Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick are back for another deep dive into the realities of addiction and recovery. Today, we’re tackling Suboxone—one of the most debated drugs in the recovery world.

Some say it’s a lifesaver, giving people a real shot at staying off opioids. Others argue it’s just swapping one addiction for another, with its own set of side effects and risks. So what’s the truth? Does Suboxone truly help, or is it the disease in disguise?

We’ll break it all down—the claims that Suboxone gets you high, the medical community’s stance, and the real-life impact it has on people in recovery. Plus, we’ll hear from Brandon Dreiman, a former Indianapolis firefighter and recovering addict, who brings his own experience to the table.

This is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Let’s get into it.

Medical & Addiction Recovery Resources

• SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) – www.samhsa.gov

  • Information on medication-assisted treatment (MAT), including Suboxone, plus a treatment locator.

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – www.drugabuse.gov

  • Research-based information on Suboxone, opioid addiction, and recovery options.

• Mayo Clinic – www.mayoclinic.org

  • Medical perspective on Suboxone, including potential side effects and how it works.

Additional Resources

• Al-Anon – Al-Anon.org
• AA Meetings – aa.rgroup.org/meetings
• NA Meetings – virtual-na.org
• Suicide Prevention Hotline – (800) 273-8255

Follow & Support the Show

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If you like what you hear, please like, subscribe, and leave a rating!

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Not all recovery houses are the same. Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick break down the difference between standard recovery homes and Oxford Houses—one’s a structured group home with rules, and the other is self-run by the people living there. They dig into whether these places help or if they sound good on paper. Spoiler: When done right, they can change lives.

Oxford Houses stand out because they’re run by the people in them, with no outside management calling the shots. On the other hand, regular recovery homes often have staff overseeing everything. Matt and Ryan get real about the good and bad and what works for people trying to stay clean. If you’ve ever wondered whether these places are a lifeline or a letdown, this episode has the answers.

To find Oxford House locations nationwide, visit their house directory at https://oxfordhouse.org/house-directory. This resource allows you to search for houses by state and city and offers contact information and vacancy details.

Oxford House maintains individual state websites for state-specific information, including local resources and contacts. You can access these through their state website page at https://www.oxfordhouse.org/state-websites.

If you're in Indiana, the Oxford House Indiana website details local houses, application processes, and support resources. Visit https://www.oxfordhousein.org for more information.

For real-time vacancy updates, OxfordVacancies.com offers information on available beds across various Oxford Houses.

National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR): NARR sets national quality standards for recovery residences and offers a directory of certified homes through its state affiliates. Visit their website at https://narronline.org to find links to state-specific organizations that can assist in locating certified recovery homes in your area.

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 are back after a two-month break, and they’ve got a lot to say about why sometimes you just need to step back. The holidays weren’t exactly smooth sailing—there were challenges, surprises, and plenty of lessons along the way.

Ryan spent time in Buffalo, catching up with an old friend and making sure to hit meetings to stay on track. Matt had a wild experience giving someone a ride home, which turned into a lesson on boundaries and recovery.

They break down the ups and downs, how they stayed sober through it all, and why making recovery the priority helps keep everything else in balance.

Timestamps & Key Takeaways:

Over the River and Through the Woods – Ryan shares his trip to Buffalo, reconnecting with an old friend and attending meetings to stay grounded.

Recognizing Holiday Triggers – How the holidays can impact emotions and thinking in recovery.

Staying Connected to Sobriety – Ryan emphasizes the importance of meetings and support systems.

No Holiday Relapses! – Matt shares his holiday experience, including an unexpected and bizarre encounter after giving someone a ride home.

Handling Stress Without Relapsing – How Matt and Ryan stayed sober despite holiday chaos.

Focus on What’s Important – Recovery must come first, no matter what’s happening around you.

Learning from Unusual Situations – Matt’s story of a shouting match, unexpected requests, and choosing the right response.

Remind Yourself What Comes First (Your Sobriety) – Ryan reflects on staying resolute in recovery, even when the desire to use creeps in.

The Power of Meetings – How attending a familiar meeting helped Matt reset.

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 talk about how tough the holidays can be when you’re in recovery. They share three tips to help you get through it: dealing with the hurt of not being invited when "The Invitation May Not Be Coming," staying sober by setting boundaries because "Somebody Is Going to Chip You," and finding ways to enjoy the season, even if things look different, because "It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." With real talk and straightforward advice, this episode helps you navigate Christmas while keeping your recovery on track.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick talk about recovery houses and how you can help support them in your community. Recovery houses are a lifeline for many people dealing with addiction or alcoholism. Ryan opens up about his time in a recovery house, and Matt offers ideas on how you can get involved to make a difference.

Timestamps and Discussions:

3:34 - 6:45: Ryan shares what it was like moving into a recovery house and how its structure helped him find stability and start rebuilding his life.

6:46 - 10:14: He talks about living with others in recovery, their ups and downs, and how that shared support kept them on track.

10:15 - 13:45: Ryan reflects on his connection with his counselor, sharing how trust and guidance helped him push through tough moments.

13:46 - 17:00: He opens up about the life skills he learned in the recovery house, like managing money and creating healthier habits.

17:01 - 20:00: Ryan explains why community support is vital for recovery houses and offers simple ways to get involved and make a 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

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick talk about how you can give without spending much money. They start with the value of putting in some elbow grease—helping out or giving your time to make life easier for someone else. Then, they look at volunteering, using your time and energy to support a cause or help those in need. Finally, they bring up the idea of giving “old school” with simple, homemade gifts or thoughtful gestures that can mean the world. Let’s dive into how these small efforts can bring joy and purpose to the season.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick talk about hosting a Thanksgiving filled with connection, gratitude, and memories that matter. Whether you're in recovery or supporting someone who is, the focus is on simplicity, creating a welcoming atmosphere, and keeping the day meaningful. They share tips to make Thanksgiving enjoyable and inclusive without sacrificing fun or tradition.

Key Takeaways

• Set the tone: Share your plan early and make guests feel comfortable.
• Add thoughtful touches: Create an inviting space with activities and moments that feel special.
• Keep it light: Avoid heavy conversations and focus on connection and gratitude.

Timestamps and discussions:

4:19 - 6:27: Open bars can be a big trigger. Know your audience and consider your setup.

6:41 - 7:53: It’s your party—schedule meals and events that work for you.

8:10 - 9:03: Holiday cocktails can be tempting triggers. Plan non-alcoholic alternatives.

9:10 - 10:29: Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate hope, gratitude, and connection.

11:14 - 12:02: Matt shares a touching story about his grandmother and why connection matters.

12:15 - 13:16: Start a new tradition with a Thanksgiving 5K or other community events.

13:24 - 14:30: Keep conversations light and avoid divisive topics like politics.

15:00 - 17:08: The holidays aren’t therapy. Focus on enjoyment, not responsibility for others’ recovery.

17:26: A quick recap of the list.

18:00: Closing thoughts and gratitude.

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 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.