Why So Many Moms Are Quietly Struggling With Alcohol and What to Do About It

Why has "mommy wine time" become so normal and is it helping or harming moms?In this powerful episode, host Madge Booth speaks with Elsa Van Der Watt, a clinical social worker and mental health board chair, about the rising influence of mommy wine culture. Together, they unpack the fine line between enjoying a glass of wine and using alcohol to cope with stress, anxiety, burnout, and the mental load of motherhood.You’ll learn:How alcohol affects your mental health, parenting, and family lifeThe red flags that your glass of wine might be more than “just to take the edge off”What substance use disorder actually looks like in momsHow to start the conversation if you’re worried about yourself—or a friendWhere to get affordable support and free recovery resourcesMadge also shares her personal story of quitting alcohol after a health scare and how it changed her life.This is a must-watch for any mom feeling overwhelmed, curious, or concerned about the role of alcohol in her life. It’s not about judgment – it’s about real talk, awareness, and support.Timestamps / Chapters:00:00:00 – Introduction to Mommy Wine Culture00:01:10 – Defining Mommy Wine Culture & Stages of Use00:03:11 – Emotional Reliance and Family Impact00:05:28 – Challenges of Addressing Concerns00:07:44 – Understanding Substance Use Disorders00:10:03 – Recognising Numbing vs. Relaxing00:12:48 – Impact on Children and Family Dynamics00:14:13 – Personal Story: Quitting Alcohol00:16:34 – Strength vs. Smart Choices00:19:30 – Checklist for Red Flags & Recovery Timeline00:22:32 – Social Drinking vs. Problematic Use00:24:05 – Over-the-Counter Medication & Co-Occurring Issues00:27:36 – Affordable Recovery Resources00:30:35 – Stigma and Who Attends Support Groups00:34:43 – Changing the Conversation for Future Generations00:38:32 – Message to Moms & Finding Support00:41:15 – COVID-19 and Increased Substance Use00:42:23 – Final Five: Elsa’s Parenting Reflections00:47:32 – Episode Wrap-UpWhere to Find Help: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): https://www.aa.org/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/ National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/Bloemendal Clinic: https://www.bloemendalclinic.com/Follow The MOMents Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moments_omnimedia/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moments_omnimedia?lang=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572218987263&locale=mt_MT# LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moments-omnimedia Website: https://www.momentsmedia.co.za/ #MommyWineCulture #WorkingMoms #MentalHealthForMoms #SoberCurious #AlcoholAwareness #ModernMotherhood #MomLifeUnfiltered #SelfCareForMoms #BreakingTheStigma #MOMentsPodcast