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)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss what boundaries look like early in recovery and how setting healthy boundaries can impact relationships. Whether you, as the caregiver, are setting a boundary or your recovering loved one is establishing one, it's important to teach people how to treat you. Boundaries can be tough because poor communication can lead to setbacks. Matt and Ryan cover five key points: Who’s setting the boundary? How to say no? Seeking support when boundaries are unclear. And making sure there's time for self-care.

Time Stamps and Discussions:

3:35 - 5:00: Boundaries we set in recovery, whether we're addicts or alcoholics, are meant to protect our sobriety.

5:18 - 6:16: Teach people how to treat you. Your recovering loved one is changing. How to spot those positive changes.

6:39 - 7:36: Ryan shares a story of returning to his old neighborhood to establish new boundaries.

7:40 - 14:46: Say no and stick to it. We are all human, and when you say no, mean it.

18:00 - 19:00: Caregivers should seek support because addiction often expresses itself in isolation. Addicts may find solace in recovery meetings, and caregivers should do the same.

19:34 - 20:39: Self-care is huge. The guys provide examples of why self-care is critical for both the caregiver and the addict.

20:04: Recap and closing thoughts.

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)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 died from heroin use.

Holds Master's degrees in Clinical Addiction Counseling, Philanthropic Studies, and Non-Profit Management.

Certified in the Grief Recovery Method®.

Honored as a White House Champion of Change for Advocacy, Prevention, and Treatment.

Timestamps and Discussions

3:46 - 5:49: Identifying different kinds of overdoses.

5:51 - 7:03: Matt talks about overdosing on oxycontin.

7:09 - 7:52: Ryan recalls a seizure brought on by meth.

15:30 - 16:02: Introduction to Justin Phillips.

16:08 - 16:48: Phillips discusses why she started Overdose Lifeline.

16:51 - 17:21: How to tell someone is overdosing.

17:54 - 18:50: When to call 911 if you suspect an overdose. Some states have Good Samaritan laws requiring you to call emergency services.

19:01 - 20:00: Phillips talks about carrying and administering Narcan.

21:11 - 22:00: Narcan is legal in Indiana, and organizations like Overdose Lifeline are making it accessible to anyone who needs it.

23:38 - 24:42: Phillips emphasizes the need for communication and reflects on what she would do differently if her son were alive and using

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!

Guest: Substance Use Disorder Help and Prevention - Overdose Lifeline

• Al-Anon: Al-Anon.org
• AA Meetings: aa.intergroup.org/meetings
• NA Meetings: virtual-na.org
• Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255 (24/7)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Timestamps and Discussions:

3:33 - 4:06 Understanding Personal Challenges and Responsibility

Matt and Ryan talk about personal challenges that contribute to addiction and stress the importance of taking responsibility in recovery.

4:26 - 5:18 Rebuilding Trust and Personal Decisions

They discuss how addicts can rebuild trust and the critical role of personal decisions in this process.

5:20 - 7:09 Taking Ownership and Finding Support

Emphasizing the need for addicts to take ownership of their actions and the supportive role of recovery programs in maintaining sobriety.

7:21 - 7:34 Navigating Relationships and Power Dynamics

Addressing the complexities of power dynamics in relationships affected by addiction.

7:36 - Consistency in Actions: Living Amends

Highlighting the importance for addicts to align their actions with their words and how practicing "living amends" can lead to positive changes in recovery.

9:51 - 11:39 The Ongoing Journey of Making Amends

Explaining the ongoing process of making amends in recovery, acknowledging the challenges involved, and its essential role in achieving long-term sobriety.

Resources: 

Social Media: Instagram @sobriety_pod

Find "Supporting Sobriety" on major podcast providers like Spotify or Apple—please like, subscribe, and rate.

Al-Anon

AA Meetings

Virtual NA Meetings

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: 

Social Media: Instagram @sobriety_pod

Find "Supporting Sobriety" on major podcast providers like Spotify or Apple. Please like, subscribe, and rate.

Al-Anon

AA Meetings

Virtual NA Meetings

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

Guest Info: 

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 inspirational and talented man who has used the power of music to bring him out of the dark depression of alcoholism. Joining us is Tom Cridland of Tom's Elton Tribute. When on stage, Tom is a doppelganger of Elton John in voice and appearance.

Timestamps & Discussions:

16:38 - 17:06

Matt and Ryan introduce Tom Cridland and his tribute act to Elton John.

17:17 - 18:06

Tom discusses his journey in recovery and how music has influenced his path to sobriety.

18:13 - 19:53

Tom recounts a pivotal moment in his life when he confronted his alcoholism head-on, marking a significant turning point in his recovery.

19:58 - 21:46

Tom shares a harrowing story about his time at boarding school and a terrible binge he was on, offering a glimpse into the depths of his struggle with addiction.

21:48 - 22:50

Tom talks about the most important person in his life—his wife—who played a pivotal role in saving him from his addiction and supporting his recovery journey.

