When Mommy Wines Too Much

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I was pulled over. I had too much. I was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI).

I’m a mom, who had too much fun one night, but otherwise is responsible. 

I thought I was invincible. I thought having one night out without the kids didn’t make me a bad mom.

I’m not a bad mom, but I made a bad choice.

alcohol

Fast forward a few months later, and as part of my court sentence, I was told to go to a weekend intervention program. Yes, this was my first offense, and the judge wanted to make sure it was my last by sending me there.

I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t think there would be anyone like me there.

But I was wrong – there were a handful of other “regular” moms there, too.

Yes, there were some people who were on their second, third, even fourth OVI, some who ended up being charged with a lesser offense, and some who said they hadn’t even been doing anything wrong but were at the program anyway.

During the weekend, our group faced a lot of realities – talking to a mother of a daughter who was killed by a drunk driver, seeing the composition of an egg in water versus liquor, and more. 

At the end of the weekend, I could sense who would be leaving and going straight to a bar or to pick up a 12 pack. I could also sense those who would most likely never have another drop of alcohol again. For me, this was something I never want to go through again. As a mother, it exhausted me on the inside not to be with my family during a weekend where my husband and kids went to the playground and ice cream shop among other fun activities. I was heartbroken not to be “mom” like I always am.

On the flip side, this was the first time I had taken time to be by myself, and do something for myself, in an extremely long time. This was definitely not how I wanted to spend alone time, but I think this was a way my psyche told me I needed a break. I hadn’t taken advantage of girls’ weekends or extended time away as much as I needed to. 

The best part about those times to yourself? They don’t necessarily have to involve alcohol. But if they do, there are plenty of resources available to make sure you and others get home safely.

The next time you want to wine too much, enjoy that time, but make sure you are doing it responsibly. This is a great example to show your children so they don’t make a mistake, too.