Navigating motherhood can often feel like a balancing act, juggling the demands of family, work, and personal life. It’s a rewarding journey, but it can also be isolating at times. The feeling of isolation can be intensified for stay-at-home moms, moms of kids with special needs, or those living far from family and friends.
This isolation, coupled with the stresses of parenting, can sometimes lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, like numbing feelings with alcohol. It can start out slowly… but if it’s been affecting your life negatively lately, you’re in good company here. Read on and know that support is here for you.
Feeling Alone as a Mom
Motherhood, while immensely rewarding, can also be a lonely journey. Many moms find themselves feeling isolated, especially in the early years when children require constant care or in the later years when we experience “empty nest” feelings. This isolation can be amplified for single mothers and moms with kids with special needs.
Social isolation can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. These feelings can be particularly overwhelming for moms who are trying to maintain a happy and stable environment for their kids. The need to hide these feelings can further increase feelings of isolation.
Numbing Feelings with Alcohol
In an attempt to cope with these feelings, some mothers may turn to alcohol. Alcohol can temporarily numb feelings of anxiety, stress, and loneliness. It can provide a momentary escape from the pressures of motherhood. However, this is a dangerous path that can quickly lead to dependency and emotional addiction.
Alcohol affects the brain’s reward system by releasing dopamine, which creates feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Over time, the brain becomes accustomed to these dopamine surges and begins to crave alcohol, leading to addiction. Anyone who drinks on a regular basis will experience some type of emotional addiction to alcohol. It’s not you, you’re not defective. It’s how alcohol works within you.
The Importance of Self-Care
Self-care is crucial in managing stress and preventing the urge to numb feelings with alcohol. This can involve regular exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and taking time for hobbies and interests. It’s important for moms to remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s necessary.
Motherhood can be isolating, and turning to alcohol to cope with these feelings can lead to a dangerous cycle of dependence and increased isolation. However, with the right support and self-care strategies, moms can break this cycle and navigate the challenges of motherhood in a healthy and positive way.
Moms can also take steps to combat social isolation. This could involve joining mom groups, scheduling regular meetups with friends, or seeking coaching or therapy. Online platforms can also provide a sense of community for those who may be geographically isolated.
The Cycle of Isolation and Alcohol Dependence
The relationship between social isolation and emotional dependence on alcohol is cyclical. When a mom begins to rely on alcohol to cope with feelings of isolation, she may further isolate herself from friends and family out of guilt or shame. This increased isolation can then lead to increased alcohol consumption, perpetuating the cycle.
Breaking the Cycle with Support from a Drinking Coach For Moms
You are not alone! While AA is a fantastic organization, many women do not resonate with the approach. The good news is that you don’t need to label yourself an alcoholic or recite AA doctrine to break your emotional dependence on alcohol. A therapist or sobriety coach for moms can provide personalized guidance and support to help navigate your specific challenges to alcohol freedom.
Are you a mom struggling to quit drinking wine nightly? As a mother, alcohol can seem like the only way to unwind. But relying on it often makes stress and life’s challenges feel worse.
Julie Lively is a recovery coach helping moms reduce or remove alcohol through customized programs. As a previous problem drinker and mother of three, Julie understands the mom experience.
Her positive approach focuses on wellness over wine. Through accountability, tools and community support, Julie guides clients to feel good without relying on alcohol. Whether gradually cutting back or fully quitting, her non-judgmental coaching gets results.
It’s time to reclaim your health and happiness – without using alcohol as a crutch. Discover proven strategies to manage stress through Julie’s programs. You deserve to feel your best without pouring that daily glass.
Julie Lively, Certified Alcohol-Free Lifestyle and Sobriety Coach, Founder, Living Lively and Free
Here are some of my favorite books that helped get me started on a path to become a sobriety coach for moms.
This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life
Alcohol Lied to Me: The Intelligent Way to Escape Alcohol Addiction
Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol
Ready to meet the challenges and celebrate the joys in life without desiring alcohol? My science-backed, compassion-based coaching methodology is the key to help you drink less and create a life you’ll have no desire numb.
My approach is through compassionate inquiry, connecting conversations, education, and healing grace. You will learn how to feel, heal and deal to become free from where alcohol holds you back. This is so much more than not drinking. It’s about learning to live fully alcohol free.
Ready to work with a sobriety coach for moms like you?
We spend our life advocating for our loved ones. It’s time to invest in and advocate for You! Book a free introductory call to learn how my approach can help you change your relationship with alcohol and change your life.