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L Thompson, Trenton, NJ — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:01:28 GMT

Having lost my daughter because of a drunk driver, I'm concerned each time I see television personalities promoting drinking during daytime programs. It desensitizes viewers to the dangers of it.
Smokers get indignant and say that they're only hurting themselves when they smoke and should therefore be allowed to smoke in public places.
Drinkers also get indignant and say that they should be the ones to decide when and where they drink. The smokers ignored the fact that they were endangering others with their secondhand smoke, just as the drinkers are ignoring the fact that their drinking endangers others besides themselves.
Thank you for the story. It needs to be told.

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Melanie, Boston, Mass — Thu, 29 May 2008 17:38:43 GMT

How do you address this situation when a gathering takes place with other moms who may feel 2-3 drinks are ok and then they drive home with children in the car?

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Marcia Gerber, Moline, IL — Thu, 29 May 2008 21:14:42 GMT

Must have too much money and time on their hands - most mothers are out working while also caring for their children, husband and home. Daytime, nighttime, what's the difference? Drinking and driving is bad anytime - anywhere - by anyone.

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joe budsudzz, Palm Bay, fl — Thu, 29 May 2008 22:09:04 GMT

Here is my take on the subject. If the man of the house can have a liquid lunch then why not let the caretaker of the house enjoy her time away from it all. All she has to do is keep an eye on the rear view mirror and watch out for traffic.

Leave the women that have to put up with all the male BS alone. Cops that give her the ticket really do not have a clue as to what is going on in their own home.

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S. Merin — Thu, 29 May 2008 23:36:55 GMT

It is the complacent attitude that encourages drunk driving, and those advocating it must realize they actually advocate that its OK to kill people. Its not OK for anyone to drink and then drive. And yes, one too many is too much. Don't drink before all reasonable chances for driving are done with.

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John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Fri, 30 May 2008 01:52:17 GMT

Just watching this clip I can remember years ago when my kids were small, no big deal back then. I picked my kids up from the baby sitter. Ah Thursday nights we all had a "couple" meeting at a friends house to pick up our kids...ladies night we all drove after having a couple. Well one Thursday night I left my friends house with kids in tow, half way home the drinks hit me. I was so scared, I knew if I pulled over I would get nabbed, I kept going (2 miles more)and vowed I would never again. And didn't but I know a LOT who did. I thank God I made it home and thank God I didn't hurt my children or anyone else. To this day I have never even had one drink and driven. I am blessed to have my 2 children and will never compromise their lives again. Funny you know what If I want to go to a friends house and have a couple... either one of them will drop me off and pick me up. I can however see how this is still a problem. Moms these days work so hard, do so much feel entitled.

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MLK Wash state — Fri, 30 May 2008 10:04:17 GMT

The key word is children. In the care. And if they are carpooling in the afternoon, it means they are around schools and children's events. Nuff said. Where is you head, you drivers?

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George Clark, Atlanta, Ga. — Fri, 30 May 2008 11:23:32 GMT

Not good advice to say it's OK to drink and drive, just have to watch the rearview mirrow and traffic. With all the distractions, including one hand on the cellphone and watching the kids in the back seat, how is it conceivable that she is totally attentive to the lethal dangers surrounding her vehicle. And while she's watching the rearview mirror, what about what's happening in front and on the sides. Or should she only be concerned about the blue lights in the rear, and then crash in to the car in front?

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AVI, Madison, WI — Fri, 30 May 2008 11:34:51 GMT

In this state, drinking and driving is very common. Getting a DUI or DWI or OWI seems to be a rite of passage. I was initially surprised that a number of women drink and drive while transporting their progeny, but realize that since 45% of pregnancies and therefore children are unplanned....why would these women care if their own children live or die with them in the automobile? Obviously, these women don't care if they kill someone else, too. Sad.

Joe Budsudzz is obviously a drinker and driver. I see a DUI soon in that future. Don't worry, all ya gotta do is get an Occupational and you'll be on the road again in no time! Many people still drive on suspended licenses and get away with it too!

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John Seth, New York, NY — Fri, 30 May 2008 12:17:50 GMT

This report says so much about our consumer capitalism culture and our so called values...Lock the women in suburbia, put them into SUV’s and when they try to have some fun, arrest them and parade them around with handcuffs for a while…What to do? I know…let’s give them zanex, of course, since that is legal, right? …This is all so sad - to treat mature, grown up people like adolescents…no wonder we as a culture are so obsessed with safety and control…sadly - we were never allowed to grow up.

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Pattie Revere MA — Fri, 30 May 2008 12:45:17 GMT

I think the authorities are getting out of hand, why don't we just go back to pohibition? MADD has made life miserable for responsible people. I think your all out of control this is becoming a dictator country and if I wasn't born here I would leave.

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RJ, Jacksonville, FL — Fri, 30 May 2008 13:05:59 GMT

I was laid off from my job of 5 years. Since then, I have started drinking much more than I use to. I drink everyday now and I'm truly concerned. I never thought I had an addictive personality, but I think I'm an alcholic. Actually, I know I'm an alcholic.
I'm a single mom and I worry for my children. This is really affecting our lives and it's out of my control.

