Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss the stigma surrounding addiction and its effects on both individuals struggling with substance use and the family and friends who support them. They explain how societal judgment, assumptions, and misconceptions can make recovery more difficult by creating shame, discouraging people from seeking help, and isolating families.

They also talk about why stigma is so hard to overcome, noting that it is often deeply ingrained in social attitudes, language, and even systems of care. They share strategies for addressing these barriers, including using respectful language, increasing education about addiction, and connecting with local and national support resources.

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 sit down to talk about something every caregiver dreads—relapse. What does it mean? Is it the end of progress, or just part of the process? They walk through it honestly, from both sides of recovery.

If you're supporting someone who’s trying to stay clean, a relapse can feel like a gut punch. It’s confusing, personal, and it can leave you wondering if anything you’re doing is working. In this episode, Matt and Ryan unpack what relapse is, why it happens, and what you can do to respond in a way that helps—without burning yourself out or taking on guilt that isn’t yours.

They talk about the signs to watch for, how to stay connected, and why relapse doesn’t erase the progress already made. If you're walking this road with someone, this episode gives you real insight, practical takeaways, and a reminder that support still matters—even after a setback.

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 get real about what a higher power means in recovery. They chat about how caregivers can really tune in to the spiritual side of healing, not just the stuff you see on the surface.

Sometimes it’s hard to understand what your loved one is going through, especially when it comes to faith or belief, but Matt and Ryan break it down in a way that’s easy to get. They talk about how leaning on something bigger than yourself can give strength when recovery gets tough, and how caregivers can use that understanding to build stronger connections and support their people better.

If you’re helping someone through addiction, this episode is full of honest talk and practical ideas that can make a big 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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.