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.

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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.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick talk about how you can give without spending much money. They start with the value of putting in some elbow grease—helping out or giving your time to make life easier for someone else. Then, they look at volunteering, using your time and energy to support a cause or help those in need. Finally, they bring up the idea of giving “old school” with simple, homemade gifts or thoughtful gestures that can mean the world. Let’s dive into how these small efforts can bring joy and purpose to the season.

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Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick talk about hosting a Thanksgiving filled with connection, gratitude, and memories that matter. Whether you're in recovery or supporting someone who is, the focus is on simplicity, creating a welcoming atmosphere, and keeping the day meaningful. They share tips to make Thanksgiving enjoyable and inclusive without sacrificing fun or tradition.

Key Takeaways

• Set the tone: Share your plan early and make guests feel comfortable.
• Add thoughtful touches: Create an inviting space with activities and moments that feel special.
• Keep it light: Avoid heavy conversations and focus on connection and gratitude.

Timestamps and discussions:

4:19 - 6:27: Open bars can be a big trigger. Know your audience and consider your setup.

6:41 - 7:53: It’s your party—schedule meals and events that work for you.

8:10 - 9:03: Holiday cocktails can be tempting triggers. Plan non-alcoholic alternatives.

9:10 - 10:29: Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate hope, gratitude, and connection.

11:14 - 12:02: Matt shares a touching story about his grandmother and why connection matters.

12:15 - 13:16: Start a new tradition with a Thanksgiving 5K or other community events.

13:24 - 14:30: Keep conversations light and avoid divisive topics like politics.

15:00 - 17:08: The holidays aren’t therapy. Focus on enjoyment, not responsibility for others’ recovery.

17:26: A quick recap of the list.

18:00: Closing thoughts and gratitude.

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 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.