Your cart is currently empty!
I’m a Mom Who Self-Medicates, and It’s a Bit Complicated
Do you ever find yourself self-medicating? I certainly do. After a grueling day at home or a hectic one at work, that glass of wine with dinner feels like a well-deserved treat. When sleep eludes me for a few nights, a Tylenol PM sometimes becomes my go-to. Is that a bad thing? Am I teetering on the edge of needing a support group?
I can’t be the only one navigating this territory. Just scroll through social media, and you’ll find countless jokes linking motherhood with wine and the humorous struggle of stressed-out moms. These memes resonate with me because, honestly, after a particularly chaotic day, the thought of that beautiful glass of wine waiting for me post-bedtime is what keeps me going.
I stumbled upon an eye-opening article in The Atlantic discussing how common it has become for mothers to self-medicate with alcohol. It’s so woven into our culture that we often overlook how detrimental this habit can be. The piece highlighted a shift from pill-popping to wine-sipping over the years, noting that the dangers of addiction associated with medications like Vicodin have pushed society towards the ever-familiar image of the “wino mom.”
The article digs into the reasons behind our need to self-medicate. The pressure we place on ourselves to juggle everything is immense and unsustainable; we turn to these vices as a means of coping. Some days, I feel so overwhelmed I could be sick. Other days, I’m faced with migraines that feel like boulders crushing my head.
Just last night, I hit my breaking point around 7:18 p.m. while giving my daughter a bath. I could feel myself shutting down. My husband noticed the look on my face and swiftly took over, encouraging me to rest. He’s seen that expression enough times to know it’s not a good sign.
So What’s a Mom to Do?
Last night, I crawled into bed at 7:30 p.m. because I had that luxury. Yet, I can’t make that a nightly habit. Usually, evenings are packed with preparing school lunches, tackling the dinner dishes, transferring laundry, and paying bills. My duties as a parent don’t end just because the kids are asleep.
On nights when I can’t go to bed early, I sometimes pour myself a glass of wine. It’s a little indulgence that allows me to feel like I’m treating myself while still managing my responsibilities. Self-medicating? Maybe. But multitasking? Absolutely! It feels good to unwind while still being a “responsible mom” who’s just trying to relax.
Yet, the guilt creeps in. Now we’re supposed to feel bad about needing that little pleasure too? I get the reasoning, but inside, I can’t help but think, “Please, don’t take this from us!” I can’t deny that guilt lingers, especially with addiction running in my family. Each sip reminds me of that reality. Can I genuinely enjoy it while that truth hangs overhead? Am I flirting with danger every time I pop a bottle?
If I were to set down the wine glass, would I need to seek healthier alternatives for coping? It’s possible. Or perhaps I should consider a less stressful lifestyle altogether. But let’s face it; living in a world where parents are expected to be superhuman while maintaining a beach-body physique and a perfect home is unrealistic. Nobody wants to be “that” mom—the one everyone whispers about, the one who can’t seem to keep it all together.
Exploring Alternatives
At times, I wonder about other options. If you’re interested in exploring alternatives for home insemination, check out this insightful post on our site about intracervical insemination. It’s a topic that deserves more attention, and you might find it helpful. For those considering at-home insemination kits, Make A Mom is a fantastic resource for reliable information. And for those navigating pregnancy, I highly recommend visiting March of Dimes for a wealth of information.
In Summary
While self-medication may seem like a common coping mechanism for moms, it’s crucial to recognize the potential pitfalls. Striking a balance between self-care and responsibility is challenging, and the societal pressure to excel in every area of our lives only complicates things further.