What is a “Gray Area Drinker” and How to Know If You Are One

If you’re like me, you’re always on the go. As a mom of three, I’m always making sure that my kids have everything that they need. So our home was always busy. From the outside looking in, no one would ever know that I was questioning my drinking that I was enjoying after we had put the kids to sleep.

What Are Gray Area Drinkers?

 While people believe you either drink or you don't, there is a middle ground that we often forget about. Gray area drinking is the space where most people who enjoy alcohol live. We tend to limit ourselves to one glass, but maybe we finish the whole bottle instead.

We may even carry on conversations with ourselves while we drink. We might even stop drinking for months, years even, only to come back and find ourselves in the same position with our drinking. 

I am by no means someone who cannot go a day without alcohol, but there were times in my life when the wine glass was calling my name. For example, I would be frustrated at night when the bedtime routine took a bit longer than most, as it was cutting into "me time"—or, as I recognize it now, "mommy wine time."

How Do You Know If You Are A Gray Area Drinker?

There are a few signs that you can identify that will tell you if you are a likely gray area drinker. Here are just a few that are easily identified with gray area drinkers:

·       No outward struggles with drinking, but you struggle internally with your drinking

·       You have silent discussions and concerns about your drinking

·       You try for moderation but end up going a little beyond your "one glass."

·       You stop drinking for an extended period only to restart again

·       You realize that your drinking might not be helping you in your current lifestyle

If you struggle with a few of these situations in your own life, you are not alone. I've struggled with it, and I guarantee you know many others in your life who silently struggle with gray area drinking.

What Do I Do If I Know I Am a Gray Area Drinker?

There are a few things that you can do right away if you believe you are a gray area drinker. First, you can consider how you can create new habits and routines. Jolene Park and Annie Grace talk a lot about this, as they share great tips on reducing cravings and anxiety by supporting our bodies better! Next, ask yourself these questions: What can you do today to help you formulate better habits to live your best life? What would allow you to feel best every day?

If you are questioning if you are a Gray Area Drinker and you need help identifying your drinking habits and challenges, let's chat, friend! I am a This Naked Mind Certified Coach, and I help women make positive changes in their lives so they can be happy, present, and good role models for their children.