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Susan — Fri, 30 May 2008 13:06:51 GMT

I was a stay-at-home mom for many years. Every weekend, and sometimes during the week, my husband would go to a local tavern to watch sports and would drink to celebrate and relax after a tough week at work. This left me feeling frustrated and alone much of the time. I began chatting on the internet to stop my boredom, and in doing so I found that I found I would be more fun and entertaining if I drank while doing so. The whole experience kind of blew up in my face. I started drinking much more than I ever did before, and would get wrapped up in the lives of others who really shouldn't have mattered to me. With the help of some people and self-realization, I now don't drink, and am making much better choices in my life. In my case I've found drinking is never a fix for a problem. It only creates more. Only you can make these decisions for yourself, and better earlier than later.

As a long-time married couple we have evolved a lot in our relationship. Thankfully because of the love we have for each other, we made it through this difficult time. I am helping my husband to better understand my needs, and I am helping him make better choices for himself as well. There is still work to be done, but we are committed.

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Carol K.,Bowie, MD — Fri, 30 May 2008 14:45:51 GMT

For RJ - If you think you are an alcoholic, go to an AA meeting near your home. I guarantee you there is one nearby. I did my share of daytime drinking when my children were small. I, too, was afraid I was alcoholic. I was correct. One Sunday, after going out to buy a fifth of whiskey, I drove not only my children, but my dog, to a dog obiedence class. I made a fool out of myself, my dog and drove everyone home again, still drunk. I actually drove my children lots of places when I had been drinking. I did not get a DWI or anything like that, because in the 1970's there was not much interest in giving women DWIs. Thank God I made it to AA. It saved my life, my children's lives and made me a better person. I won't even get in the car with someone who has been drinking and wants to drive!
Good luck RJ.

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andrea peterson spokane, wash. — Fri, 30 May 2008 14:56:54 GMT

I wish more people would take the time to realize the true dangers behind drinking and driving. i am guilty of a one time situation and would never put myself in that situation again. "think before you act" i am pretty sure all of our mothers have said that to us a time or two. we are grown adults, male or female and we have a brain so we should use what was given to us to use "common sense". statistics believe women are higher offenders? nice stereotyping... i see more men handcuffed with a officer next to them then women. and as to what i believe we should act like grown adults and use responsibility before we get behind the wheel of a two thousand pound or more vehicle while under the influence.

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Been there, San Jose, CA — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:04:44 GMT

RJ,Jacksonville,FL: Don't be afraid of your situation. Now that you recognize that you have a problem, you can begin treatment. Please find your local Alcoholics Anonymous and get the support you need to regain control of your life. It really works, trust me.

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Joe Davies, NY — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:06:20 GMT

It is not the police officers job to understand what is going on in a person's home. It is their job to keep the streets safe for the motorists who are obeying the traffic laws and driving safely. To tell the police to lay off the house wife because she cannot handle her own problems, chooses to turn to alcohol, and chooses to drive while ability impaired or while intoxicated is just dumb. The police do arrest the male's who go out and have a liquid lunch as well, when they catch them. The issue that makes this problem more alarming is that mother's are doing this with their children in the car. Anyone who drinks then drives places themselves and others at risk when they get behind the wheel, and therefore should expect to get caught and then arrested. If they want to choose to drink during the day, that is fine, STAY OFF THE ROAD, or hire a driver to pick the children up.

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Shelley, Madison, Alabama — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:20:51 GMT

I've been a single mom for 14 years, and I've been a "functional alcoholic" for 14 years. After a very humiliating event in my front yard with my neighbor, which I do not even remember, I have completely stopped drinking and have begun to attend AA meetings. I would start drinking as soon as I walked in my house after a day of working, and I'd begin drinking around 10:00-11:00am on the weekends, until I'd pass out in bed that evening. I hid my heavy drinking from everyone. I've managed to move up to a high level position in my field, without a college degree. Last semester I began attending college during the evenings and, being the high achiever that I am, received all A's. Even with my great job, a beautiful home I had built five years ago, and two very successful teenage boys (one of which just graduated from high school and is headed off to college in a couple of months), I have missed out on so much living! Alcohol is an escape for a lot of us. So many of us are unable to drink "normally." For me, there is no off switch. I know how fortunate I am that I haven't suffered any long term physical effects of drinking so much alcohol, over so many years. In the AA meetings, I see the devestation that alcohol causes so many people. For me, it robbed me of truly living my life. So many years are gone. When I wasn't working, raising my boys, or going to school, I was in a numb, drunken fog. Not drinking is such a tremendous relief to me! I have a wonderful, supportive man in my life now and I'm living in every moment. Thank God I'm no longer escaping life in that alcohol fog.

