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'''Mother's Little Helper''' is a term that gained popularity in the 1960s, primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom, to describe a range of [[psychotropic drugs]], particularly [[benzodiazepines]] such as [[diazepam]] (Valium), which were prescribed to housewives to help them cope with the stresses of daily life and motherhood. The term was popularized by the [[The Rolling Stones]] in their 1966 song "Mother's Little Helper," which critiqued the growing trend of prescribing these drugs for issues related to domestic unhappiness and anxiety.

==Background==
During the 1950s and 1960s, the role of women in society was predominantly centered around the home, with societal expectations emphasizing the importance of being a perfect housewife and mother. This period saw a significant rise in the prescription of benzodiazepines to women, as these drugs were marketed as a safe and effective solution for anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. The term "Mother's Little Helper" emerged as a colloquial expression that underscored the reliance on these medications to manage the pressures of domestic life.

==Pharmacology==
Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter [[gamma-aminobutyric acid]] (GABA) at the GABA_A receptor, which results in sedative, hypnotic (sleep-inducing), anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties. While these drugs were effective in providing short-term relief from anxiety and stress, their long-term use was associated with risks such as dependency, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.

==Cultural Impact==
The song "Mother's Little Helper" by The Rolling Stones brought widespread attention to the issue, highlighting the societal pressures on women and the increasing dependence on prescription drugs as a coping mechanism. The song's lyrics reflect a critical view of the medicalization of women's issues and the potential dangers of drug dependency.

==Controversy and Legacy==
The widespread use of benzodiazepines and the term "Mother's Little Helper" sparked a debate about the medicalization of everyday life and the social pressures faced by women. It also raised concerns about the ethics of pharmaceutical marketing and the long-term health impacts of these drugs. Over time, the awareness of the risks associated with long-term use of benzodiazepines has led to more cautious prescribing practices and a greater emphasis on non-pharmacological approaches to managing stress and anxiety.

==See Also==
* [[Benzodiazepine dependence]]
* [[Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome]]
* [[Feminism in the 1960s]]
* [[The Rolling Stones]]
* [[Societal views on drugs]]

[[Category:1960s]]
[[Category:Drugs]]
[[Category:Culture]]
[[Category:Pharmacology]]

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Mother's Little Helper - Revision history

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