ARE YOU A GREY AREA DRINKER?
We were lucky enough not to have any major addiction issues in our household growing up, however, there certainly was alcohol consumed and from memory, it was daily. When my father came home from work, he would stand in the kitchen with my mother and pour them both a drink while they unpacked their day and addressed any issues whilst listening to either Frank Sinatra or Shirley Bassey in the background. There was certainly wine on the table for dinner and on the odd occasion and especially if we had visitors a glass of port was on offer.
Recently, I stumbled upon the term "Grey Area Drinking," and it piqued my interest. As a therapist, I couldn't help but reflect on my own experiences and upbringing, wondering how learned behaviours and societal norms around alcohol might have influenced my relationship with it.
Grey Area Drinking, as I discovered, is a nuanced term that encapsulates a middle ground between social drinking and problematic alcohol use. It's a spectrum where individuals may not fit the criteria for alcohol use disorder but find themselves questioning their drinking habits and their potential impact.
I questioned if I turned to the occasional glass of wine for relaxation or celebration. I certainly knew it wasn’t a coping mechanism, however on rare occasions, I would enjoy a glass of wine whilst cooking up something delicious with the music blaring in the background and perhaps the odd glass of wine with dinner. I certainly don’t miss it if I don’t drink. I usually drink socially, but not a lot as I am usually driving.
Reflecting on family gatherings and social events or having people for dinner, I recognised how alcohol had seamlessly integrated into our celebrations. It made me ponder whether my relationship with alcohol was shaped by societal norms and learned behaviours from my upbringing.
So, after taking the quiz, the revelation that my drinking habits warranted introspection surprised me (my score was a 9!). I hadn't considered myself a Grey Area Drinker. It highlighted the importance of being aware of our habits, questioning societal norms, and understanding the emotional and psychological aspects of our relationship with alcohol.
The journey into the realm of Grey Area Drinking became a personal exploration. It reinforced the significance of self-reflection and mindfulness when it comes to our behaviours, especially those surrounding alcohol. Navigating the grey area involves acknowledging the subtleties, understanding the influences, and making informed choices that align with our well-being.
I must admit this quiz has prompted me to approach discussions around Grey Area Drinking with a heightened sense of empathy and personal understanding. It's a reminder that, just like my clients, I too am on a journey of self-discovery, constantly learning and growing.
If you want to know what shade of Grey you are, take my quiz below. It may surprise you. It certainly surprised me!
If you feel that alcohol is your go-to for stress, overwhelm, boredom, loneliness or as a coping mechanism in social occasions and affects your relationships, it might be time to have a closer look. If you need help, email me to organise a complimentary 20-minute consultation.