Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick open up about how alcohol has shaped parts of their lives, the good, the bad, and the wake-up calls, and why Alcohol Awareness Week matters. They talk about those first red flags we sometimes ignore, how easy it is to stay in denial, and why it’s so important for individuals and families to pay attention.

If you're caring for someone who struggles with drinking, it can feel overwhelming. You're not alone. Here are some resources that can help:

Al-Anon Family Groups at www.al-anon.org
Support for people affected by someone else’s drinking

SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Free and confidential help, available 24 hours a day

Partnership to End Addiction at drugfree.org
Tools and guidance for families who want to help

Whether you're trying to support someone, struggling yourself, or just want to understand more, this episode brings a real, down-to-earth take on alcohol and the impact it can have.

Resources Mentioned
Al-Anon Meetings: al-anon.org
AA Meetings: aa.org/meetings
NA Meetings: virtual-na.org
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 or 800-273-8255

Follow Us
You can find us on X and Instagram @sobriety_pod
We're on all the major podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple
Please like, subscribe, and leave a rating if this episode helped you or someone you care about

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick explore the challenging yet crucial process of rebuilding family relationships when a sibling is in recovery. They discuss how caregivers can assist children in understanding that, although their sibling's past may involve hurtful behaviors—such as lying, stealing, or causing pain during their addiction—recovery is centered on change. It's not about asking the kids to forget the past; rather, it's about helping them recognize the person their sibling has become today.

They also touch on something real: trust takes time. It’s normal for kids to feel skeptical, angry, or distant from their sibling in recovery, and Matt and Ryan explain why caregivers need to give space for those feelings. Quick forgiveness doesn’t happen on Day One, and that’s okay.

Finally, they share practical advice about reconnecting through small, positive moments. Whether it’s a game night, doing chores together, or just taking a ride, these little wins can help siblings bond without revisiting old wounds.

If you're a caregiver navigating this journey, this episode has some great tips to help your family heal and move forward together.

Resources:

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) - Resources for Families

• Families Against Narcotics (FAN) - Support for Families

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP)

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!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.