Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick have personal experience with addiction, having used different drugs and seen firsthand how addiction worsens over time. It often starts casually but becomes more severe as use continues. For caregivers, understanding the stages of addiction can help in finding the right support for their loved one. Addiction is a progressive, incurable condition that can be fatal without treatment. Matt and Ryan's recovery stories show that overcoming addiction is possible with the right help.

Addiction usually starts with trying a substance just once. Then, it moves to using it regularly. After that, risky behaviors start, which increases harm. This leads to dependence, where the person feels a strong need for the substance. In the end, addiction takes over, making substance use a central and uncontrollable part of their life.

Timestamps and Discussions:

Starting Points of Addiction 4:19 - 6:00: Matt's opioid use began with an ear infection, while Ryan started with weed.

Drugs and Peer Pressure 6:32 - 7:41: Drugs are often used to fit in during youth, and getting hooked early is common due to peer pressure.

Escalation to Regular Use 8:06 - 9:10: Matt and Ryan discuss the intensification of their use. Ryan quickly transitioned from coke to meth, a highly addictive substance.

Risks and Recklessness 10:52 - 13:04: The risky use stage is examined. Ryan describes his reckless behavior, including injecting himself and ending up homeless, while Matt talks about drinking alone and hiding his usage.

Dependence and Life Takeover 13:13 - 15:04: Matt explains how addiction dominated his life, making it impossible to function without alcohol. Ryan notes that dependence extends to all aspects of life, not just drugs and alcohol.

Physical Symptoms of Addiction 15:16 - 17:48: They discuss physical symptoms of addiction, including paranoia and anger when drugs run out, and how these signs can be recognized.

Resources:

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Al-Anon: Al-Anon.org

AA Meetings: aa.intergroup.org/meetings

NA Meetings: virtual-na.org

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