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.

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick open up about how alcohol has shaped parts of their lives, the good, the bad, and the wake-up calls, and why Alcohol Awareness Week matters. They talk about those first red flags we sometimes ignore, how easy it is to stay in denial, and why it’s so important for individuals and families to pay attention.

If you're caring for someone who struggles with drinking, it can feel overwhelming. You're not alone. Here are some resources that can help:

Al-Anon Family Groups at www.al-anon.org
Support for people affected by someone else’s drinking

SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Free and confidential help, available 24 hours a day

Partnership to End Addiction at drugfree.org
Tools and guidance for families who want to help

Whether you're trying to support someone, struggling yourself, or just want to understand more, this episode brings a real, down-to-earth take on alcohol and the impact it can have.

Resources Mentioned
Al-Anon Meetings: al-anon.org
AA Meetings: aa.org/meetings
NA Meetings: virtual-na.org
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 or 800-273-8255

Follow Us
You can find us on X and Instagram @sobriety_pod
We're on all the major podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple
Please like, subscribe, and leave a rating if this episode helped you or someone you care about

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.