Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick explain that the 12th Step is more than just sharing our message with others—it's about showing the caregiver how we can be there for each other. They discuss how putting this Step into action shows our commitment to real change and helps create a healthier, more supportive environment.

It's not just about recovery—it's about growing stronger relationships as we move forward. We're now spiritually awake, and while you once took care of us, we're stepping up to take responsibility for others. You might even catch us helping out more at home or doing service work to give back.

Timestamps and discussions:

4:00 - 4:22: Kickoff: Exploring the Essence of the 12th Step
Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick start the episode by discussing the 12th Step in recovery. They explain that this Step isn't just about sharing what you've learned; it's also about building strong connections with those who support you.

4:46 - 6:36: Matt's Insight: The Role of Prayer in the 12th Step
Matt discusses the importance of prayer in the 12th Step, describing it as a way to connect with yourself and your beliefs. He believes that prayer helps keep people grounded on their recovery journey.

6:45 - 9:24: Embracing Change: Adopting a New Lifestyle in Recovery
The conversation shifts to the changes people need to make once they stop using substances. Matt emphasizes that it's essential to embrace a new way of living that supports a healthier lifestyle.

10:54 - 13:38: The Paradox of Recovery: Strengthening Ourselves by Helping Others
Matt talks about the surprising truth that sharing your recovery story actually helps your own journey. By helping others, you not only support them but also strengthen your own commitment to staying on track.

14:18 - 15:38: The Heartbeat of Recovery: The Importance of Sponsorship
Sponsorship is highlighted as a key part of many recovery programs, providing essential support and encouragement. Matt shares his personal experiences with sponsorship and how it has helped him in his recovery.

17:07 - 20:00: Family Connections: Ryan's Story of Service and Unity
Ryan shares a personal story about his mother-in-law visiting him and his wife, showing how service work has brought them closer together. He emphasizes how helping others can strengthen family bonds and understanding.

20:10 - 22:35: Healing Through Service: How the 12 Steps Transform Lives
They discuss how the 12 steps can be healing, especially when you focus on helping others. Matt and Ryan highlight the importance of feeling like you're part of something bigger through acts of service.

23:00 - End: From Meetings to Home: Building Stronger Relationships through Service
Matt and Ryan wrap up by reflecting on how what they learn in recovery meetings can improve their personal relationships. They stress that the skills gained from helping others make connecting and adapting to everyday life easier.

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

AA Meetings: aa.rgroup.org/meetings

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 10th and 11th steps of recovery. They explain how everything in the earlier steps leads to this point, focusing on personal growth and spiritual connection. These steps help someone in recovery become more aware of themselves and reflect on their daily actions. This process helps them build a stronger, healthier relationship with their caregiver, bringing more understanding and support into their lives.

Timestamps and discussions:

4:40 - 5:00 - Introduction to episode.

5:52 - 8:08 - Overview of Steps 1-9 and their significance for Steps 10 and 11.

8:38 - 9:38 - Surrendering control is part of the struggle that will help set us free.

9:46 - 11:22 - Addicts often think they’re the only ones going through their struggles, but that’s not true.

12:09 - 14:45 - Being honest with ourselves and those we care about helps us recognize how our addiction has taken control of our lives. It allows us to face the realities of life.

17:29 - 22:30 - Recovery is an ongoing journey. Every person in recovery will face a life event that challenges their progress. Steps 10 and 11 focus on spiritual principles that help us re-learn important lessons. This involves using a daily checklist along with prayer and meditation.

23:16 - 28:22 - Recapping list and closing thoughts.

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

AA Meetings: aa.rgroup.org/meetings

NA Meetings: virtual-na.orginte

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-825

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss Steps 8 and 9, which focus on making amends and repairing the harm caused by addiction. They explain how to create a list of those who were hurt, the right way to make amends, and why this process is essential for recovery. Caregivers will gain insights into how these steps help rebuild relationships and support their loved ones during this crucial part of the journey.

Joining the Show:

Matt Youngblood, who has been in recovery for several years, joins the show to discuss his personal experience. On November 9, 2019, Matt was driving with his father when they were involved in a car accident. He shares the impact of the accident and how it led him to the amends process, especially in rebuilding his relationship with his mother.

Timestamps and Discussions:

21:19 - 22:18: Introduction to Matt Youngblood and the accident involving his father.

22:23 - 23:30: Matt talks about blame and his mom's reaction to his father's death.

23:38 - 25:50: Did the accident stop Matt's use of drugs and alcohol?

26:03 - 26:48: Discussion on the amends process, focusing on the "Three R's."

28:18 - 29:48: The accident resulted from years of disappointment. The amends process began when Matt entered recovery.

29:51 - 31:40: Matt breaks down the rest of the steps and how they prepared him for the amends process.

32:03 - 33:54: Matt continues to honor his recovery commitment and the people he has made amends to, introducing the concept of "living amends."

35:00: Closing thoughts.

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

AA Meetings: aa.rgroup.org/meetings

NA Meetings: virtual-na.orginte

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-825

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.