Expectations of New Mothers

As strange as it may sound to some people, young mothers are extremely vulnerable to substance use disorders. Many different situations might serve as a negative stimulus for the emergence of addiction.

The new mother might have previous experience struggling with alcohol or substance abuse. Or all too often, postpartum depression, anxiety and stress, related to the great changes and responsibilities of parenthood might prompt the start of substance use and abuse.

We are all too familiar with the ephemeral images of motherhood. This is the mother who takes care of her baby and home, cooks, cleans, nurtures the relationship with her partner and finds the time to look fabulous while maintaininga successful career. At the same time in reality, being a mother is extremely demanding and challenging in itself.

The Onset of Addiction

 There is enormous pressure that a woman feels after birth. This is the time when her whole world has turned upside down in the completely new role that she now has to serve in her life. In addition to responsibility, the hormonal coctail of pregnancy is still wreaking havoc in the female body, leading to postpartum depression in most cases. Depression, when coupled with substance abuse, becomes a serious problem. The mother might use drugs to cope with the transition and mask her emotions.

Whether she becomes addicted before pregnancy, while she is pregnant, or postpartum, this affects the whole family.

It is important to say that women do not usually plan to get hooked on drugs or alcohol. As it gets more and more difficult to cope with everyday life, the reliance on drugs to help them through simply gets too strong. When the addiction sets in, it gets harder to recognize that the problem even exists. It doesn’t happen overnight. Rather, it’s an illness that keeps growing until, and if, addressed eventually, through detox. In order to find out how, go to Detox.com

Factors and Symptoms

Many factors that can contribute to postpartum addiction and mood disorders. Some are:

-history of mood disorders before pregnancy

-history of substance abuse

-a history of sexual, physical or verbal abuse

-individuals in a difficult life situation

If you are expecting or have a baby, it’s advisable to watch out for symptoms of postpartum mood disorders and addiction, so you are able to recognize issues, should they develop. If such issues do arise, full recovery is completely possible with the proper support and drug detoxification.

A few telltale symptoms of substance and alcohol abuse are

-You are hiding alcohol from children and other family members

-Your relationships are suffering because of the use of drugs or alcohol

-You are disinterested in your baby or activities you used to enjoy

-You start neglecting your children because of substance use

-You feel afraid and overwhelmed to discuss your feelings

The Need to Detox

For some mothers it can be really scary looking for help. They have all sorts of things to worry about, such as being away from their family and children, or bills to pay while in treatment.

But the only way to full recovery and getting their life back is through professional help and enrollment in a detox program that would make it easy and safe to bounce back and consequently steer clear of the subject of addiction.