What happens when love crosses the line into enabling? How can families support a loved one struggling with addiction without unintentionally making the disease worse?
In this episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. Rachel Docekal sits down with Matt Grace, author, speaker, recovery practitioner, and founder of Saving Grace, for an honest conversation about addiction, family dynamics, boundaries, and the transformative power of recovery.
With more than 21 years of sobriety and thousands of hours spent mentoring individuals and families, Matt shares his deeply personal story of addiction, growing up in privilege, and how well-intentioned enabling nearly cost him his life. Drawing from his own experiences and the lessons captured in his book, God Doesn’t Relapse: Sex, Drugs, and the Life That Almost Killed Me, Matt explains why setting healthy boundaries is one of the greatest acts of love a family can offer.
Together, Matt and Dr. Docekal discuss the unique challenges faced by affluent families, the importance of family involvement in treatment, and why recovery is about far more than simply stopping substance use; it’s about finding purpose, accountability, and connection.
Whether you’re a parent, family member, clinician, or someone in recovery, this conversation offers practical insights and hope for anyone affected by substance use disorder.
In This Episode:
- Matt Grace’s journey from addiction to more than 21 years of recovery
- Growing up with privilege and how enabling delayed recovery
- Why healthy boundaries can save lives
- The difference between supporting and enabling a loved one
- How family dynamics influence addiction and recovery
- Why consequences matter in the recovery process
- The role of service, purpose, and giving back in long-term sobriety
- Helping families recover together, not just the individual
- Addressing stigma surrounding addiction, especially in affluent communities
- Why mentoring and peer support remain some of the most powerful recovery tools available
About Matt Grace
Matt Grace is an author, speaker, recovery practitioner, and transformational recovery expert dedicated to helping individuals and families break free from addiction and rebuild their lives with purpose. With more than two decades of sobriety, a degree in Addiction Studies focused on Integrative Healing, and thousands of hours mentoring families across the country, Matt has become a trusted voice in the recovery community.
He is the author of God Doesn’t Relapse: Sex, Drugs, and the Life That Almost Killed Me, a memoir and practical guide that explores addiction, enabling, family healing, and the life-changing power of service. Through his organization, Saving Grace, Matt works with families navigating addiction, trauma, and generational dysfunction while advocating for honest conversations, healthy boundaries, and lasting recovery.
Learn more about Matt Grace and his work at www.mattgrace.com.
Resources
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or a co-occurring mental health disorder, help is available.
Learn more about Hanley’s treatment, family support, and recovery programs at HanleyCenter.org or call 844-502-4673.
Listen, Subscribe & Share
If you enjoyed this episode of The Hanley Effect, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, leave a review, and share this conversation with someone who may need encouragement, support, or hope on their recovery journey.
