The stigma around addiction can prevent people from seeking recovery. In this episode, Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss how loved ones can understand and overcome this stigma by addressing common misconceptions. These include the beliefs that an addicted person is immoral, that they can stop using whenever they want, and that addiction is untreatable. Our position is that addiction is a progressive and incurable disease, but it can be managed by abstaining from mind or mood-altering substances.

Joining the Show:
Former Indiana State Senator Jim Merritt, R-Indianapolis, joins us. Elected to the Senate in 1990, Merritt is the longest-serving caucus chairman in the history of the Indiana General Assembly, having served since 2004. While in office, he created Aaron's Law, signed by Governor Mike Pence in 2015, which expands the use of naloxone to the public.

12:30 - 14:02: Merritt discusses his journey as a lawmaker and why he chose to fight addiction and seek funding for resources to help people.

14:06 - 16:04: Merritt talks about the politicization of addiction, emphasizing a personal, non-punitive approach to addressing the mental health crisis, and discusses the "Kill Heroin" initiative.

16:18 - 17:58: A needle exchange in a small Southern Indiana community caught the attention of Indiana lawmakers. Merritt discusses how laws like needle exchange faced resistance.

18:28 - 19:06: How a needle exchange program positively impacted a community.

19:19 - 21:14: The fear among users when someone dies while using. Good Samaritan laws are in place to help in these situations, showing how stigma is enhanced.

21:50 - 24:22: Laws vs. empathy. There is an ongoing debate among lawmakers regarding drug-related issues and overdoses, with some favoring legal intervention over treatment while others support immunity for those needing medical attention.

24:33 - 26:30: How perception perpetuates stigma. Addiction affects many people. How can we help people understand that addiction is not a moral dilemma?

26:35 - 28:28: Merritt shares volunteer stories and real-life experiences of how addiction impacts communities and how untreated addiction worsens over time.

28:40 - 30:57: Society still struggles to accept addiction as a disease. Despite this, there is progress, with a growing acceptance and hope for those affected by addiction.

30:41 - 32:15: Jim Merritt is working on some amazing projects. Check out where you can find his work!

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.intergroup.org/meetings

NA 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 what boundaries look like early in recovery and how setting healthy boundaries can impact relationships. Whether you, as the caregiver, are setting a boundary or your recovering loved one is establishing one, it's important to teach people how to treat you. Boundaries can be tough because poor communication can lead to setbacks. Matt and Ryan cover five key points: Who’s setting the boundary? How to say no? Seeking support when boundaries are unclear. And making sure there's time for self-care.

Time Stamps and Discussions:

3:35 - 5:00: Boundaries we set in recovery, whether we're addicts or alcoholics, are meant to protect our sobriety.

5:18 - 6:16: Teach people how to treat you. Your recovering loved one is changing. How to spot those positive changes.

6:39 - 7:36: Ryan shares a story of returning to his old neighborhood to establish new boundaries.

7:40 - 14:46: Say no and stick to it. We are all human, and when you say no, mean it.

18:00 - 19:00: Caregivers should seek support because addiction often expresses itself in isolation. Addicts may find solace in recovery meetings, and caregivers should do the same.

19:34 - 20:39: Self-care is huge. The guys provide examples of why self-care is critical for both the caregiver and the addict.

20:04: Recap 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.intergroup.org/meetings

NA Meetings: virtual-na.org

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick share their overdose experiences to help identify when someone may need critical help. Due to the rise of fentanyl, this discussion is more important than ever. Alcohol can also cause overdose, known as alcohol poisoning.

Joining The Show:

Justin Phillips, MA

Founder and Executive Director of Overdose Lifeline, Inc.

Created the organization after her 20-year-old son died from heroin use.

Holds Master's degrees in Clinical Addiction Counseling, Philanthropic Studies, and Non-Profit Management.

Certified in the Grief Recovery Method®.

Honored as a White House Champion of Change for Advocacy, Prevention, and Treatment.

Timestamps and Discussions

3:46 - 5:49: Identifying different kinds of overdoses.

5:51 - 7:03: Matt talks about overdosing on oxycontin.

7:09 - 7:52: Ryan recalls a seizure brought on by meth.

15:30 - 16:02: Introduction to Justin Phillips.

16:08 - 16:48: Phillips discusses why she started Overdose Lifeline.

16:51 - 17:21: How to tell someone is overdosing.

17:54 - 18:50: When to call 911 if you suspect an overdose. Some states have Good Samaritan laws requiring you to call emergency services.

19:01 - 20:00: Phillips talks about carrying and administering Narcan.

21:11 - 22:00: Narcan is legal in Indiana, and organizations like Overdose Lifeline are making it accessible to anyone who needs it.

23:38 - 24:42: Phillips emphasizes the need for communication and reflects on what she would do differently if her son were alive and using

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: Substance Use Disorder Help and Prevention - Overdose Lifeline

• Al-Anon: Al-Anon.org
• AA Meetings: aa.intergroup.org/meetings
• NA Meetings: virtual-na.org
• Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255 (24/7)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.