resources and contacts. You can access these through their state website page at https://www.oxfordhouse.org/state-websites.

If you're in Indiana, the Oxford House Indiana website details local houses, application processes, and support resources. Visit https://www.oxfordhousein.org for more information.

For real-time vacancy updates, OxfordVacancies.com offers information on available beds across various Oxford Houses.

National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR): NARR sets national quality standards for recovery residences and offers a directory of certified homes through its state affiliates. Visit their website at https://narronline.org to find links to state-specific organizations that can assist in locating certified recovery homes in your area.

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 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 experience giving someone a ride home, which turned into a lesson on boundaries and recovery.

They break down the ups and downs, how they stayed sober through it all, and why making recovery the priority helps keep everything else in balance.

Timestamps & Key Takeaways:

Over the River and Through the Woods – Ryan shares his trip to Buffalo, reconnecting with an old friend and attending meetings to stay grounded.

Recognizing Holiday Triggers – How the holidays can impact emotions and thinking in recovery.

Staying Connected to Sobriety – Ryan emphasizes the importance of meetings and support systems.

No Holiday Relapses! – Matt shares his holiday experience, including an unexpected and bizarre encounter after giving someone a ride home.

Handling Stress Without Relapsing – How Matt and Ryan stayed sober despite holiday chaos.

Focus on What’s Important – Recovery must come first, no matter what’s happening around you.

Learning from Unusual Situations – Matt’s story of a shouting match, unexpected requests, and choosing the right response.

Remind Yourself What Comes First (Your Sobriety) – Ryan reflects on staying resolute in recovery, even when the desire to use creeps in.

The Power of Meetings – How attending a familiar meeting helped Matt reset.

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 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 the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." With real talk and straightforward advice, this episode helps you navigate Christmas while keeping your recovery on track.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 recovery house and how its structure helped him find stability and start rebuilding his life.

6:46 - 10:14: He talks about living with others in recovery, their ups and downs, and how that shared support kept them on track.

10:15 - 13:45: Ryan reflects on his connection with his counselor, sharing how trust and guidance helped him push through tough moments.

13:46 - 17:00: He opens up about the life skills he learned in the recovery house, like managing money and creating healthier habits.

17:01 - 20:00: Ryan explains why community support is vital for recovery houses and offers simple ways to get involved and make a 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

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.