TITLE:
Personal Accounts of Mothers’ Use of Social Media to Support Abstinence from Alcohol
AUTHORS:
Suzanne McGarva, Tony Machin
KEYWORDS:
Alcohol, Drinking, Professional Women/Mothers, Support, Social Media, Abstinence
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.5 No.12,
December
11,
2017
ABSTRACT: Alcohol consumption by
professional educated women and mothers is rising. Drinking alcohol in the home
is, for many, becoming a normalised and
daily ritual. Previous research focuses on causality, risk factors and health
related damage. Few studies focus on mothers of school age children specifically
or why some mothers pursue and sustain alcohol free lives. The role of social
media in enacting and sustaining abstinence is under researched, as are other
factors important for this group in remaining abstinent. Aims: This
qualitative study explored the reasons why mothers drank alcohol, and factors
contributing to their decision to become alcohol free. It also explored the
value and utility of social media in the form of a specific website aimed at
providing support in abstinence. Methods: Six UK mothers with school age
children who had become abstinent after previously drinking over official
limits were recruited via social
network website and interviewed. Transcripts were analysed thematically and
inductive themes emerged. Results: Participants used alcohol to
self-medicate, as a reward/relaxation strategy and because it was a normal part
of their professional and daily lives. Reported reasons for abstinence included
the negative effects alcohol had upon lives, inability to moderate/drink within
guidelines and “trigger” events. Participants reported that their use of social
media was inspirational, giving them a platform to share stories and help
others and was preferred to traditional support. The use of social media in
this way represented a supportive community and assisted vigilance toward the
danger of relapse. Positive parenting identity, alternatives to alcohol,
abstinence rewards and support from abstinent others were all factors in
sustaining abstinence. Conclusions: Health professionals should
recognise this hidden and hard to reach group and the potential efficacy of
social media in assisting recovery from alcohol related issues.