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

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:
<ul>
<li>Big Picture of the Crisis: Fentanyl continues to take lives across the U.S. each year, with many unaware of how to help.</li>
<li>Understanding vs. Control: Caregivers are encouraged to support their loved ones by fostering independence and engaging in open, non-judgmental dialogue.</li>
</ul>
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: <a href="https://www.overdoselifeline.org/">Substance Use Disorder Help and Prevention - Overdose Lifeline</a>
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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