Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick dive into the challenges caregivers face when they’re supporting someone in active addiction while struggling with their own substance use. We explore key questions: Are you drinking to cope? How are you feeling? If you’re using, what and how much? Caregivers are the backbone of families, but you need to prioritize your own well-being. When you don’t take care of yourself, you risk burnout or relapse. This episode is packed with insights for caregivers who are also navigating their own addiction. Take care of you—we need you here.

Joining the show:

Tina McIntosh, who started Joy’s House, and Corrina Thompson, its Community Relations Manager and Co-founder of Caregiver Way, join the show. They share personal stories about losing their fathers to alcoholism and offer insights from their work supporting caregivers and aging adults.

Timestamps and discussions:

9:42 – 11:05: Tina and Corrina share how alcoholism impacted their families.

11:27 – 11:37: Corrina reflects on missing signs of her father’s addiction.

11:40 – 12:16: Sharing fond memories of their fathers.

12:16 – 14:48: Tina recounts a powerful story about her dad.

14:49 – 16:51: Did Tina or Corrina confront their fathers about alcoholism?

16:52 – 17:39: Corrina celebrates one year without alcohol!

17:55 – 19:06: Corrina talks about how self-care keeps her sober, and Tina adds her observations.

19:43 – 21:00: Are more caregivers using substances to cope today?

21:09 – 22:43: Why caregivers may be especially vulnerable during the holidays.

22:43 – 24:05: Practical ways caregivers can manage stres

24:26 – 26:15: Why identifying as a caregiver matters.

27:00 – 29:52: Key resources for caregivers to get suppor

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 resources: Caregiver Way & Joy's House - Joy's House ♫ Medicaid’s Hidden Support for Caregivers

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 complex dynamics between an addict and their caregiver during the holiday season, specifically focusing on whether or not to attend Thanksgiving dinner. Family gatherings come with numerous considerations: How long has your loved one been sober? Is the environment supportive? Will there be people drinking or using substances, potentially creating discomfort? With the holidays being a difficult period for many, this timely episode explores these questions to help caregivers and recovering individuals make informed choices.

Timestamps and Discussions:

3:27 - 4:50 – The holidays pose challenges for both those using drugs and those in recovery. Ryan shares a personal story about advising an ex-girlfriend to skip her family’s Thanksgiving due to their drug use.

5:00 - 6:05 – Post-election season can heighten emotions; it’s essential to be mindful of how others might feel and react during gatherings.

6:10 - 7:26 – Matt and Ryan delve into the potential consequences of declining an invitation to Thanksgiving dinner, emphasizing that there are circumstances where an addict should consider not attending.

7:28 - 9:15 – The discussion shifts to the importance of genuine togetherness. Attending out of obligation alone can be detrimental; understanding why you’re choosing to go (or not) is crucial.

9:30 - 10:04 – Establishing an exit strategy is highlighted as a key tool. Open communication with loved ones about feelings and potential triggers is advised.

10:19 - 11:20 – Long trips to visit family can be stressful, especially if there is unresolved tension between members.

12:30 – Closing thoughts wrap up the discussion, reinforcing the importance of planning and self-awareness during the holidays.

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.

In the last episode of our series on America’s fentanyl crisis, Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick break down two critical issues: how fentanyl is increasingly mixed into various drugs, including counterfeit pills sold online, leading to sudden overdose deaths, and how fentanyl addiction often begins with a prescription. They discuss the deadly and hidden risks of fentanyl in the drug supply and explore the path from medical use to dependency.

Special Guest: ESPN’s Lauren Sisler

Lauren Sisler, ESPN broadcaster and former gymnast, joins to discuss her new book, Shatterproof, where she shares her personal story of resilience after losing both parents to addiction. She talks about her journey of healing, the impact of addiction, and her hope to inspire others to address mental health and addiction with compassion and strength.

Key Topics & Timestamps:

11:45 – 14:18: Lauren on courage and willingness to tell her story of losing her parents to addiction 22 years ago.

14:25 – 15:17: Lauren’s perspective on addiction and how it affected her parents, including their struggle with fentanyl addiction.

15:30 – 17:00: Insight into Lauren’s father’s job as a VA technician and the challenges he faced without any clear signs of his addiction’s severity.

17:08 – 20:03: How stigma around addiction may have stopped her parents from seeking help.

20:15 – 23:48: Writing Shatterproof as a therapeutic journey and a part of Lauren’s healing.

24:00 – 26:37: Lauren’s thoughts on discussing addiction with her son when he’s older.

27:00: Lauren’s advice for caregivers with loved ones suffering from addiction.

