What kind of drinkers do I coach?
I specialise in coaching “Grey Area Drinkers” or GAD for short. I speciaise in this space because that’s exactly what I was several years ago. I didn’t hit any rock bottom but came to recognise that alcohol was having a negative impact on many areas of my life.
So what are “Grey area drinkers”? They’re individuals who fall into a middle ground between social drinking and alcohol dependency. It’s a term coined by Jolene Park and unlike those with severe alcohol addiction, grey area drinkers may not exhibit obvious signs of impairment or experience significant disruptions in their daily lives due to alcohol consumption.
These individuals often find themselves in a grey area because their drinking habits don't fit neatly into traditional categories of "social drinking" or "alcoholism." They may consume alcohol regularly and in larger quantities than recommended, yet they may not experience the severe consequences typically associated with alcohol addiction.
Key characteristics of grey area drinkers include:
Regular Drinking: Grey area drinkers often consume alcohol on a regular basis, sometimes several times a week. While they may not drink to excess every time, their drinking patterns are consistent enough to raise questions about the role of alcohol in their lives.
High Functioning: Many grey area drinkers are high functioning individuals who maintain their responsibilities and commitments despite their alcohol consumption. They may excel in their careers, maintain relationships, and fulfill family obligations, making it easy to overlook the potential risks associated with their drinking habits.
Difficulty Moderating: Grey area drinkers may struggle with moderation when it comes to alcohol. While they may have good intentions to limit their intake, they often find it challenging to stop after one or two drinks and may end up consuming more than they initially intended.
Denial or Minimization: Like individuals with alcohol dependency, grey area drinkers may deny or minimize the extent of their drinking habits. They may rationalise their behavior by comparing themselves to others who drink more heavily or downplaying the negative consequences of their alcohol consumption.
Negative Impact on Health and Well-being: While grey area drinkers may not experience the most severe consequences of alcohol abuse, their drinking habits can still take a toll on their physical and mental health. They may experience issues such as increased stress, anxiety, weight gain, disrupted sleep patterns, and decreased productivity.
Concern from Others: Loved ones and friends may express concern about the drinking habits of grey area drinkers, noting changes in behaviour, mood swings, or an increased tolerance to alcohol. However, these concerns are often met with defensiveness or dismissal by the individual in question.
It's important to recognize that grey area drinking exists on a spectrum, and not everyone who falls into this category will experience the same level of risk or consequences.
Often the spark can happen when instead of asking - “Do I drink too much?” You ask “Would my life look better without alcohol in it?”
My coaching is client led and future looking, we look at the past and present relationship with alcohol only to inform a plan ahead. We’ll look at obstacles and I’ll help empower you to find the right solutions.
Many clients feel terrified at the thought of a life without alcohol but after coaching are surprised with how much head space alcohol has taken, they share how liberated they feel and positive about the future.
I’m passionate about helping others who identify as grey area drinkers because quitting alcohol myself has completely transformed my life and there is no bigger reward than witnessing the same transformational impact in others.
