Supporting Sobriety Podcast

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick share their personal experiences with substance use during their teenage years. They share insights into recognizing signs that your teenager might be using drugs. They are joined by guest April Rhodes, a mother who tragically lost her son to fentanyl.

Matt and Ryan highlight the familiar feeling among teenagers who use drugs of not fitting in with their peers. They share their own experiences of seeking acceptance through substance use. They discuss how teenagers may gravitate towards new friends who are also using drugs, leading to a shift in social circles. April shares her son Max's journey of trading athletic friends for those involved in substance use.

Drawing from personal experiences, Matt and Ryan discuss the legal troubles that often accompany drug use among teenagers. They discuss the importance of recognizing legal issues as a potential indicator of substance abuse.

Timestamps with Discussions:

16:15 - 16:59 Introduction: 

April Rhodes joins the conversation, bringing her firsthand experience of losing her son to a fentanyl overdose.

17:14 - 17:21  Emotional Impact

Ryan shares his emotional response to having a mother discuss the loss of her son, reflecting on the profound impact of April's story.

17:21 - 18:31  Coping with Loss

April opens up about her grief journey and her determination to advocate for awareness and support for parents facing similar tragedies. She highlights the pain of losing a child to a drug overdose and her resolve to take action.

18:48 - 21:15  Advocacy Efforts 

April discusses her involvement with organizations like "Winning the Fight" and her decision to dedicate herself full-time to raising awareness about substance abuse and its consequences.

21:25 - 23:31 Max's Story

April shares intimate details about her son Max's upbringing, revealing his struggles with abandonment issues and his eventual descent into drug addiction.

23:54 - 27:00 Recognizing the Signs 

April recounts the pivotal moments when she realized Max had a drug problem, including changes in his behavior, social circle, and legal issues. She reflects on the challenges of confronting a loved one's addiction.

27:17 - 28:10  Heartbreaking Moments

April recounts the harrowing experience of witnessing Max's suffering during detox and her confrontation with his drug dealer, underscoring the devastating impact of addiction on families.

29:02 - 31:56 Lessons Learned 

April reflects on the signs she missed and the importance of self-care in coping with the trauma of losing a child to addiction. She emphasizes the need for parents to prioritize their well-being while supporting their loved ones through recovery.

Resources: 

Social Media: Instagram / Twitter @sobriety_pod

AA Meetings: aa.intergroup.org/meetings

Virtual NA Meetings: virtual-na.org

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

Al-Anon Support: Al-Anon.org

Mentioned by April: 

wtf-winningthefight.org

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick delve into the pervasive stigma surrounding addiction, sharing personal anecdotes that highlight its impact. They're joined by Lindsey Bland, Manager at Eskenazi Mental Health Center Adult Addiction, who offers professional insights into the harmful effects of addiction stigma and how it hinders individuals from seeking help.

Main Discussion Points:

1) Recognizing the Changing Discourse Around Addiction

Ryan recalls the stigma attached to addiction during the crack epidemic in the 1980s and how his upbringing shaped his understanding. Matt reflects on a conversation from his youth and acknowledges the changing discourse around addiction, crediting those in long-term recovery for erasing stigmas.

2) Choosing Language More Thoughtfully

The hosts discuss the impact of different words and labels associated with addiction, sharing personal experiences of hurtful language. Ryan and Matt dissect the evolution of their understanding of stigmatizing words and their effects on individuals in recovery.

3) Embracing a Fresh Perspective

Lindsey Bland highlights how addiction manifests similarly regardless of the substance involved and breaks down common misconceptions surrounding addicts and their behaviors. She emphasizes the prevalence of addiction across demographics and urges listeners not to label individuals based on their disease.

Timestamps and Discussions:

2:56 - 4:41: Ryan and Matt reflect on societal perceptions of addiction, drawing from personal experiences. They discuss the transformative role of long-term recovery in reshaping attitudes and reducing stigma.

4:42 - 6:55: Matt shares a childhood experience where he questioned addiction. The hosts explore the impact of social media on dispelling stigmas and highlight the universality of addiction's impact across demographics.

7:18 - 17:46: Ryan shares a poignant experience of being stigmatized by a former partner. This leads to a discussion on the profound impact of language and its evolving meanings in shaping perceptions of addiction.

21:17 - 21:52: Lindsey Bland discusses the neurological similarities between alcoholism and addiction. She dismantles common misconceptions about addicts and their behaviors, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding.

