The relationship between a person struggling with addiction and their family can be crucial to the success of their recovery, explained psychologist Manuel Gamboa during his participation in the podcast "La Alegría de Vivir en Sobriedad". He also highlighted how family dynamics can deeply influence substance use behaviors.

Gamboa emphasized that the family plays a crucial role in the recovery process because it often affects the emotional and behavioral responses of a person with an addiction. The conditioning of responses to certain stimuli within the family unit can either encourage or hinder substance use.

A family environment that provides healthy and structured support can be a key factor in preventing relapses and facilitating the sobriety process, Gamboa stated.

Drug use profoundly alters brain functions, affecting how a person thinks, feels, and acts. Therefore, Gamboa stressed the importance of having a family environment that is not only aware of these changes but also fosters practices that help the person manage their emotions in a healthy way, without turning to substance use.

In many cases, he added, people with addictions find in drugs a way to cope with difficult emotions, making it essential for the family to learn how to handle these moments with patience and understanding.

Regarding family dynamics, Gamboa pointed out that families often avoid acknowledging the severity of the problem, which can lead to emotional isolation of the affected member. Accepting the problem is a painful but crucial step for the family to provide the necessary support. Once this happens, seeking specialized help, such as that offered by the therapeutic community Misión Zoe, becomes the next step towards recovery.

In addition to acceptance, Gamboa emphasized the importance of education about addiction.

Understanding what drugs are, how they affect the brain, and how dependence develops is vital for the family to become a true pillar in the rehabilitation process.

This knowledge also helps build effective communication, where clear language and the absence of blame foster a more supportive and understanding environment, he noted.

Another relevant topic addressed by the psychologist is the shift from blame to responsibility within the family unit. Rather than focusing conversations on past mistakes, the family should adopt a responsibility-focused approach that not only considers the consequences of actions but also promotes learning and personal growth.

Finally, Gamboa highlighted the importance of relapse prevention, where the family must learn to recognize warning signs and develop tools to manage the anxiety and fear that often accompany recovery. Being vigilant and maintaining open, non-judgmental communication can make the difference between a relapse and a strong step towards sobriety.