Motherhood is often seen as a joyous occasion, but for Rachael Shephard, the demands of raising children led her down a dark path of nightly wine consumption. What started as a glass to unwind after a hectic day soon spiralled into a coping mechanism for the challenges of parenting. However, it was one alarming symptom that made Rachael realise she needed to change her ways.
Growing up in Chester, Rachael had always been a big drinker, starting from a young age. Despite initially being a social drinker, she always had a tendency to drink excessively, seeking the chaos and thrill of drunken nights out. It wasn’t until she became pregnant with her first son, Arthur, that Rachael started to moderate her alcohol intake. The reality of early mornings with a newborn made her reassess her relationship with alcohol.
As her second son, Alfie, came into the world, Rachael found herself slipping back into old habits. Alfie’s easy temperament seemed to lull her into a false sense of security, leading her to increase her wine consumption. The unexpected loss of her mother in 2020 sent Rachael into a downward spiral, where she turned to alcohol as a crutch to cope with the pain and stress of her new reality as a single mother.
By mid-2021, Rachael found herself in a daily cycle of drinking, leading to a breaking point during a holiday when physical withdrawal symptoms started to manifest. It was then that Rachael made the life-changing decision to quit drinking for good. The initial struggle with thoughts of wine was overshadowed by the profound shift she experienced in her role as a mother.
With sobriety, Rachael found herself more present and patient with her sons. Instead of reaching for a glass of wine to relax, she engaged in activities with her children, leading to a drastic improvement in their behaviour. The newfound clarity and energy from not drinking allowed Rachael to enjoy motherhood in a way she never thought possible.
Reflecting on her journey, Rachael realised that alcohol was not the antidote to the challenges of motherhood but rather the source of her difficulties. By breaking free from the bottle, she discovered a newfound love for being a mother, free from the haze of alcohol. Rachael’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of sobriety and the importance of seeking help when struggling with addiction.
In a world where self-care and mental health awareness are increasingly prioritised, Rachael’s journey offers hope and inspiration to parents who may be facing similar struggles. By sharing her story, she shines a light on the dark corners of addiction and demonstrates that change is possible with determination and support. Rachael’s path to sobriety is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of seeking help in times of need.