Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick delve into the challenges that summer parties pose for those in recovery. These gatherings often feature alcohol and sometimes drugs, which can evoke memories of past substance use for your recovering loved one. The hosts explore the pressures to conform and the feelings of exclusion that can arise when someone abstains from drinking in a social setting. Striking the right balance is crucial.

Discussions and Timestamps:

5:46 - 7:41 - The guys discuss the importance of checking your guest list. If a family member is still drinking and might be disrespectful, leaving them off the guest list is best to avoid conflict. As the host, you have control over these situations.

7:51 - 12:20 - Communication is so important. Have an open and honest conversation with your loved one. Ask them what they need from you to feel safe and supported. Sometimes, knowing you know their struggles can be a huge comfort.

12:20 16:28 - Be supportive. If your loved one feels out of place or needs a meeting during the party, they might feel overwhelmed. We know it's a lot to ask, but your support is crucial in creating a supportive environment.

17:00 - 20:04 - Respect your loved ones' boundaries at the party, but always respect their boundaries. Including them shows they are valued, but be mindful of their comfort levels and personal limits regarding social situations and potential triggers.

Resources:

Social X/Insta: @sobriety_pod.

Podcasts: Spotify, Apple, Please like, subscribe, and rate

Meetings: Al-Anon.org

aa.intergroup.org/meetings, Meetings (virtual-na.org)

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255 (24/7)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss the stress addiction places on families, sharing their personal battles and recovery experiences while offering tips for caregivers on self-care, recognizing addiction signs, and seeking support.

Joining the Show: Captain Brandon Dreiman

Background: Captain with 22 years at the Indianapolis Fire Department.

Roles: Coordinator of Firefighter Wellness & Support, IAFF Peer Support & Resilience Master Instructor, CBT-I clinician, Certified Sleep Science Coach, Certified Addiction Peer Recovery Coach, and yoga teacher.

Founder of Naptown Yogawalla.

Key Discussions and Timestamps:

10:40 - 11:18 | Introduction to Captain Dreiman

Introducing Dreiman and his impressive background and achievements.

11:19 - 14:33 | Firefighter Wellness Program

Overview: This peer support program offers various firefighter services, focusing on intervention and prevention.

Proactive Approach: The program aims to address issues before they become serious.

15:03 - 17:25 | Dreiman’s Path to Sobriety

Personal Story: Dreiman talks about a turning point 12 years ago when a random drug and alcohol test led him to choose sobriety.

Lesson: The importance of giving back to maintain personal recovery.

17:39 - 20:16 | Recognizing Signs of Addiction

Advice for Caregivers: Look for behavior changes and patterns that might indicate addiction.

Communication Tips: Avoid using “I” statements instead of “you” statements to make the person feel attacked.

21:10 - 23:37 | Family and Recovery

Impact on Families: Addiction affects the whole family, but recovery can bring everyone together.

Positive Outcomes: Dreiman shares stories of successful recoveries and the comprehensive support his program offers, including counseling and relapse prevention.

24:15 - 27:00 | Importance of Communication and Dealing with Anger

Key Insights: Honest conversations and addressing anger are crucial in dealing with addiction.

Evaluating Decisions: It's important to weigh the pros and cons of addiction-related actions.

27:05 - 29:44 | Warning Signs and Support Programs

Identifying Issues: Discussing signs that might indicate a loved one is struggling with addiction.

Finding Help: Highlighting effective programs and resources available for support.

Resources:

Social X/Insta: @sobriety_pod.

Podcasts: Spotify, Apple, Please like, subscribe, and rate

Mettings: Al-Anon.org

aa.intergroup.org/meetings, Meetings (virtual-na.org)

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255 (24/7)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Denial offers strong opposition to the caregiver trying to save the life of their suffering addict or alcoholic, and the situation can seem impossible. Can you help when they refuse to say, “I’m an alcoholic?” Can they be treated without admitting, “yes, I’m an addict?” Are they using more excessively? Do they say, “That’s just who I am,” while nursing hangover after hangover? Do they refute your concerns with “I can stop anytime I want,” even though they don’t? What about you, caregiver? Is it hard to believe your loved one is truly an addict or alcoholic?

In this episode, Supporting Sobriety co-hosts Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick speak with Amber Hollingsworth, who calls on her decades of experience working with caregiving families to answer the demanding questions about denial in recovery. If you believe your child, sibling, parent, or S/O is stricken with the disease of addiction, please listen. Amber has lived addiction her whole life, growing up in an addicted family and as a professional caregiver for decades. She also has a YouTube channel called Put the Shovel Down, which hits the disease of addiction from all sides.

Thank you for listening. Please like, subscribe, and rate.

Resources:

Join the Supporting Sobriety community @sobriety_pod on X or Instagram.
Al-Anon.org
aa.intergroup.org/meetings, Meetings (virtual-na.org)
Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255 (24/7)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.