From NBC's Today show on Thursday May 29, 2008
NBC's Janet Shamlian reports on how some women are drinking during the day and then driving their kids around. TODAY's Matt Lauer talks to psychiatrist Dr. Charles Sophy about the issue.
Watch the segment from TODAY When you think of drinking and driving, you may immediately get a picture of a man coming home from a bar late at night. But studies show that there is a troubling new trend of women drinking and driving during the day, even with kids in the car, making DUIs more common in the late afternoon than before.
The rise in female alcohol use, especially among mothers, can be attributed to many different factors: stress, lowered self-esteem, loss of empowerment. Many women have stopped working outside of the home, in order to raise their children, and have found it more challenging than perhaps expected. Some of these mothers are not sure anymore where their value lies, and so they turn to alcohol to take the edge off.
It is quite easy for one cocktail or one glass of wine to become a daily habit. Alcoholism can creep up on you if you are not careful. The demographic of mothers is such that they do not frequent bars or clubs in the evenings. They are more likely to drink at home or at a friend's house, during the day. Despite having had a couple glasses of wine, mothers still have to get into the car to go pick up the children at daycare, or afterschool programs.
Alcohol often is a reflection of underlying mental health issues, so if you think you have a problem speak to a mental health professional. There are other ways to relax and de-stress, without endangering yourself or your children.
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