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

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 &amp; 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

The Mission

The Supporting Sobriety Podcast is dedicated to providing hope to the unsung heroes behind those struggling with addiction…their friends and family.

We will share insights, stories and resources to help listeners support their loved ones and care for themselves on the recovery journey.

The Hosts

Matt Bair

Matt considers himself blessed to be a recovering alcoholic. His lifetime profession as a radio broadcaster has been derailed multiple times by alcohol abuse but he remains alive and employed through the grace of God and help of others.

Matt lives by the humility introduced in the first step of 12-step recovery, that the alcoholic is truly “powerless over alcohol,” and the alcoholic in use of alcohol possesses a life that is “unmanageable.” He enunciates these beliefs in teaching recovery to alcoholics and addicts, while understanding there’s more to learn from the ones who don’t make it (Keep. Coming. Back). He truly believes everything “always gets better” if you don’t take the next drink or drug. Matt is dedicated to “supporting the supporters” like those who have been critical to his ongoing sobriety.

Matt is the long-time morning and afternoon traffic reporter for WIBC / Indianapolis.

Ryan Hedrick

Ryan Hedrick's life has been a journey of recovery from a challenging battle with addiction spanning nearly 25 years. His struggles with cocaine and methamphetamine led him down a dangerous path, marked by numerous attempts at treatment. However, salvation came in the form of a 12-step program that became his sanctuary.

To break free from the shackles of addiction, Ryan committed himself to giving back to recovery communities nationwide. He extended his support by bringing 12-step meetings to jails and institutions, sponsoring men on their recovery journeys, and regularly attending meetings. Like his co-host, the clutches of drugs and alcohol jeopardized Ryan's life and his career in radio.

Ryan is currently a reporter and morning news anchor at WIBC/Indianapolis where he met his podcast co-host Matt Bair. Together they strive to offer a beacon of hope to those grappling with similar struggles. Their podcast aims to reach and assist individuals behind the scenes by sharing personal experiences, strength, and hope with their followers. Through their collective journey, Ryan and Matt seek to inspire and support those supporting loved ones on the path to recovery.

The Mission
The Supporting Sobriety Podcast is dedicated to providing hope to the unsung heroes behind those struggling with addiction…their friends and family.
We will share insights, stories and resources to help listeners support their loved ones and care for themselves on the recovery journey.
The Hosts 
Matt Bair
Matt considers himself blessed to be a recovering alcoholic. His lifetime profession as a radio broadcaster has been derailed multiple times by alcohol abuse but he remains alive and employed through the grace of God and help of others.
Matt lives by the humility introduced in the first step of 12-step recovery, that the alcoholic is truly “powerless over alcohol,” and the alcoholic in use of alcohol possesses a life that is “unmanageable.” He enunciates these beliefs in teaching recovery to alcoholics and addicts, while understanding there’s more to learn from the ones who don’t make it (Keep. Coming. Back). He truly believes everything “always gets better” if you don’t take the next drink or drug. Matt is dedicated to “supporting the supporters” like those who have been critical to his ongoing sobriety.
Matt is the long-time morning and afternoon traffic reporter for WIBC / Indianapolis.
Ryan Hedrick
Ryan Hedrick's life has been a journey of recovery from a challenging battle with addiction spanning nearly 25 years. His struggles with cocaine and methamphetamine led him down a dangerous path, marked by numerous attempts at treatment. However, salvation came in the form of a 12-step program that became his sanctuary.
To break free from the shackles of addiction, Ryan committed himself to giving back to recovery communities nationwide. He extended his support by bringing 12-step meetings to jails and institutions, sponsoring men on their recovery journeys, and regularly attending meetings. Like his co-host, the clutches of drugs and alcohol jeopardized Ryan's life and his career in radio.
Ryan is currently a reporter and morning news anchor at WIBC/Indianapolis where he met his podcast co-host Matt Bair. Together they strive to offer a beacon of hope to those grappling with similar struggles. Their podcast aims to reach and assist individuals behind the scenes by sharing personal experiences, strength, and hope with their followers. Through their collective journey, Ryan and Matt seek to inspire and support those supporting loved ones on the path to recovery.

Supporting Sobriety Podcast

The Mission
The Supporting Sobriety Podcast is dedicated to providing hope to the unsung heroes behind those struggling with addiction…their friends and family.
We will share insights, stories and resources to help listeners support their loved ones and care for themselves on the recovery journey.
The Hosts
Matt Bair
Matt considers himself blessed to be a recovering alcoholic. His lifetime profession as a radio broadcaster has been derailed multiple times by alcohol abuse but he remains alive and employed through the grace of God and help of others.
Matt lives by the humility introduced in the first step of 12-step recovery, that the alcoholic is truly “powerless over alcohol,” and the alcoholic in use of alcohol possesses a life that is “unmanageable.” He enunciates these beliefs in teaching recovery to alcoholics and addicts, while understanding there’s more to learn from the ones who don’t make it (Keep. Coming. Back). He truly believes everything “always gets better” if you don’t take the next drink or drug. Matt is dedicated to “supporting the supporters” like those who have been critical to his ongoing sobriety.
Matt is the long-time morning and afternoon traffic reporter for WIBC / Indianapolis.
Ryan Hedrick
Ryan Hedrick's life has been a journey of recovery from a challenging battle with addiction spanning nearly 25 years. His struggles with cocaine and methamphetamine led him down a dangerous path, marked by numerous attempts at treatment. However, salvation came in the form of a 12-step program that became his sanctuary.
To break free from the shackles of addiction, Ryan committed himself to giving back to recovery communities nationwide. He extended his support by bringing 12-step meetings to jails and institutions, sponsoring men on their recovery journeys, and regularly attending meetings. Like his co-host, the clutches of drugs and alcohol jeopardized Ryan's life and his career in radio.
Ryan is currently a reporter and morning news anchor at WIBC/Indianapolis where he met his podcast co-host Matt Bair. Together they strive to offer a beacon of hope to those grappling with similar struggles. Their podcast aims to reach and assist individuals behind the scenes by sharing personal experiences, strength, and hope with their followers. Through their collective journey, Ryan and Matt seek to inspire and support those supporting loved ones on the path to recovery.

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