Millie Mackintosh Talks About Life As A Mom And The Decision To Ditch Alcohol for Good

Becoming a parent is undoubtedly one of the most profound transformations you can experience. Your day-to-day choices shift dramatically because they no longer affect just you but also shape the world your child will grow up in. It’s common for many new moms to suddenly find themselves reflecting on everything—daily routines, the balance of mental health, and the significance of self-care. For Millie Mackintosh, this awakening led her onto a deeply personal journey that not only changed her relationship with alcohol but is now motivating other parents to scrutinize their own drinking habits and mental well-being.

In her compelling new book, “Bad Drunk: How I Found My Freedom from Alcohol – And You Can Too”, Millie bravely shares the tumultuous experiences rooted in her past that led her to a lifestyle marked by heavy drinking, anxiety, and despair. For years, she felt trapped until 2022 brought her a moment of clarity when she recognized that enough was enough. Now, her mission is crystal clear: she aims to empower other mothers to evaluate their own relationships with alcohol. By sharing her candid story, Millie hopes more people will find the strength to initiate positive changes in their lives—just like she did.

During our heart-to-heart at her cozy London home, Millie exudes warmth and openness. She readily discusses her struggles with insecurity and bullying from an early age, revealing that alcohol became her go-to coping mechanism. “When things get tough, it’s tempting to want to escape from those feelings,” she shares. Millie’s journey also involved personal grief; she faced the loss of her close grandmother around the same time she began to indulge in drinking and dating, finding both experiences left her feeling low and lost.

“Weekends became about getting as much alcohol in me as possible,” Millie recalls, reflecting on nights spent drinking to the point of blackout. Those tumultuous evenings came with a heavy price when she suffered sexual assault, an experience that flooded her with shame and confusion, leading her to mistakenly blame herself. It was during this vulnerable time that her relationship with alcohol spiraled into something disordered.

Her struggles with alcohol didn’t just stop at her personal life; they crept into adulthood and motherhood. As a mother of two, she soon realized that alcohol, which she once thought would help her cope with the pressures of parenting, only exacerbated her stress and anxiety.

“I don’t think there’s adequate support available for mothers,” Millie explains, and this lack of resources often pushes many women toward alcohol as an escape. She is keenly aware of her privileges—having the support of a nanny, a successful career, and the luxury of time for self-care—yet she understands that not every mom enjoys those same comforts.

The turning point in Millie’s life came in 2022 during an intense panic attack that was preceded by days of drinking. Inspired by this pivotal moment, she included a checklist of signs indicating a problematic relationship with alcohol in her book, alongside practical guidance from Dr. Ellie Cannon. “Learning about the science behind alcohol and its effects on mental health was a game-changer for me in those early days of sobriety,” Millie expresses. She wanted to extend that understanding to others, so they can feel supported on their journeys too.

One of the most impactful segments of “Bad Drunk” is its exploration of “Motherhood and Alcohol”, which dives into the societal pressures felt by mothers, including the all-too-familiar ritual known as ‘wine o’clock’. This chapter tackles a topic that often gets swept under the rug, but Millie’s genuine reflections resonate strongly with many moms who read her words.

“There’s this relentless pressure on us as parents, and juggling everything can become overwhelming,” she shares candidly. “Reaching for a drink can feel like a quick fix, especially when it’s so normalized in our culture.” She’s seen firsthand how quickly alcohol can become the go-to solution for relieving the day’s stress.

Since letting go of alcohol, Millie describes herself as being more present, patient, and emotionally attuned to her children’s needs. “I’m a different parent because I’ve shed that weight,” she confides. “I feel more in control of my emotional responses, allowing me to better navigate my kids’ feelings.” While she doesn’t claim to have it all figured out, Millie is determined to foster an environment where emotions are safely expressed, rather than stifled.

For any mother wondering if that nightly glass of wine has become more routine than special, Millie offers comforting reassurance: sobriety isn’t about deprivation; it’s about enrichment. Having chosen to embrace sobriety, she describes gaining patience, attentiveness, and ultimately, joy in her family life. And if you’re curious about how to unwind, she shares her personal favorite alcohol-free alternative—TRIP, enjoyed over ice in an elegant glass.

“If you’re thinking about giving up alcohol, congratulations! You’ve already taken that critical first step by acknowledging that you want something different,” Millie encourages. “I used to make excuses about why I couldn’t stop, whether it was an upcoming holiday or an event, but life is full of such distractions. The time to start is now, and I’m here to tell you: you can do this. Embrace curiosity!”

For anyone contemplating a change in their drinking habits, Millie advises seeking out a support network. “This kind of journey is so much more manageable when you don’t have to do it alone,” she assures. “There are countless online communities and sober-curious groups on social media, as well as numerous resources at your fingertips. You don’t have to navigate this path by yourself.”

If you’re feeling uncertain about your alcohol consumption, or are concerned for someone you know, there are ample resources available to help. Organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide free self-help support through a 12-step program aimed at achieving sobriety.

It’s essential to remember that tackling your relationship with alcohol is not simply about giving something up; it’s about gaining a better understanding of yourself, your parenting, and your overall health and happiness. Engaging with experts and support systems can lead to transformative experiences, inspiring you to live a more mindful, fulfilling life.