Grocery stores no longer just sell the staple items of food and supplies. They have turned into alcohol super centers to meet the demands of a stressed society. What do you think... Does the alcohol marketing in the United States cater to the weakness of or build strength for the alcoholic?

What is the motivation behind alcohol marketing? It is about sales and the mighty dollar while targeting our vulnerabilities. And what does it say about the American people? We must be dependent on our alcohol!

But what about the people who really struggle with their alcohol? Is it even safe for them to go to the grocery store? And is there a way to safely make it out without being tempted back into their addiction?

For me, a woman who once struggled with alcohol, being surrounded by alcohol is no longer a problem. Because it demonstrates the success of my recovery. However, I am still a human being and susceptible to temptation which means that my recovery is ongoing.

My Weakness and Strength

Today a personal weakness I have is called wine. Four years ago this weakness extended past wine but all alcohol. I have a name for it and it’s called drinking. Following a self-induced traumatic event, overnight, I made a lifestyle change that dramatically changed how I viewed alcohol.

I chose to abstain from alcohol. I saw alcohol as the problem. The new way I viewed alcohol did not sit well with my immediate family members. They did not think abstinence was necessary.

Next week’s blog, Alcohol isn’t the problem, drinking is, will delve deeper in pointing blame. Subscribe today to not miss an entertaining and informative post.

And then my daughter broke her news… She was offered a new job and her career would take her down what I considered a dark path. She accepted the position and works for a North American beverage wholesaler building marketing infrastructure for big name alcohol brands.

The way I viewed alcohol made my daughter part of the problem. I know my daughter’s intentions are not to take advantage of a sick society but use her skills to further her career. I need to find a new way to look at alcohol. Finding strength in recovery, not from alcohol but my past is my answer.

Honest Marketing

Does Alcohol Marketing Cater To Our Weakness

Yes, alcohol sales cater to our weakness.

Sales by it’s very nature is about catering to our vulnerabilities. It’s not about being weak but being human. How else is a sale made?

Since we are innately weak humans what are we to do?

Does Alcohol Marketing Build Strength

No, recovery builds strength.

When we choose to recover from our past we start to build resilience. Our confidence starts to grow and the result we are less likely to fall into temptation.

But what do we do when surrounded by our temptations?

Point of Purchase Marketing

Does Alcohol Marketing Cater to Temptation

Yes, alcohol is present at most stores.

In the beginning of my recovery, nothing annoyed me more than the point of purchase displays at the convenient store checkouts. For some reason the stores and the alcohol representative thought it necessary to sell Fireball at the register.

I have never been a fan of Fireball so easily resisted the temptation.

Does Alcohol Marketing Build Resilience

No, alcohol marketing doesn’t build resilience but does test it.

There are certain foods that I associate with alcohol, Margaritas with Mexican food and wine with a nice dinner. When I actively engaged in alcohol abuse I would drink wine while I cooked. Then early in my recovery when I was practicing abstinence I purchased individual servings of wine to use for cooking. We all need to know are limitations.

Are you in recovery or struggling with your drinking and easily influenced by alcohol marketing?

Influencer Marketing

Are we easily influenced as a society?

Yes, as weak humans we are easily influenced.

Nothing is more disheartening than a group of people being targeted into temptation. The mommy wine culture is a real thing and the retailers are on board. We need to remember as mothers we are the number one influence for our children. It is important that we set the example for our children.

What can you do?

Am I positive influence?

Yes, today I choose to spend time with mom’s who battle their addiction.

The women, young and old, in my life need to know that alcohol and marketing isn’t the problem. The problem is that we aren’t choosing recovery and accepting the tools that are provided to build strength.

Where do I find the resources for recovery?

Search Engine Marketing

Targeted Marketing

When I first started to research recovery online I was bombarded with alcohol marketing. My intentions were to learn about recovery and because of the nature of marketing my Facebook filled up with alcohol ads.

How does the addict not fall into temptation instead build strength?

Available Resources

A simple search on the search engine will provide numerous resources for those serious about recovering from their past. There are a variety of in-person groups and online support by content creators like the grow-together blog.

Call To Action

For those who cannot resist alcohol abstinence is key. It is important to consult with your medical provider and enlist support to successfully kick your habit. Short term abstinence from a substance is key to maintain a clear mind when choosing to recover from the past.

Resources

The grow-together blog encourages a healthy lifestyle and shares tips to overcome the daily struggles we face. Subscribe today for free to live your best life tomorrow.

Check out Grow With Karen on Substack. Join me on a journey as we peel back the layers of self to restore our natural God-given beauty.