22:53 - 28:19: Bland addresses harmful labels attached to addicts and emphasizes the importance of recognizing addiction as a widespread issue without stigmatizing individuals. She urges listeners to adopt a compassionate approach towards those struggling with addiction.

Closing Remarks:

Matt and Ryan share resources for support, including their social media handles and organizations like Al-Anon and Eskenazi Mental Health Center. They also provide the Suicide Prevention Hotline number: (800) 273-8255 (24/7). Don't forget to like and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred platform!

Hosts' Social Media:

Matt: Social X/Insta: @sobriety_cast

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

Resources Mentioned:

Al-Anon.org

Eskenazi Mental Health Center: www.eskenazihealth.edu/mental-health

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss how stigmas exacerbate addiction. Ryan recounts being labeled a "crackhead," which deterred him from seeking help, while Matt remembers being diagnosed as an alcoholic in therapy, facing societal obstacles to getting assistance. They explore prevalent stigmas, such as addiction being a choice, substance quantity defining addiction, the misconception that alcoholics are safer, the perception of addicts as helpless, and how support from loved ones can trigger relapse.

Timestamps with Discussions:

3:35 -5:41: Recognizing Addiction as a Disease Ryan reflects on society's misconception that addiction is a choice, emphasizing his journey with addiction and the progression of the disease. He shares his first encounter with methamphetamine.

6:02 - 7:30: Accepting Alcoholism as a Disease Matt recalls his initial struggle to accept alcoholism as a disease, highlighting the importance of acknowledging one's condition to facilitate recovery.

8:15 -11:07: Dispelling Stereotypes Ryan challenges stereotypes surrounding addiction severity, sharing anecdotes about individuals with different substance use histories. He emphasizes that behavior, not solely substance quantity, indicates addiction severity.

11:23 - 12:30: Behavior as a Red Flag Matt discusses the significance of observing behavioral changes in loved ones to identify addiction issues, emphasizing that addiction manifests differently in individuals.

13:21 - 15:11: The Impact of Different Substances Matt shares his experience with opiates and the varying effects of different substances on addiction expression, emphasizing that addiction extends beyond substance use.

16:35 - 18:16: Diverse Faces of Addiction Ryan challenges societal perceptions of addiction, highlighting that addiction affects individuals from all walks of life, debunking stereotypes associated with addiction.

18:49 - 19:57: Addressing Stigma Within Support Groups Matt recounts encountering stigma within support groups, emphasizing the need for humility and mutual support in recovery communities.

24:12 -24:34: Navigating Emotions and Expectations Ryan discusses the emotional journey for both individuals with addiction and their loved ones, emphasizing the importance of education and managing expectations in supporting recovery.

29:12 -30:27: Closing Thoughts on Recovery Responsibility Matt reflects on personal mentorship in recovery, highlighting the individual's responsibility for their journey and the fallacy of blaming others for relapse.

Resources: 

Social Media: Instagram / Twitter @sobriety_pod

AA Meetings: aa.intergroup.org/meetings

Virtual NA Meetings: virtual-na.org

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

Al-Anon Support: Al-Anon.org

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick share stories about enablers in their lives. Specifically, they discuss the people who helped them buy drugs and alcohol and those who perpetuated their addictive patterns. They emphasize the importance of showing unconditional love and being present for your loved ones as they battle with addiction. They also stress the significance of not advancing addiction by avoiding judging or stereotyping people who are suffering.

Matt and Ryan are joined by Philip Van Guilder, Director of Community Relationships at Greenhouse Treatment Center, who turned a personal crisis into a mission. His son's opioid overdose spurred him to become a naloxone administration trainer.

Timestamps with Discussions:

09:26 Introduction

Introduction to Philip Van Guilder, a speaker and advocate for understanding and confronting addiction.

09:57 - 11:39  Defining Enabling

Van Guilder delves into the concept of enabling, emphasizing its dual nature. He discusses the delicate balance between wanting to be a supportive parent and the challenge of facing the situation realistically.

11:50 - 13:42 Overcoming Guilt in Caregiving

Van Guilder explores the overwhelming guilt experienced by caregivers of individuals struggling with addiction. Using a scenario involving a parent and a daughter with drug problems, he advocates understanding addiction as a disease rather than a moral failing. Confrontation, he stresses, should be approached with love and empathy.

14:12 - 15:23 Challenging the Narrative of Choice

Van Guilder challenges the perception of addiction as a choice. He prompts listeners to consider their reactions if discovering a loved one's substance use and encourages viewing addiction as a disease rather than responding with anger. Threats, he asserts, cannot compel an addict to seek help.

