Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick dive into the challenges caregivers face when they’re supporting someone in active addiction while struggling with their own substance use. We explore key questions: Are you drinking to cope? How are you feeling? If you’re using, what and how much? Caregivers are the backbone of families, but you need to prioritize your own well-being. When you don’t take care of yourself, you risk burnout or relapse. This episode is packed with insights for caregivers who are also navigating their own addiction. Take care of you—we need you here.

Joining the show:

Tina McIntosh, who started Joy’s House, and Corrina Thompson, its Community Relations Manager and Co-founder of Caregiver Way, join the show. They share personal stories about losing their fathers to alcoholism and offer insights from their work supporting caregivers and aging adults.

Timestamps and discussions:

9:42 – 11:05: Tina and Corrina share how alcoholism impacted their families.

11:27 – 11:37: Corrina reflects on missing signs of her father’s addiction.

11:40 – 12:16: Sharing fond memories of their fathers.

12:16 – 14:48: Tina recounts a powerful story about her dad.

14:49 – 16:51: Did Tina or Corrina confront their fathers about alcoholism?

16:52 – 17:39: Corrina celebrates one year without alcohol!

17:55 – 19:06: Corrina talks about how self-care keeps her sober, and Tina adds her observations.

19:43 – 21:00: Are more caregivers using substances to cope today?

21:09 – 22:43: Why caregivers may be especially vulnerable during the holidays.

22:43 – 24:05: Practical ways caregivers can manage stres

24:26 – 26:15: Why identifying as a caregiver matters.

27:00 – 29:52: Key resources for caregivers to get suppor

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 resources: Caregiver Way & Joy's House - Joy's House ♫ Medicaid’s Hidden Support for Caregivers

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 complex dynamics between an addict and their caregiver during the holiday season, specifically focusing on whether or not to attend Thanksgiving dinner. Family gatherings come with numerous considerations: How long has your loved one been sober? Is the environment supportive? Will there be people drinking or using substances, potentially creating discomfort? With the holidays being a difficult period for many, this timely episode explores these questions to help caregivers and recovering individuals make informed choices.

Timestamps and Discussions:

3:27 - 4:50 – The holidays pose challenges for both those using drugs and those in recovery. Ryan shares a personal story about advising an ex-girlfriend to skip her family’s Thanksgiving due to their drug use.

5:00 - 6:05 – Post-election season can heighten emotions; it’s essential to be mindful of how others might feel and react during gatherings.

6:10 - 7:26 – Matt and Ryan delve into the potential consequences of declining an invitation to Thanksgiving dinner, emphasizing that there are circumstances where an addict should consider not attending.

7:28 - 9:15 – The discussion shifts to the importance of genuine togetherness. Attending out of obligation alone can be detrimental; understanding why you’re choosing to go (or not) is crucial.

9:30 - 10:04 – Establishing an exit strategy is highlighted as a key tool. Open communication with loved ones about feelings and potential triggers is advised.

10:19 - 11:20 – Long trips to visit family can be stressful, especially if there is unresolved tension between members.

12:30 – Closing thoughts wrap up the discussion, reinforcing the importance of planning and self-awareness during the holidays.

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.

In the last episode of our series on America’s fentanyl crisis, Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick break down two critical issues: how fentanyl is increasingly mixed into various drugs, including counterfeit pills sold online, leading to sudden overdose deaths, and how fentanyl addiction often begins with a prescription. They discuss the deadly and hidden risks of fentanyl in the drug supply and explore the path from medical use to dependency.

Special Guest: ESPN’s Lauren Sisler

Lauren Sisler, ESPN broadcaster and former gymnast, joins to discuss her new book, Shatterproof, where she shares her personal story of resilience after losing both parents to addiction. She talks about her journey of healing, the impact of addiction, and her hope to inspire others to address mental health and addiction with compassion and strength.

Key Topics & Timestamps:

11:45 – 14:18: Lauren on courage and willingness to tell her story of losing her parents to addiction 22 years ago.

14:25 – 15:17: Lauren’s perspective on addiction and how it affected her parents, including their struggle with fentanyl addiction.

15:30 – 17:00: Insight into Lauren’s father’s job as a VA technician and the challenges he faced without any clear signs of his addiction’s severity.

17:08 – 20:03: How stigma around addiction may have stopped her parents from seeking help.

20:15 – 23:48: Writing Shatterproof as a therapeutic journey and a part of Lauren’s healing.

24:00 – 26:37: Lauren’s thoughts on discussing addiction with her son when he’s older.

27:00: Lauren’s advice for caregivers with loved ones suffering from addiction.

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: About — Lauren Sisler

Al-Anon: Al-Anon.tiorg

Meetings: aa.rgroup.org/meengs

NA Meetings: virtual-na.orginte

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.