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 link: About — Lauren Sisler

Al-Anon: Al-Anon.tiorg

Meetings: aa.rgroup.org/meengs

NA Meetings: virtual-na.orginte

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this third installment of the fentanyl series, Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick dive deeper into the epidemic, focusing on understanding addiction from all angles, listening to loved ones without judgment, and empowering rather than controlling them. Matt and Ryan discuss their personal journeys with addiction, school experiences, and the support (and challenges) from caregivers. They’re joined by Justin Phillips, Founder and Executive Director of Overdose Lifeline, Inc., to shed light on actionable steps for caregivers and harm reduction.

Key Points:

• Big Picture of the Crisis: Fentanyl continues to take lives across the U.S. each year, with many unaware of how to help.
• Understanding vs. Control: Caregivers are encouraged to support their loved ones by fostering independence and engaging in open, non-judgmental dialogue.

Timestamps and Discussion Highlights:

4:28 - 5:36 | Recap and Stakes: Matt recaps previous episodes, emphasizing the stakes for loved ones.

5:38 - 7:31 | Addiction and Denial: Ryan reflects on his denial during active addiction, showing how addiction’s grip fuels fentanyl use.

8:13 - 9:47 | Listening to Understand: For caregivers, understanding without judgment is key. Recognize signs like self-centeredness and behavioral shifts.

11:35 - 12:07 | Staying Engaged: Caregivers should ask questions and remain engaged, balancing support with respect for boundaries.

12:25 - 13:00 | Resource, Not Solution: Caregivers are there to guide, not to "fix" addiction; true recovery comes from within.

13:10 - 14:30 | Encouraging Independence: Promoting independence can build your loved one's confidence and structure.

14:35 - 15:43 | Scare Tactics: Matt discusses how scare tactics backfired in his journey, pushing him further into addiction rather than away.

18:04 - 18:54 | Keeping Fentanyl Out: Justin shares tips for caregivers to help keep fentanyl away from loved ones.

19:13 - 20:48 | Personal Loss: Justin shares the tragic loss of her son to an overdose, reflecting on behaviors she missed, and lessons learned.

21:08 - 22:30 | Fentanyl Education: Overdose Lifeline provides resources for those looking to educate themselves on fentanyl risks.

22:05 - 23:30 | Social Media Risk: Awareness about fentanyl purchases on social media is critical for caregivers.

23:31 - 28:00 | Harm Reduction Explained: An introduction to harm reduction—what it is, why it’s effective, and how it supports recovery.

29:01 | Closing Thoughts: Wrapping up, Matt and Ryan emphasize the importance of support, education, and the right approach to caregiving.

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 link: Substance Use Disorder Help and Prevention - Overdose Lifeline

Al-Anon: Al-Anon.tiorg

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 continue their conversation about the fentanyl crisis. They explain how dealers lace drugs and how users use social media to communicate with dealers, often using emojis to hide their actions from loved ones and police.

This episode builds on our ongoing series about fentanyl, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives in recent years. Two women from a treatment center in Indianapolis share their stories of fentanyl overdose.

Timestamps and Key Discussions:

4:02 - 12:45: Insights from women at Harbor Light, their shocking comments on fentanyl, and our reactions.

13:01 - 13:56: Ryan recalls a story where a crack dealer explained the need for coded language in user-dealer communication.

14:26 - 18:49: Discussion on common emojis used by dealers and users to communicate about drugs.

18:54 - 20:11: Some dealers use fake test strip photos to claim their drugs are fentanyl-free. Why this happens.

20:14 - 24:15: Narcan as a short-term solution and the difference between recovery and Narcan’s impact. Ryan explains why people in recovery don't consider Narcan as part of recovery.

25:20 - 28:00: 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.tiorg

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 dive into the complexities of the fentanyl crisis, discussing how the drug has killed hundreds of thousands in recent years. Fentanyl is dangerous not only because of its strength but also because it's often mixed with other drugs. People are using it both knowingly and unknowingly, as it's found in pills, powder, and even marijuana. Law enforcement is seeing more fentanyl in traffic stops and raids across the country.

Special Guest:
Michael Gannon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge (DEA-Indianapolis), joins the show to discuss enforcement, prevention, and education efforts around the fentanyl crisis.

Timestamps & Key Discussions:

19:37 - 20:33: Gannon explains the two types of fentanyl – one prescribed by doctors and the other made by drug traffickers and shipped across the U.S.

20:34 - 22:25: Gannon reflects on when fentanyl became a significant problem, recalling his time as a lead agent in Florida. He highlights how fentanyl has caused a rise in overdose deaths.

23:06 - 26:39: There's never been a more dangerous time to use drugs. The DEA warns against taking pills unless prescribed by a doctor, emphasizing the risks of accepting drugs from friends.

27:04 - 29:34: Gannon illustrates the potency of fentanyl, comparing lethal doses to the size of a pencil tip or penny. He shares heartbreaking stories from 911 calls, including a young girl who lost her father to an overdose.

30:00 - 32:00: Discussion on carfentanil, a tranquilizer for elephants, which is now being mixed into street drugs. Gannon also names cartels involved in trafficking fentanyl.