16:11 - 19:23 Establishing Healthy Boundaries through Communication

Van Guilder highlights the importance of setting healthy boundaries through effective communication. He suggests refusing to enable destructive behavior while expressing a genuine commitment to helping the individual seek professional assistance. Understanding the addict's perspective and collaborating on a plan is crucial.

20:15 - 20:50 The Disease Takes Hostages

Van Guilder reminds listeners that addiction takes hostages, emphasizing the toll it can take on the physical and emotional well-being of those fighting to save their loved ones. Self-care is stressed as paramount to prevent being consumed by the disease.

21:30 - 23:05 Taking Care of Yourself

Drawing from personal experience, Van Guilder shares a story of taking someone to the hospital but prioritizing his sanity by dropping the person off. He underscores the importance of maintaining personal health and well-being when dealing with addiction.

24:15 - 25:50 A Father's Mission

Van Guilder shares a poignant experience of reviving his son with Narcan. He candidly reveals not informing the parents of the other individual present due to his singular focus on his son. His mission is clear - to spread awareness and understanding about addiction.

Resources: 

Social Media: Instagram / Twitter @sobriety_pod

AA Meetings: aa.intergroup.org/meetings

Virtual NA Meetings: virtual-na.org

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

Al-Anon Support: Al-Anon.org

Important Websites Mentioned by Phil:

WTF Winning The Fight

Love Cassidy

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick, along with guest Petros Colla, Business Development Representative for TruHealing Treatment Centers, delve into the critical aspects of navigating the treatment terrain for individuals grappling with substance use disorder. The discussion revolves around three key elements: detox, insurance, and investments in the recovery journey. 

Timestamps with Discussions:

2:56 - 4:20:   Detox Myths

Matt talks about detox, explaining that it's not as bad as some think, and you're not tied to a bed during the process.

4:22 - 6:04:  Levels of Detox and Necessary Care

Ryan shares experiences of different detox levels, highlighting that the facility determines the care needed.

7:37 7:59:  Detox as a Safe Space

Matt emphasizes detox as a safe space for loved ones to rest and recover from drug use.

8:06 - 9:05:  Insurance Learning Curve

Matt shares his journey of understanding insurance terms during rehab with the help of patient insurance counselors.

9:35 - 12:18:  Challenges with Insurance Coverage

Ryan's story reveals challenges with insurance during treatment, a common issue for many.

14:20 - 16:45:  Recovery Process and Investments

Matt discusses recovery as a process and the importance of learning from mistakes for stability.

18:43 - 19:52:  Meet Petros Colla 

Business Development Representative for TruHealing Treatment Centers

20:16 - 22:10: Petros' 28-Year Sobriety Journey 

Petros discusses detox necessity, sharing his 28-year journey to sobriety and the clarity it brings.

22:50 - 23:38:  TruHealing's Insurance Accommodations

Petros talks about TruHealing accommodating insured individuals and the importance of community relationships.

23:39 - 26:17:   Hope for Families and TruHealing's Support

Petros provides hope for families dealing with addiction, sharing TruHealing's commitment to transportation and understanding addicts.

26:57 - 27:22: A Story of Hope and Learning in Recovery

Petros shares a hopeful story, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of recovery and the value of repetition in learning.

27:36 - Closing Remarks by Petros 

Petros' closing remarks, including sharing his cell phone number.

Resources: 

Support Groups: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Al-Anon, Nar-Anon.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Contact TruHealing Treatment Centers:

Phone: 1-833-641-0572

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick delve into the crucial aspects of conducting an intervention for a loved one struggling with addiction. Scott Watson joins them from Heartland Intervention LLC, who sheds light on the significance of motives and timing in the intervention process.

Timestamps:

4:53-5:25 - Navigating the Decision:

Matt explores the challenging decision families must make when contemplating an intervention. Emphasizing the importance of prioritizing saving a life over preserving a relationship.

5:53-6:49 - Compassion in Action:

Matt underscores the importance of compassion, stating that allowing a person to suffer due to addiction is not an act of love.

7:22-7:57 - Motive Matters:

Ryan highlights the significance of having pure motives, warning against interventions fueled by anger or selfishness.

8:00-8:44 - Welcoming Scott Watson:

Matt introduces Scott Watson, a key figure in his sobriety journey, leading to a conversation on interventions and the valuable aspects of experience, strength, and hope.

9:47-11:17 - Understanding Interventions:

Scott provides insights into the varied meanings of interventions, outlining the initiation process with a focus on therapy and collaborative efforts.

