We live in a time when mom culture treats alcohol as the logical solution to blowing off steam from all those irritating kid problems. “It’s wine o’clock, ladies!”or “Rose all day!” or “It’s five o’clock somewhere!” are modern-day rallying cries.
But what happens when social drinking takes a precipitous turn into alcoholism?
That’s what happened to Leslie Shapiro, a Jewish mother to three kids in New Jersey. On this week’s episode of Call Your Mother, Leslie bravely tells the story of her slide into alcoholism and path her recovery (she’s been sober three-plus years). She talks about hiding bottles of vodka in her closet, getting a DUI, and going from a point of despair to a point of redemption.
It’s an incredible story that you simply have to hear. But don’t worry, we also hit some lighter notes this week — Shannon tells us all about her love for goat yoga — not a typo! — and Gram recommends scream therapy for parents.
Give it a listen and tell all your friends! And if you’d like to learn more about dealing with alcoholism whether in yourself or in your family, here are some resources:
This piece helps to dispel the myth of Jews as a “model minority” not affected by alcoholism.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dependent Persons and Significant Others (JACS) is dedicated to encouraging and assisting Jewish alcoholics, chemically dependent persons, and their families, friends, and associates to explore recovery in a nurturing Jewish environment; promoting knowledge and understanding of the disease of alcoholism and chemical dependency as it involves the Jewish community; and acting as a resource center and information clearinghouse on the effects of alcoholism and drug dependency on Jewish family life.
For more info, visit us here.
