Out of love, fear, or guilt, some families fall into "enabling behaviors" that perpetuate addiction problems rather than contribute to recovery, explained psychologist Sara Rodríguez during her appearance on the podcast "The Joy of Living in Sobriety," which covers specialized topics in mental health and wellness.

One of the most relevant topics Rodríguez addressed was the difference between supporting and rescuing, as many families, driven by guilt or fear, tend to confuse the two concepts. This confusion often leads to enabling behaviors, such as hiding the consequences of addiction or preventing the addicted person from facing the reality of their actions.

“These are actions that, although well-intentioned, actually end up perpetuating the problem because enabling is not helping,” the psychologist stated, clarifying that true help involves allowing the addicted person to face the consequences of their behavior.

This misunderstanding of support is directly linked to the emotional exhaustion experienced by family members. Rodríguez described how the repetition of these enabling behaviors can emotionally drain those around the addicted person. Fear of losing the loved one, guilt over the situation, or misguided love are factors that drive family members to "rescue" the addicted person, even though this prolongs the problem.

Setting clear boundaries was another key recommendation from the talk. Rodríguez pointed out that without these boundaries, family relationships risk becoming unstable, where rescuing becomes the norm.

“Boundaries are not punishment; they are an act of love,” she stated, emphasizing that boundaries help both the addict and their environment to begin creating a healthier dynamic.

Sara Rodríguez also highlighted the importance of family members recognizing their own enabling behaviors. Often, these actions are driven by deep emotional motivations, such as fear of abandonment or the belief that they are responsible for the other person’s recovery. Reflecting on these dynamics is a crucial step in changing how support is offered.

The recovery process is a difficult journey not only for the person suffering from addiction but also for their family members. According to the expert, it is important to understand that addiction affects the entire family system, creating tensions, resentments, and emotional challenges.

Rodríguez also stressed the importance of education in this process, as knowledge about addiction and the dynamics of support versus rescue is key for families to provide effective help. In this sense, Rodríguez recommended that families seek information and specialized support from therapeutic communities like Misión Zoe, where the necessary guidance is provided to face this challenge.

Finally, Rodríguez proposed a shift in the way families relate to the addicted person. Rather than falling into the rescue role, she suggested seeking healthier and more effective ways to support, such as fostering the addict’s personal responsibility and maintaining open but firm communication. "It’s a difficult process, but not impossible," she concluded, encouraging families to seek professional help and remember that recovery is a joint effort.