13:54-14:32 - Unified Love:

Scott highlights the significance of love in interventions, stressing the importance of presenting a united front free from anger or resentment.

16:00-16:53 - Managing Roles:

Scott explores the utilization of each person's role in interventions and the importance of identifying key enablers to deter relapse.

17:19-18:23 - Intervention Complexity:

Scott highlights the complexity of interventions, stating that not everyone is equipped due to the mental health aspects of addiction, and recommends the book "Love First: A Family's Guide to Intervention."

21:11-22:36 - Swift Interventions:

Scott recounts a brief yet impactful intervention and opens up about challenges faced during an interview in Ohio.

23:13-24:40 - Recognizing Cries for Help:

Scott shares insights on addressing Matt's alcoholism, stressing the need to recognize subtle cries for help.

Resources:

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, consider reaching out to support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Al-Anon, and Nar-Anon. In case of an emergency or crisis, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 988.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick share insights into how addiction impacts individuals physically, legally, and financially. Recognizing the signs early is crucial, as the effects can become more apparent.

Timestamps:

3:15 - 7:00: Matt's Struggle with Handshaking

Matt opens up about his experience with handshaking due to alcoholism progression.

Learn how the physical toll of addiction manifested in Matt's life.

7:00 - 7:52: Ryan's Battle with "Meth Mouth"

Ryan discusses losing teeth in active addiction, specifically from using methamphetamine.

Hear the moment when one of Ryan's teeth fell out in a restaurant and his reaction.

10:40 - 11:23: Legal Troubles and Real-life Consequences

Ryan shares his legal problems, being sued by a bail bondsman, and how legal issues translate into real-life challenges.

11:26 - 12:16: Matt's OWI Experience

Matt talks about his OWI incident, its impact on his life, and the ripple effects on those he cared about.

15:10 - 16:09: Ryan's Journey to Jail

Ryan discusses going to jail due to addiction, reflecting on the impact on his family and the worry he caused.

19:11 - 22:38: Managing Bills and Prioritizing Addiction

Matt and Ryan explore the challenges of paying bills while addicted and mismanaging money. They emphasize the importance of communication and watching for unusual behavior. They also highlight the recovery process and post-rehab programs that assist in rebuilding life and financial stability.

Resources:

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, consider reaching out to support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Al-Anon, and Nar-Anon.

In case of an emergency or crisis, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 988.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mission

The Supporting Sobriety Podcast is dedicated to providing hope to the unsung heroes behind those struggling with addiction…their friends and family.

We will share insights, stories and resources to help listeners support their loved ones and care for themselves on the recovery journey.

The Hosts

Matt Bair

Matt considers himself blessed to be a recovering alcoholic. His lifetime profession as a radio broadcaster has been derailed multiple times by alcohol abuse but he remains alive and employed through the grace of God and help of others.

Matt lives by the humility introduced in the first step of 12-step recovery, that the alcoholic is truly “powerless over alcohol,” and the alcoholic in use of alcohol possesses a life that is “unmanageable.” He enunciates these beliefs in teaching recovery to alcoholics and addicts, while understanding there’s more to learn from the ones who don’t make it (Keep. Coming. Back). He truly believes everything “always gets better” if you don’t take the next drink or drug. Matt is dedicated to “supporting the supporters” like those who have been critical to his ongoing sobriety.

Matt is the long-time morning and afternoon traffic reporter for WIBC / Indianapolis.

Ryan Hedrick

Ryan Hedrick's life has been a journey of recovery from a challenging battle with addiction spanning nearly 25 years. His struggles with cocaine and methamphetamine led him down a dangerous path, marked by numerous attempts at treatment. However, salvation came in the form of a 12-step program that became his sanctuary.

To break free from the shackles of addiction, Ryan committed himself to giving back to recovery communities nationwide. He extended his support by bringing 12-step meetings to jails and institutions, sponsoring men on their recovery journeys, and regularly attending meetings. Like his co-host, the clutches of drugs and alcohol jeopardized Ryan's life and his career in radio.

Ryan is currently a reporter and morning news anchor at WIBC/Indianapolis where he met his podcast co-host Matt Bair. Together they strive to offer a beacon of hope to those grappling with similar struggles. Their podcast aims to reach and assist individuals behind the scenes by sharing personal experiences, strength, and hope with their followers. Through their collective journey, Ryan and Matt seek to inspire and support those supporting loved ones on the path to recovery.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.