Raise a Glass to Sobriety

A glass of wine or tasty cocktail at the end of a hard day is alluring for sure. But when nearly every day is hard, it might be time to rethink that drink.

The Odyssey: Parenting. Caregiving. Disability. 

The Center for Family Involvement at VCU School of Education's Partnership for People with Disabilities provides informational and emotional support to people with disabilities and their families. All of our services are free. We just want to help. We know how hard this can be because we're in it with you. 

 

SHOW NOTES:

Parenting Special Needs Magazine

Simplified self-care

There is limited research on the connection between caregiving and problem drinking. 

There is some recognition that caregiver burden can cause anxiety, depression, social isolation, and stress which are predictors of increased alcohol use. 

The slope to addiction is a slippery one. “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere” loses its charm when it becomes an excuse instead of a rare occasion. But it’s easy to miss the signs when you’re having fun on the slide. 

I speak from experience. I remember the warm, fuzzy calm that came over me when I had my very first drink many moons ago. It’s a feeling I chased over and over again at countless venues - dorms, dates, happy hours, concerts, weddings, funerals, brunches, lunches, dinners, suppers, baby showers, and eventually play dates. 

Information on how ADHD impacts substance use.

2023 survey of 1600 mothers by Parents found that 48% had tried to curb their drinking, one in three admitted they might be drinking too much, and 12% were worried they might have a dependency problem. 

 

Most folks pour way more than a standard serving when imbibing. 

 

 

In early 2025, the current U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy urged warn