Here in the U.S., mothers are held to impossible standards. They’re expected to always keep it together, give children their full attention, and to put their own needs last. In other words, we expect moms to be perfect, all the time. So it’s no surprise that motherhood often comes with feelings of shame and guilt when you fall short of becoming Superwoman.
For moms with substance use disorder, those emotions are magnified. That fear, shame, and stigma can make moms too afraid to seek prenatal care, addiction treatment, mental health support, and parenting resources that could help them break free from the cycle of addiction.* But it’s possible to find compassionate treatment that’s built around the needs of moms like you (or the ones you love).
Medication assisted treatment for moms in recovery
Beginning in 2021, Better Life Partners took a different approach to supporting mothers in recovery. It starts with medication-assisted treatment (MAT). With MAT, moms in recovery can ease withdrawal symptoms, creating the space to address some of the root causes that contribute to substance use in the first place, such as stigma, anxiety, violence, and childhood trauma.
That’s where supportive counseling and peer coaching comes in. Judy Fournier, a Master Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor at Better Life Partners, has led the same virtual group therapy session for mothers in recovery for the last three years.
“We create interactions full of belonging, love, and purpose.”
Each week, members join her to discuss not only addiction and recovery, but parenting, health, child development, supporting their children’s education, healthy relationships, and organizational skills. As Fournier notes, these sessions help each member rebuild community among people who know and understand their experiences.
“It’s a space for them to say anything they want,” said Fournier. “That’s the best part—they don’t have to feel intimidated and they get to know and support one another.”
Moms discuss and practice ways to advocate for themselves and for their children, and to share resources among one another. Sophie Gagnon, a peer recovery coach, said that these close connections help members navigate their unique challenges, from issues with the Department of Human Services (DHS) to information on housing and food assistance.
“They’ve been through it all before, so they’re the best people to share resources,” she said.
Offering virtual support, resources, and connections
Gagnon also points to the importance of online sessions in improving access to support, particular for moms in rural areas. “A lot of these women have limited income and don’t have a car. They’re stuck at home and isolated in their community. So just getting these social connections are so important.”
Better Life Partners also works with mothers in recovery to connect them to the virtual and in-person resources they need. We partner with other compassionate, community-based organizations across the Northeast to help members access the right social services, medical care, and mental health care.
Every mother should feel supported throughout the recovery journey—no matter what recovery looks like for you. Give us a call today to find the right path for you and your family. We’ll walk alongside you every step of the way.
Ready to move beyond addiction? Call or text (866) 679-0831 or Schedule an intro call today.
