Gray area drinking is hard to define and diagnose. We have been working with only two possible narratives around people that consume alcohol; either you are an alcoholic, or you are not an alcoholic. There has not been a third, fourth, or fifth narrative for those drinking alcohol. That's where gray area drinking comes in! Gray area drinking includes those people who do not feel like they are alcoholics but do drink more often and in larger quantities than they want or feel healthy and balanced. They enjoy a glass of wine or bottle of beer after work but end up drinking much more and falling asleep on the couch. Some gray drinkers determine it is best for them only to drink alcohol one or two times per week but end up drinking five or six nights. They have not paid the same degree of consequences in their life that alcoholics have and are acutely aware that this is not the best they can be doing for themselves and the people that matter most. Gray area drinkers want more from life and do not think going to rehab or A.A. makes sense.
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3 results for tag: COVID TRauma
How Sobriety Strategies Can Help Anxious People Reenter Society After The Pandemic
This article on how strategies that work for recovering alcoholics and addicts may help people who are choosing to return to their lives pre-pandemic. The basic recovery principles of accepting what is true right now, creating and sticking to a plan, identifying feelings/emotions, connecting with community and gratitude are the cornerstones of recovery. For my first few yers they were vital to my survival. Today, they are a natural part of my life expressed in ways that are more representative of who I am now.
I encourage you to be patient with yourself and allow space for the more challenging feelings and emotions you may experience like anxiety, distance, overwhelmed, panic, anxiousness, depression and possibly wanting to hide under the covers. For most people, these emotions will be temporary. Let your friends and family know what you are going through if that feels safe. I highly recommend having some fun, plain-old simple fun! Laugh and play as often as you can! Just because you are re-entering society does not mean you have to consume more alcohol/drugs than you know is good for you. Fun is the goal, not another form of numbness or reason to feel isolated. The principles below may be helpful guides for you as you expand your world to your specific needs and wants.
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COVID Care For Self – Our Brains Are Responding
COVID care is important. Our brains and bodies have new processes to consider and respond to. I imagine this might be similar to those we are living in a new war zone. Their brains and bodies have to adapt to a new version of life. There are many exceptional neurologists and social science researchers doing great work in informing us of how these events effect our brains and emotions. I find the information very helpful for the clients I work with and my own experiences personally. I have been mindful about COVID care and making sure I acknowledge that I should NOT be feeling how I typically do with so much change and uncertainty....
What Is Gray Area Drinking and What Can I do About it?
First Degree Reiki Training on April 20 & 21!
I am offering a First Degree Reiki Training on April 20 & 21! I invite you to view more info here.
Online Lunchtime Meditation Practice Tuesdays and Thursdays!
I am incredibly excited about offering online lunch meditation practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:15-12:45 (Eastern Time)! This is a drop-in practice; you do not need to register or sign up if you want to participate. No previous meditation experience is necessary! For more info and a Zoom Link, click here.
Online Counseling & Coaching!
I now provide Online Counseling & Coaching. For more info.
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