Happy Mother’s Day! Whatever your situation, it’s a good time to be sober.
If you have a good relationship with your mom, the best gift you can give her is your sobriety. Both of my parents were worried about me throughout my active addiction, and this is common. There is a lot of risk every day in active addiction; moms worry. Staying sober for Mother’s Day (and beyond!) gives the gift of peace of mind.
If This Day is Hard
If you don’t have a great relationship with your mom or lost her, this holiday can be hard. Alcohol and drugs can seem like a salve for pain or stress, but they end up exacerbating those feelings. Take extra care of yourself today. It’s human and understandable to look for ways to ease pain. If you’re struggling, try calling a supportive friend, going for a walk, meditating, or whatever coping skills works best when you’re feeling sadness or anger. Don’t judge your feelings; allow yourself to feel them.
Moms on Mother’s Day
Moms, too, can stay sober on Mother’s Day! The rise of “mommy drinking” culture and the “wine mom” has turned drinking to cope with the stress of parenting into a cute meme. But alcohol use disorder increased by almost 84% in women between 2002 and 2013[1], and wine mom culture is contributing to this rise.
Laura McKowen—a writer in recovery who says her drinking spiraled after becoming a mother—said, “We not only think it’s normal to drink as a parent, we celebrate it. There is a culture that says, ‘Moms, this is your right. You have earned this. You actually need it.’”[2]
That said, there is more of a conversation around this culture now—meaning that there are more options for finding a sober community as a mother. I know someone who is part of a sober mom’s group. If you can’t find other moms in recovery where you live, you can connect online by searching the #sobermoms hashtag or looking for groups dedicated to mothering in recovery.
Nurturing Yourself
We typically associate motherhood with caring and nurturing. Being in recovery is a process of healing; it’s providing that care and nurturing for parts of yourself that have been in pain, experienced trauma, or needed to numb out for whatever reason. Sobriety is a great way to honor Mother’s Day—and mothers in general.
If you are a mom struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder, there is help and hope. TruHealing Centers offers high-quality treatment for addiction and mental health disorders in facilities across the country. Our staff—many of whom are in recovery themselves—will help you learn to cope with the highs and lows of parenting without drugs or alcohol. Call an admissions specialist at 410-593—0005.
[1] https://www.webmd.com/women/news/20180718/alcohol-consumption-among-women-is-on-the-rise
[2] https://www.webmd.com/women/news/20180718/alcohol-consumption-among-women-is-on-the-rise