Alcoholism

Maternal Alcohol Addiction

While the physiological effects of alcohol addiction are well-documented as potentially life threatening to both men and women, a primary focus of literature pertaining to maternal alcohol addiction is related to the effects on children. Maternal alcohol addiction not only affects children prior to their birth, but also impinges on their ongoing relationship with their alcoholic mothers and their functioning as adult children. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), partial fetal alcohol syndrome (p-FAS), fetal alcohol effects (FEA), alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD), and neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND) are terms used to describe the permanent physical and mental challenges faced by children who were prenatally exposed to alcohol. Postnatal risks are considered in relation to a compromised home environment resulting from maternal incapacity. The impact of paternal and maternal addiction is evident in the Adult Children of Alcoholics Syndrome (ACOA), based on the premise that, as a result of their childhood experiences, individuals who grow up in alcoholic families have similar characteristics.

Intersecting Oppressions

Women with alcohol addiction frequently inhabit a culture of silence that is perpetuated by complex, intersecting oppressions that act interdependently, [Page 44]simultaneously, and reciprocally. Societal silencing mechanisms imposed on mothers with addiction include marginalization, surveillance, and censure by child welfare authorities and lay members of society. Like most women in Western societies, mothers with alcohol addiction are influenced by discourses of motherhood that call for sacrificial, intensive mothering. The ideal image of the “good mother” is one who raises her children in the “right circumstances,” meaning two heterosexual parents, preferably married, with the mother (not too young or too old) who is the caregiver and the father who is the breadwinner. There also exists an underlying assumption that the ideal mother is mentally stable, without any interference of abuse. When mothers with alcohol addiction exhibit socially unacceptable or stigmatized behaviors that challenge the ideal image, they are criticized and labeled “bad mothers” and face punitive and stigmatizing judgment.

Poverty compounds the stress levels of mothers with alcohol addiction, and exposes children to an increased risk of victimization. Addicted mothers fear the removal or loss of their children, which can dissuade them from entering a treatment center.

In addition, mothers with alcohol addiction frequently suffer from mental health disorders. In response to the high rates of co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders, the term dual diagnosis was coined, which resulted in the integration of substance abuse and mental health services. However, for some women, dual diagnosis is further complicated by a history of violence in the form of childhood physical and/or sexual abuse, and is often followed by adult partner abuse. Current research supports the link between abuse histories and subsequent mental health problems as well as subsequent addiction issues. Often, women suffering from these challenges are faced with multiple barriers to effective mothering, such as inadequate income, as well as difficulty meeting basic needs such as food, housing, transportation, and adequate childcare. Exposed to severe, chronic stressors within their families and communities, women in poverty are especially vulnerable [Page 45]to psychological distress and problem drinking. They and their children are at increased risk of victimization due to their compromised living environment.

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