Do you ever find yourself having a few drinks every now and then, or maybe more than a few? If so, you could be engaging in grey area drinking. Grey area drinking is an increasingly common pattern of alcohol consumption that falls somewhere between social drinking and alcoholism. It’s often referred to as “every-now-and-again” drinking because it involves consuming alcohol on occasion but not necessarily on a regular basis or to excess. When comparing grey area drinking vs. alcoholism, it can be hard to tell where the former slips into the latter.
Women’s Recovery offers numerous addiction treatment programs for a wide variety of substance use disorders, including a professional alcohol addiction treatment program. Call 833.754.0554 for more information.
What Is Grey Area Drinking?
Grey area drinking is an umbrella term for a number of different behaviors related to alcohol consumption, ranging from social drinking to problem drinking. It can refer to heavy episodic drinking (binge drinking) or regular but moderate alcohol intake. Other grey area drinkers may occasionally drink with friends or family, sometimes more than they should.
Grey area drinkers are typically aware that their drinking habits don’t quite align with social norms and may be concerned about the potential effects on their health, relationships, or career. While grey area drinkers aren’t necessarily in danger of becoming dependent on alcohol, they can still cause harm to themselves and others if left unchecked.
Can Grey Area Drinking Be Brought Under Control Without Professional Treatment?
In some cases, grey area drinking can be brought under control without professional treatment. However, it is essential to first identify your own red flags. Are you drinking because you’re bored or sad? Do you feel guilty after a night of drinking? Have family members or friends expressed concern about how much you drink? Answering these questions honestly can help you better understand where you stand in your relationship with alcohol and how best to proceed.
Once grey area drinkers recognize the potential risks associated with their consumption habits, they can take steps to reduce their intake on their own by setting limits for themselves and engaging in healthier activities when the urge arises to drink. Simple lifestyle changes such as exercising more often or taking up a new hobby can also help grey area drinkers to limit their alcohol intake.
However, it is often the case that maintaining these changes for the better requires a professional treatment program and the accompanying support and aftercare of recovery.
What Percentage of Americans Are Grey Area Drinkers?
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, approximately 20 percent of American adults engage in grey area drinking. This percentage is likely higher because grey area drinking behaviors are often underreported and hard to identify.
Grey area drinking may not seem serious enough to warrant professional treatment at first glance. Still, it’s important for grey area drinkers to become aware of the potential risks associated with their habits so they can make informed decisions about how much alcohol they consume. If you or someone you know is struggling with grey area drinking, getting help is essential.
Contact Women’s Recovery in Colorado for Help with Grey Area Drinking
Addiction treatment does not have to be a lonely, isolating experience. Women’s Recovery is committed to providing quality care and support in an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance. Our experienced professionals provide evidence-based therapies tailored to meet each client’s individual needs while promoting self-love and respect along the road to recovery.
We offer a professional alcohol addiction treatment program that can help grey area drinkers learn to manage their drinking in a healthy way. We provide various levels of care and programs designed specifically for women so they can feel comfortable sharing their stories and building meaningful relationships with others on the same journey of recovery. Call us today at 833.754.0554 or contact us online to learn more.
