Parents, Alcohol Use, and Current Events
Current events, especially those that impact our economy, our health, and our safety impact all of us in more ways than we may know. For some, events outside of their control can affect their mental health and/or their drug and alcohol use.
For parents, who need to maintain their usual responsibilities of keeping a roof over the family, food on the table, and fulfilling their duties at work, events like natural disasters, pandemics, and other headline-making news can mean that they have to help their kids navigate these stressful situations honestly but with kid gloves. And that can be tough—especially when some scary events are accompanied by lots of unknowns.
Dealing With Parental Angst During Stressful Events
Though not every parent turns to alcohol to “relax” or “unwind,” there are plenty who do. But drinking when you’re stressed doesn’t mean you have an alcohol use disorder, the diagnostic term for alcohol addiction. Alcohol use becomes problematic when the individual’s drinking becomes compulsive and continues despite negative consequences.
Being a Parent During Stressful Current Events: Some Solutions That Don’t Involve Alcohol
Instead of drinking when things feel like they’re spiraling out of control, try one of these activities:
- Identify your values. Identify your values. Focus
on what is important to you in the present. What may have been significant prior to the wildfire, recession, or other significant current event was based on a whole set of other circumstances. - Talk with people who matter the most. Open up and have dialogue with the people in your life who you care about. Listen to their needs and be open to sharing with them what it is that you need.
- Try a new way. Do things differently and see yourself differently. Be open to doing new things and listening to different perspectives.
- Take the 4-way view. Look at the 4 main areas of your life—community, home/family, career/job, and private self. Look for opportunities to balance the amount of attention that you’re giving to each area. It’s easier said than done, but it is possible by simply taking action and making an effort in each of those areas.
on what is important to you in the present. What may have been significant prior to the wildfire, recession, or other significant current event was based on a whole set of other circumstances.After a significant event, you may be able to return to what was normal. Or perhaps you’ll embrace a new layer of normalcy.
Getting Help for Your Alcohol Use and Addiction
Regardless of what you’re going through, if you are indeed struggling with alcohol use or addiction, don’t struggle alone. American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a nationwide leader in addiction treatment, operates treatment centers throughout the United States, and can help you regain control of your life. Reach out to connect with a knowledgeable and compassionate admissions navigator, who can listen to your needs, answer your questions, and explain your options.
