All of the main characters, along with the minor characters, in Water by the Spoonful experience trauma and/or addiction: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, the death of loved ones, substance abuse, abandonment by birth parents, and divorce are all modes of trauma afflicting these characters. The play does not leave them alone to suffer in pain, though. Each of the characters experiences a cycle of trauma, redemption, and recovery. Fountainhead admits his struggle with substance abuse; Elliot tries to stop himself from becoming a hate-filled man; Yaz plans to start a new life after her divorce; Orangutan and Chutes&Ladders start to build a friendship in the real world; and Odessa starts a new cycle of recovery from addiction after relapsing. Addiction and trauma are not experienced without the potential for redemption. The theme of redemption is evident as the final scene ends with each character taking a hopeful step forward toward bettering themselves.

It is also critical to note that in the final scene, each character takes a step toward recovery and healing with the loving support of another character. Although the Ortiz family is at the core of the play’s action, the play also has a lot to say about the surrogate families people create for themselves.