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Steve, Lewisville NC — Fri, 30 May 2008 16:47:21 GMT

To RJ from Jacksonville: Please get help. You are going down a very slippery slope. I would encourage you to visit an open AA meeting. You have nothing to lose and you will find that there are many people at AA who have been exactly where you are. You may not be an alcoholic but you are heading that way. For your kids - get help now! Take care of yourself.

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betty ferstler Morgantown Pa — Fri, 30 May 2008 19:31:01 GMT

Good for you-I'm glad your talking about women and alcohol.Even if one lady sees your segment and at the very least stops and takes notice could this be a problem I have,she'll see she's not alone and there's an answer even a helping hand out there. Thank You

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janice silanpa,ironwood,michigan — Fri, 30 May 2008 19:36:18 GMT

i was paralyzed in an alcohol related accident in 2006.My husband was at fault.We were comming home from an all weekend party.he fell asleep.we were both airlifted to duluth,minn.with r families being told neither one of us was expected to live.well,almost 2 years later here we both r.scott is serving time for the accident and i plan on educating others on what alcohol and driving will do.we were lucky to live.a couple from canada died as a result of the accident.not a day goes by without thoughts of how that family is coping with the loss of their loved ones.we have many regrets

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Suzanne, Phoenix, Arizona — Fri, 30 May 2008 19:49:02 GMT

I am a woman, and recovering alcoholic. I never drank and drove, and I don't have any children but I want to share that I lost a fantastic career, my home, friends, relationships in a very short period of time. I am lucky to be alive today. The health problems I suffered are largely due to the fact that I am a woman. Late in my drinking career I suffered two seizures and doctors told me that my liver levels were so high that I would die if I consumed another drink. But guess what. I drank again. The insanity of alcohol abuse is very real.

Anyway, again to address the women's issue: I spent 23 years in a very high level position on the East Coast. I was usually the one chosen to entertain clients etc. because the guys in the firm had to get home to their kids etc. "She's attractive, smart, single, no kids so she can go." It was even acceptable in my firm for me to show up at noon because my partners knew I'd been out late with clients at their urging. And so it went for many years until the disease progressed to a point that caused my life to be very unmanageable. I've been fortunate enough to travel all over the world and I remember half of it. Such can be a woman's world.

Today, after two stints in rehab, I am sober and healthy. But that isn't true for everyone. I would like to warn all women out there to be aware of the pitfalls of drinking. My life is much better now without alcohol.

I hope this helps someone out there.

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Dana, Boston ,Ma — Sat, 31 May 2008 01:59:37 GMT

Just have your doctor prescribe a pharma calmer one xanax or valium and life is smoother. Heck even beata blockers will calm you down and they are non addictive and can work similar face it Mom's are looking for a quick escape. If you are going to have a mommimargarita, do it on a day you don't have carpool or have friend pick you and kiddo up in afternoon and have hubby pick you up after work. there is always a way to protect your children and still take care of your needs. Life dosn't have to be a blanket rule of all or nothing moderation and planning can cure many ills.

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Jeon, Phoenix, AZ — Sat, 31 May 2008 02:00:59 GMT

I would like the Today Show to offer moms a solution if they think they have a problem. Most moms can't take 28 days away in rehab or even attend meetings since they have too much stuff to do. Is there online help?

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Tracy Fedele, Post Falls, ID — Sat, 31 May 2008 03:58:18 GMT

I am a classic axample of this syndrome. While pregnant with my first child, we were awarded custody of 2 of my husbands previous children. I quit working when I had my baby(2 yrs ago) and have been a stay at home mom for him, plus a 16 yr old and a 12 yr old. After I stopped nursing, I drank more and more. Now, I consistently drink probably 5 times a week and 6 to 8 beers each night. It is definetly a habit...and it has affected my life in several negative ways but I continue to do it. I truly hate it. Yedt, I still do it. I will go times for 1 or even 2 weeks without drinking and I have NO physical withdrawal effects, it is just the habit that I have created. I do not know what to do.

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Ann, Columbia, MD — Sat, 31 May 2008 11:31:59 GMT

I urge all women who even think they have a problem with alcohol to seek out an AA meeting. The sterotype of an alcoholic is very wrong. You will be amazed at the number of functional upper middle class women who are indeed alcoholics but afraid to even think it. I was one of those women too. I now worry when my 17yr old son goes out to drive. I warn him to be aware of all drivers even the mom totting kids in the back seat. Once again I urge you to seek out help if you find you are trying to calm something inside yourself with alcohol. It will only get worse and bad things will happen. AA can change your life.

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Laurence Prieto — Sat, 31 May 2008 22:50:29 GMT

I am really very amazed that a vast majority of the population still think that men are the dinkers and thus the culprits of drinking and driving. It seems that people are surprised women drink... and do so to greater excess than men. Imagine that, after all those "girls night out" the truth is poking its head out from the behind the minivan! Women are "claiming" their independence with being 'cougars', thinking that 50 is the new 40, and 40 the new 30... does it really shock people? It seems that there is a view that a woman would not risk the life of their children or family by drinking and driving but the truth is that is happening and its a drunk soccer mom behind the wheel.