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: 

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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