24:14 - 26:26

Tom describes the amends process and how his wife views his recovery, highlighting the importance of making amends in the recovery process.

26:35 - 28:09

Tom elaborates on music's role in maintaining his sobriety, emphasizing how it continues to be a source of strength and inspiration for him.

28:13 - 29:15

Tom shares his strategies for staying motivated in his recovery, underscoring the importance of having a purpose and staying committed to personal growth.

29:42 - 30:23

Tom talks about an upcoming big show in Scranton, Pennsylvania, giving listeners a glimpse into his future endeavors and ongoing journey in music and recovery.

Resources

Social Media: Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @sobriety_pod. You can find our podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts. Please like, subscribe, and rate us!

Support Resources:

• Al-Anon: Al-Anon.org
• AA Meetings: aa.intergroup.org/meetings
• Virtual NA Meetings: virtual-na.org
• Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255 (available 24/7)

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 center? What happens after you're done? Is it, “Hey, I’m dried out, all is great,” or is there something more?

In Supporting Sobriety’s Extended Playlist #2, Matt and Ryan share their own detox experiences, recalling all of the good about removing the “drugs of choice” from their systems and speaking on the not-so-good aspects of the process. Regardless, the experience varies from patient to patient, and the magic of recovery is quick to follow if the right choices are made. Again, please do it professionally. Let people keep you safe.

(Supporting Sobriety's Extended Playlists is slightly different from normal shows. In these EPs, Matt and Ryan talk more about themselves and their recovery experiences while remembering that the podcast is always about you, the caregiver. Thank you for listening. You’re so loved.)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 the stage for the discussion.

Significance of a Sober Birthday
[03:01 - 08:30]

Explanation of what a sober birthday is.
Discussion on how it shows progress boosts self-esteem and motivates continued sobriety. Importance of identifying as a RECOVERING addict or alcoholic.

Personal Reflections on Upcoming Sober Birthdays

[08:31 - 13:45] Comparing sober birthdays to traditional birthdays and their emotional impact.

How to Celebrate a Sober Birthday
[13:46 - 19:36]
Tips for planning the celebration, including choosing the right guest list.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 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 delicate balance.

Matt and Ryan highlight four key points:

Check Your Guest List: Be mindful of who you invite to create a supportive environment.

Communication is Key: Openly discuss plans and concerns with your loved one.

Be Supportive: Offer encouragement and understanding throughout the event.

Respect Boundaries: Invite your loved one, but respect their decision if they choose not to attend. If your loved one needs a meeting or seems out of place during the party, understand that they might feel overwhelmed. Knowing these factors can help create a more comfortable and inclusive atmosphere.

Timestamps

4:12 - 6:55 | Check Your Guest List

• As the caregiver, you have some influence over how things go.
• Remember, you don't need to walk on eggshells around our feelings and recovery.
• Our recovery is ultimately our responsibility.

6:56 - 9:50 | Communication is Key

• Communication is crucial.
• Have an open and honest conversation with your loved one.
• Ask them what they need from you to feel safe and supported.

9:53 - 13:09 | Be Supportive

• If your loved one needs a meeting or seems out of place at parties, understand that they might feel overwhelmed.
• We know it's a lot to ask, but you play a crucial role in creating a supportive environment.

13:08 - 15:59 | It’s Up to Us to Change

• Caregivers may expect immediate results, but recovery takes time.
• It’s up to the addict to change their life.
• Be patient; recovery takes time and is full of ups and downs.

Resources

• Social Media: Follow us on X/Insta: @sobriety_pod
• Podcasts: Listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple. Please like, subscribe, and rate.
• Meetings:
• Al-Anon: Al-Anon.org
• AA Meetings: aa.intergroup.org/meetings
• NA Meetings (Virtual): virtual-na.org
• Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255 (24/7)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 right balance is crucial. 

Discussions and Timestamps:

5:46 - 7:41 - The guys discuss the importance of checking your guest list. If a family member is still drinking and might be disrespectful, leaving them off the guest list is best to avoid conflict. As the host, you have control over these situations.

7:51 - 12:20 -  Communication is so important. Have an open and honest conversation with your loved one. Ask them what they need from you to feel safe and supported. Sometimes, knowing you know their struggles can be a huge comfort.

12:20 16:28  - Be supportive. If your loved one feels out of place or needs a meeting during the party, they might feel overwhelmed. We know it's a lot to ask, but your support is crucial in creating a supportive environment.

17:00 - 20:04 -  Respect your loved ones' boundaries at the party, but always respect their boundaries. Including them shows they are valued, but be mindful of their comfort levels and personal limits regarding social situations and potential triggers.

Resources: 

Social  X/Insta: @sobriety_pod.

Podcasts: Spotify, Apple,  Please like, subscribe, and rate

Meetings: Al-Anon.org

aa.intergroup.org/meetings, Meetings (virtual-na.org)

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

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.