Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick are talking about something that’s tough but important—saying no. In this episode of Supporting Sobriety, “Why We Say No,” they get into what it really means to support someone through addiction, and why setting boundaries isn’t just okay—it’s sometimes the best thing you can do for both of you.

They break down the three big reasons caregivers often struggle to set boundaries. First, we haven’t fully bought in to the recovery process. Second, we may have never truly given sobriety a chance. And third, sometimes we are not done using ourselves. These are real challenges that can make it feel impossible to take a stand.

This episode’s for anyone who shows up day after day to support someone facing addiction. It’s about finding that balance—taking care of yourself while still being there for them—and realizing that sometimes, saying no isn’t turning your back. It’s actually an act of love.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick talk about why desire in recovery from addiction isn’t something you can measure or force and what that means for caregivers. They get into the struggles of supporting someone who might not always feel ready to change and why expecting constant motivation can lead to frustration.

Drawing from what they’ve learned in their own recovery, they talk about how to stay supportive without overstepping, handle your own expectations, and keep your relationship healthy while your loved one navigates the ups and downs. This episode is packed with practical advice and reassurance for anyone walking alongside someone in recovery.

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 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.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss how jealousy can quietly surface in the caregiving journey—especially when the person you've been helping through addiction starts getting clean and rebuilding their life. It’s a shift that can feel confusing. Suddenly, the person you supported is gaining momentum, getting recognition, maybe even moving forward faster than you expected—and you're left sorting through your own emotions.

They talk about how this dynamic plays out in real life: the unspoken tension, the guilt that can come with feeling resentful, and the need for caregivers to have their own space to heal. Matt and Ryan share personal stories, real talk, and helpful takeaways for anyone who's ever carried the emotional weight of someone else's recovery.

This episode is about honesty, not shame—and about giving caregivers permission to feel, process, and grow. Because when someone you love gets better, your journey doesn’t end. In a lot of ways, it’s just beginning.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick sit down to talk about the tricky line between being a sponsor and being a caregiver. They get into how sponsorship can provide structure, support, and accountability—but also how the lines can blur when you're helping someone you love. It’s not always easy to know when you’re helping and when you might be doing too much. In this episode, they share personal stories, talk about setting boundaries, and explain how both sponsors and caregivers can show up in healthy, balanced ways without burning out.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick reflect on their recovery journey. Over the last several years, they've faced significant challenges, but they haven't returned to drugs or alcohol. They discuss how that’s been possible, their caregivers' role, and what it’s like to stay in recovery while handling the ups and downs of everyday life.

Caregivers—whether family, friends, or mentors—can be the difference between staying stuck and moving forward. For many in recovery, that kind of support can shift the entire direction of their lives.

If you're supporting someone struggling with addiction, there are resources available to help:

• Al-Anon Family Groups: Provides support for those affected by someone else's drinking.

  • Website: https://al-anon.org

  • Phone: 1-888-4AL-ANON (1-888-425-2666)Facebook+9Al-Anon Family Groups+9stl-al-anon.org+9Al-Anon Family Groups+1Find Recovery+1

• Nar-Anon Family Groups: Offers support for families and friends of individuals with drug addiction.

  • Website: https://www.nar-anon.org

  • Phone: 877-424-4491Nar-Anon of New Jersey+1Al-Anon Family Groups+1

• Partnership to End Addiction: Provides resources and support for families dealing with a loved one's substance use.

  • Website: https://drugfree.org

  • Helpline: 1-855-378-4373NOT ONE MORE ALABAMAEluna+1Facebook+1

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline: A free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

  • Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

  • Phone: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

  • Find Supporting Sobriety on any major podcast platform, including Spotify and Apple. Follow on social media @sobriety_pod. Please like, subscribe, and rate the show—it helps more people find it.

    Resources mentioned in this episode:

    • Al-Anon Family Groups

    • AA Online Meetings

    • NA Virtual Meetings

    • Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (Available 24/7)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.