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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