32:15 - 34:15: People are being poisoned by drug dealers selling fentanyl, and Gannon talks about the difficulties in prosecuting these cases.

35:15 - 36:41: Gannon explains Red Ribbon Week, paying tribute to DEA Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, whose death inspired the movement for a drug-free nation.

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 resource: 2024 National Red Ribbon Rally | Get Smart About Drugs

Al-Anon: Al-Anon.tiorg

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 everyday household items can be used as drug paraphernalia. They cover items like PVC pipes, spoons, and even fruit. The episode is about helping caregivers recognize these things, but the focus is on behavior changes as the real warning signs. Instead of getting caught up in objects, pay attention to how your loved one is acting.

Timestamps & Key Takeaways:

5:35 - 6:38: Ryan shares how he and his friends used bounce sheets and toilet paper rolls to trick their parents and hide their drug use.

6:50 - 8:09: Matt talks about early warning signs of someone starting to use drugs or alcohol. Look out for shifts in behavior or routines.

8:13 - 9:06: Matt’s “favorite” paraphernalia was an empty liquor bottle—highlighting how addicts can get attached to these objects.

9:15 - 11:15: Matt shares how his “dealer” was just the liquor store, and Ryan talks about the distinct smell of cocaine.

11:39 - 12:30: Fentanyl can be odorless, making it harder to detect. The paraphernalia used for fentanyl can vary widely.

12:44 - 15:15: Toiletry items are often repurposed for smoking weed. Addicts get creative fruit, like apples and oranges, can also be used for drug use.

15:16 - 16:07: Money is a common tool for people ingesting drugs like cocaine or other powders.

16:08 - 17:30: Spoons are often linked to heroin use. Check the bottom of spoons—if it’s burnt, it could be a sign of use.

17:45 - 18:15: Matt describes how a mask can be used to inhale substances and get high.

18:20 - 19:30: Ryan shares his experience using a light bulb to smoke drugs.

19:40 - 21:00: A "bullet" is a small container that holds cocaine, making it easy to conceal. Caregivers should be aware of this item.

21:00 - 24:00: Visine and sunglasses can also be signs—used to hide bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils.

25:15: Closing Thoughts—Stay aware of behavior changes more than objects. Paraphernalia can be anything, but how your loved one acts is always the best indicator.

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.tiorg

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 explain that the 12th Step is more than just sharing our message with others—it's about showing the caregiver how we can be there for each other. They discuss how putting this Step into action shows our commitment to real change and helps create a healthier, more supportive environment.

It's not just about recovery—it's about growing stronger relationships as we move forward. We're now spiritually awake, and while you once took care of us, we're stepping up to take responsibility for others. You might even catch us helping out more at home or doing service work to give back.

Timestamps and discussions:

4:00 - 4:22: Kickoff: Exploring the Essence of the 12th Step
Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick start the episode by discussing the 12th Step in recovery. They explain that this Step isn't just about sharing what you've learned; it's also about building strong connections with those who support you.

4:46 - 6:36: Matt's Insight: The Role of Prayer in the 12th Step
Matt discusses the importance of prayer in the 12th Step, describing it as a way to connect with yourself and your beliefs. He believes that prayer helps keep people grounded on their recovery journey.

6:45 - 9:24: Embracing Change: Adopting a New Lifestyle in Recovery
The conversation shifts to the changes people need to make once they stop using substances. Matt emphasizes that it's essential to embrace a new way of living that supports a healthier lifestyle.

10:54 - 13:38: The Paradox of Recovery: Strengthening Ourselves by Helping Others
Matt talks about the surprising truth that sharing your recovery story actually helps your own journey. By helping others, you not only support them but also strengthen your own commitment to staying on track.

14:18 - 15:38: The Heartbeat of Recovery: The Importance of Sponsorship
Sponsorship is highlighted as a key part of many recovery programs, providing essential support and encouragement. Matt shares his personal experiences with sponsorship and how it has helped him in his recovery.

17:07 - 20:00: Family Connections: Ryan's Story of Service and Unity
Ryan shares a personal story about his mother-in-law visiting him and his wife, showing how service work has brought them closer together. He emphasizes how helping others can strengthen family bonds and understanding.

20:10 - 22:35: Healing Through Service: How the 12 Steps Transform Lives
They discuss how the 12 steps can be healing, especially when you focus on helping others. Matt and Ryan highlight the importance of feeling like you're part of something bigger through acts of service.

23:00 - End: From Meetings to Home: Building Stronger Relationships through Service
Matt and Ryan wrap up by reflecting on how what they learn in recovery meetings can improve their personal relationships. They stress that the skills gained from helping others make connecting and adapting to everyday life easier.

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.rgroup.org/meetings

NA Meetings: virtual-na.orginte

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.