Although jokes about having to drink to deal with the stress of raising children is a common parenting trope, the more recent concept of “wine mom” raises concerns about crossing the line from harmless unwinding at the end of the day, to a more serious issue of alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Understanding the signs of alcohol abuse in women and the potential for slowing becoming an alcoholic parent can help you or a loved one realize whether it’s time to get support. Alcohol is a risky coping strategy for stress. My 5 Palms, can help you find healthier ways to manage the pressures of life. Reach out at 1.844.675.1022 to learn more about overcoming alcohol dependence at our women’s rehab in Ormond Beach, Florida.
What Is a Wine Mom?
The wine mom concept, which has grown in popularity over recent years, generally refers to a woman who:
- Uses alcohol to cope with the stress of being a mom
- Is typically middle-aged, upper middle class, and the mother of young children
- Makes light of drinking to deal with stressors
An internet search for “wine mom” will pull up various images and memes featuring stressed-out women with sometimes comically large glasses of wine to help take the edge off the stress of being a mother. They may refer to alcohol as “mommy juice,” insinuating that mothers require alcohol to deal with the responsibilities of parenting. This is often done in a joking manner, with women bonding with one another over their shared method of self-medication.
The Wine Mom Trend and Alcoholic Parenting
Although the wine mom phenomenon is intended to be funny and help overwhelmed mothers feel a sense of solidarity, the trend can be harmful to some. Women who regularly consume more than one drink per day can develop an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Additionally, alcoholic parenting will introduce even greater challenges into the woman’s life and affect her relationships with her children, her partner, and other loved ones.
For some women, enjoying the occasional glass of wine after a particularly stressful day is nothing to worry about. However, others may not approach alcohol with moderation and view the trend as an encouragement to drink whenever the kids annoy or frustrate them. If this happens, women may begin finding it difficult to get through the day without a glass of wine in hand.
Signs of Alcohol Abuse in Women
Recognizing alcohol abuse in women is the first step toward helping a mother in your life get control of her relationship with alcohol for the sake of her health and well -being of her family. Some signs may include:
Increased Tolerance
If a woman goes from needing one glass of wine to two or more to achieve the same buzz, she has developed a tolerance to alcohol, which will continue to grow if she continues drinking in the same manner.
Secrecy About Alcohol Consumption
A woman struggling to moderate her drinking may be secretive about how much she has consumed, and attempt to hide bottles of alcohol.
Neglecting Responsibilities
Perhaps one of the most concerning signs of alcohol abuse is neglecting one’s parental duties, as it can have harmful effects on the children, possibly putting them in danger.
Mood Swings
Alcohol abuse can lead to unexplained irritability and mood swings in women, especially when someone comments on their drinking behaviors.
Healthier Coping Strategies for Dealing with Parenting Stress
It’s undeniable that parenting is stressful. However, when people rely on alcohol as their regular method of handling it, this can lead to bigger problems. When it comes to reducing stress there are a variety of healthy habits that can be utilized to help ease the pressure. Some of them are:
1. It Takes a Village
Reach out to friends with kids to help share the load. This might mean babysitting or carpooling for one another so that you can have some alone time. Or, doing something as a big group, so that there’s an opportunity to chat with another adult.
2. Develop a Self-Care Routine
Decide what makes you feel most cared for, and create a routine around that activity. Perhaps a hot bath every evening after the kids go to bed, or going to read a book in a coffee shop by yourself one evening every week. Taking care of yourself will help you be a better caretaker for others.
3. Exercise
Movement of any kind can be extremely helpful for dealing with stress. Going for a walk, taking a yoga or spin class, or doing strength-training, are all good ways to positively impact your stress level.
4. Let it Go
Sometimes, parents set unrealistic expectations for themselves. Our social media culture can make it seem like everyone else’s home is always pristine and that yours should be too. Let go of the idea that perfection is achievable. Relaxing your expectations for an always beautiful home can help you feel more at ease and enjoy time with your kids.
5. Alcohol Alternatives
If you find yourself turning to alcohol frequently, try replacing it with other beverages. This may look like learning to make tasty mocktails or purchasing non-alcoholic wines. These days, there are a number of high-quality alternatives. You might also try drinking something warm, like herbal teas made with adaptogens that help reduce stress.
6. Seek Professional Support
Finding someone with whom you can openly share stress related to your kids, your partner, your job, or your family of origin will help tremendously. A qualified therapist can give you non-judgmental support and offer you not only a listening ear but also healthier coping strategies and new, positive ways of thinking about your life.
Embracing new ways of dealing with the stress of parenting will help you avoid the even more stressful and traumatic experiences associated with AUD. If you or someone you love, is struggling, get help today.
Enroll in Women’s Rehab in Ormond Beach at My 5 Palms Today
Children who grow up with an alcoholic parent can experience significant emotional distress and threats to their physical safety, so it is important to address AUD now. Get the support you need by calling My 5 Palms at 1.844.675.1022 or by completing our online form. We have the programs and therapies to get you on the road to recovery.
