Who has the ability to understand how their addicted family member is feeling but struggles to express their own feelings?

Caretakers often have a deep empathy for their loved ones who are struggling with addiction, enabling them to understand the emotional and psychological states of these individuals. This understanding comes from their close relationship and the experiences they share, which can lead to heightened awareness of the challenges and pain faced by the addicted family member. However, caretakers may find it difficult to articulate their own feelings, as they can often feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caregiving and the emotional toll that comes with supporting someone in recovery. This can create a situation where they prioritize the needs and feelings of their addicted family member over their own, leading to struggles in expressing their emotions.

In contrast, while friends, spouses, and children may also experience similar dynamics, caretakers are typically positioned in a role that emphasizes their awareness of the other person's struggles, often at the expense of their own emotional expression.