I see you. I understand how exhausting it can be to set rules for yourself only to break them almost immediately. You envision a brighter future for yourself and suspect that drinking may be holding you back. Today, you wake up and think, “Today, I won’t drink. It’s time for a break.” Yet, after a restless night of one too many glasses of wine, you find yourself questioning why you can’t stick to your intentions. You might even manage a day or two without alcohol, but soon, the cycle resumes.
As summer arrives, the noise level in your home escalates. The kids are bickering, shouting, and whining—oh, the endless whining. You’re at your limit; you can’t referee any longer. The arguments over screen time and homework feel never-ending, and you just need to survive until bedtime.
As your patience wears thin, feelings of frustration and anxiety creep in. You tell yourself it’s not so bad and that you can make it through the next few hours more easily with a glass of Chardonnay. You plan to try again tomorrow. You deserve this little indulgence. A glass will help you unwind and prepare for the chaos of dinnertime. You reassure yourself that it’s not a problem; you’re not an alcoholic. After all, you’ve been able to stop before. This isn’t a big deal.
You know that the ideal mom would have a wholesome, balanced meal planned, but instead, you find yourself staring blankly at the fridge. Macaroni and carrot sticks? Sure, that’ll do. As you sip your wine, the stress begins to fade, and you might even opt for takeout, justifying it with another glass to help silence the critical voice in your head reminding you about the budget and the need for better planning.
As you refill your glass discreetly, you know this isn’t healthy, but the wine dulls your doubts. By the time dinner and bedtime roll around, you’re ready to collapse in bed, already feeling a twinge of regret for your choices, for the extra calories consumed.
But listen closely, mama. You are not alone in this struggle. Many women have traveled this path, and some have found a way to break free. It’s essential to recognize that you are worthy of love and care. The truth is, whether you’re drinking a bottle nightly, occasionally losing control, or simply enjoying a few drinks here and there, if you’re questioning your habits, it’s for a reason. Your body and spirit are communicating with you. A brighter life awaits, but it’s only accessible if you confront the discomfort instead of numbing it.
Like you, I’ve wrestled with my drinking for years. I would go through periods of abstinence, only to fall back into the cycle of avoidance and regret. It’s been 70 days since my last drink, and I feel awake and alive. Life still has its challenges; I experience frustration with my kids and partner, and that voice of the “Perfect Mom” still chimes in. The difference now is that I allow myself to feel those emotions, telling that inner critic to quiet down while I make choices that uplift me rather than weigh me down. Sometimes that means seeking help from my partner, meditating, taking a walk, or engaging with supportive online communities.
You are not alone, and breaking this cycle is possible. Your goal may be to quit drinking entirely, or perhaps you wish to learn moderation. That’s perfectly valid. Our experiences differ, and you don’t have to label yourself as an alcoholic. There are many avenues to sobriety, and the choice is yours—there’s no single correct approach.
When you’re ready to make a change, seek help. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Relying solely on willpower and self-imposed rules often leads to failure when life gets tough. Whether it’s a hard day, a sunny one, a disagreement with your partner, or a night out, it’s easy to justify that drink for any occasion.
Consider the Alcohol Experiment, which offers a 30-day challenge to help you explore a life without alcohol. The program features daily videos and journaling prompts designed to help you uncover the underlying reasons for your drinking habits. You can commit to 30 days and see where it leads you.
Remember, you are incredible, filled with love and light. I see you, and I’m grateful that you’re listening to your true self. Nurture that inner voice; she deserves your care.
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Summary
This article addresses mothers who are questioning their drinking habits and feel overwhelmed by the pressures of parenting. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging feelings, seeking help, and breaking the cycle of alcohol dependence. It encourages self-care and provides resources for those looking to reevaluate their relationship with alcohol.