Recovery from drug or alcohol addiction isn’t easy. Those in recovery need to set priorities and do what is right for them on a daily basis. They need to keep themselves safe and away from the things in life that trigger them to want to use or drink again.
For a mother, it’s even harder. The added stress of being a parent can result in a trigger to start using again. Just bringing their child to a playground can remind them of their earlier days when they bought drugs at the same park. It’s important for moms in recovery to know and practice safe coping skills. To find a balance between being a mom and being a woman in recovery.
Crossroads for Women offers a therapy group called Sober Parenting to expectant and current moms. Maria Moustrouphis, the clinician who runs the group, describes the group as open and friendly, where moms can learn from each other and not worry about being judged. Many women in recovery have not had good parenting role models in their lives. They might not be aware of typical child development, the difference between discipline and punishment or even age-appropriate activities for their child. The Sober Parenting group talks about these topics and more and tailors each group discussion to what the members of the group want to explore.
The group currently meets on Wednesdays from 12:15pm – 2:45pm at Crossroads for Women’s outpatient office in Portland, Maine. For more information or to join this group, call 207.773.9931. View a list of current therapy groups being offered by Crossroads for Women’s Outpatient Program (PDF)
