Being a mother is tough work. There are the long hours, the lack of sleep, the little time for self-care. There are myriad ways for having children make life more challenging. There are also beautiful experiences that cannot be had any other way. More mothers, however, are struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. It is not all just childrearing stressors. There are many other factors involved. Learning to balance motherhood with sober living can be one of the biggest, and most difficult, decisions of a mother’s life.
Getting Up and Moving
Mothers have to do the bulk of the housework, from research statistics. There are more women working outside the home, keeping a home nice and clean, doing laundry, and figuring out how to pay bills while the husband also works long hours. Then, there is the self-care piece that is difficult to navigate, as well. When it comes down to it, there is a ‘rise and wine’ culture that has started, which focuses on advocating for mothers ‘juicing’ with wine or drinking as often as possible while hiding in the closet during nap times because ‘that’s motherhood.’ The new motherhood culture of embracing drinking has driven some women to believe this is how to cope with life as a mom when it gets stressful. Just to get out of bed requires a glass of wine for participating in ‘adulting’ today. This can lead to dependence and alcoholism, not to mention poor safety habits for the kids and more drinking. Women are also at increased risk of heart disease, cancer, and other health risks, as this continues.
Embracing Sobriety
Sobriety starts with quitting alcohol and drugs for good. There is a lot of temptation to drink and use drugs by other moms, but there is only so much precious time with kids and family. It will go away after a while and it will be difficult to figure out how to navigate life when they are gone. Creative ways to de-stress are healthier, but, also, long baths and self-care matters. Women who are unable to stop drinking or using drugs may want to go to rehab and ask for help. This will help them learn how to function without substances and be there for their family again. It takes admitting drug use is a problem and moving forward with plans to go to recovery groups alone and with family. Life as a mom is not easy, but it is not supposed to be a cakewalk. The biggest thing to keep in mind is women and mothers need support from family and loved ones. They will be walking a difficult path and it helps to have the backing of those that love them to support their journey forward.
A Step in the Right Direction provides quality care for clients seeking support for addiction recovery. Women are invited to come and learn about rehab, quit substances, and bring families for the time we set aside. Healing will help the family heal. For more information on sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702.
