Miranda From ‘And Just Like That’ Wasn’t The Only One Drinking Too Much

The “Sex and the City” reboot “And Just Like That” went viral after an episode broached the topic of alcohol abuse. Many moms and women overall felt an uncomfortable yet familiar connection to Miranda’s character and her increased drinking. This makes sense considering current studies that have pointed out staggering increases in alcohol consumption among women during the pandemic — especially women with children under five years of age. And although increased drinking among women is playfully referred to as the “mommy juice culture,” it’s anything but a laughing matter, and women of color are more at risk of drinking more, developing a substance abuse disorder, and experiencing less than favorable outcomes after seeking treatment.

Just weeks into the premiere of “And Just Like That,” fans were speculating about the sobriety of Miranda Hobbs (a character on the show played by Cynthia Nixon) and if she had developed a drinking problem since the last time we saw her. On several episodes, she appeared groggy, dazed, and at times — as the kids would say — flat out “slapped.” Finally, she came clean and admitted her overindulgence with alcohol and that infrequent nightcaps had turned into daytime trysts with her beloved “purse wine.” But Miranda quickly dismissed her drinking as a non-issue and attributed her behavior as the result of the pandemic. She also shared that her drinking was fueled by an unfulfilling marriage, her recent stressful career transition, and overall displeasure with her life and loss of identity.

Although a fictional character, Miranda’s story sadly reflects the lives of many women wrestling with feelings of complacency, unhappiness, and overall stuckness and have turned to alcohol for comfort or relief. This is why the episode resonated so deeply. Especially with young women and young women of color. Research suggests that traditionally Blacks, Latinos, and Asian Americans tend to binge drink less than Whites. But the pandemic hit like a ton of bricks — turning that statistic on its head.

A new survey by independent, nonprofit research institute RTI International revealed the most significant increases in alcohol consumption between February and November 2020 were among Black and Latinx women — with a 173% and 148% increase. The 323% increase in drinking among young women with children under five is even more alarming. It’s important to note that drinking had been slowly increasing among women over the last few years, but the pandemic added insult to injury. And this is especially true for Black women.

Factors such as exposure to sexism, institutional racism, physical health disparities, the persisting wage gap, and subsequent financial hardship that many Black women face make them at risk of experiencing higher levels of stress and anxiety. All of these factors might push some to find solace at the bottom of a wine glass or a red cup. Making matters worse, the stigma around substance abuse, lack of access to quality health care and medical treatment, and bias and racism toward Black women in the healthcare system make some Black women less likely to seek help. The myth of the strong Black woman also plays a significant role in making Black women more vulnerable to abusing alcohol. Stereotyped tropes of Black women as the accommodating mammy or an angry, aggressive, independent spinster is a tale as old as time and was created by White supremacist culture to further dehumanize and position Black women as the other — unworthy of love, care, or support.

Many members of the Black community have bought into these harmful tropes and harmful expectations of Black women out of necessity. For generations, in response to systemic racism, Black women and Black culture fed into the persona of the “strong Black woman” — a woman who, motivated by service and sacrifice, handles, manages, and overcomes any problem and any obstacle. The syndrome calls on Black women to be the problem-solvers and chief caretakers for everyone in their lives―never buckling, never feeling vulnerable, and never acknowledging or seeking support for pain.

But the truth is: many women seek various ways to find comfort and distraction from their pressure lives, and evidently, alcohol appears to be one of those escapes. However, many women dismiss their drinking because they do not fit society’s profile of an alcoholic — destitute, hopeless, with disheveled hair, slurred speech, and the smell of vodka seeping from their pores. But the truth is the prototype for an over-eater, an alcoholic, or anyone secretly wrestling with addiction does look like us and always has. We are the product of trauma, discrimination, inequity, unrealistic expectations, and oppressive capitalism — all while being told to look prettier, smile wider, work harder, be more congenial — and above all else — never complain.

Women of color have continued to persevere and stand strong, but because they are human, they have had moments where they have sought comfort and release — sometimes, in unhealthy habits. This should not be viewed as a source of shame or guilt. Instead, should view many of our unhealthy behaviors –whatever they may be — for what they are for many women of color. A lapse in judgment in response to living within a system that was never built with our happiness, liberation, or health as the goal. That said, that does not exonerate us from taking responsibility for making unhealthy and harmful decisions. So, as the world reframe the prototype of addiction, we can also remove shame and guilt from our mistakes, properly contextualize the root of addiction, and be courageous enough to take ownership by not allowing White supremacy, a vodka bottle, or even a box of cookies to control our lives.

If you or a loved one is struggling or concerned you might be struggling with substance abuse disorder, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is a tremendous resource. It provides information about recognizing addiction, harm reduction, treatment options, suicide prevention, and more. They also offer a free and confidential helpline (open 24 hours a day) that provides treatment referrals and information for individuals and families facing mental and substance use disorders.