Grey area drinking (GAD) refers to a pattern of drinking behavior that falls somewhere between social drinking and destructive drinking. While it can be hard to pinpoint precisely where harmless social drinking ends and potentially problematic grey drinking begins, it is an easy line to cross. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines heavy drinking for men as four drinks on any day or 14+ drinks a week and for women as three drinks on any day or 7+ drinks a week. The subtle signs of grey area drinking can be hard to detect, but once you know what to look for, you can assess whether you or a loved one has a legitimate problem.
Women’s Recovery in Colorado offers an alcohol addiction treatment program that may offer the best chance of stopping grey area drinking from becoming a dependency or an addiction. Call 833.754.0554 today if you or another woman in your life shows subtle signs of grey area drinking.
5 Subtle Signs of Grey Area Drinking
Because there is no hard and fast rule for what constitutes grey area drinking, it can be difficult to pinpoint when someone has crossed into this murky, potentially problematic level of alcohol consumption. Here are five subtle signs of grey area drinking:
1. Drinking More Than You Planned
When a person plans to have one or two drinks with dinner but then keeps going past the original plan, this could be an indicator of grey area drinking.
2. Feeling Guilty After Drinking
Guilt is a natural feeling when someone regrets something they did while drinking. However, if guilt becomes a feeling of regret after every drinking session, this could be an indicator that the person has crossed into grey area drinking.
3. Hiding Alcohol Consumption
People who drink in secret or try to hide how much they have been drinking may have crossed into grey area drinking and should consider seeking help from a professional treatment program.
4. Neglecting Responsibilities
If a person starts neglecting their responsibilities and blaming it on drinking, this could be an indicator of grey area drinking.
5. Blacking Out
Memory loss caused by excessive drinking can be another sign of grey area drinking, as well as a symptom of alcoholism or addiction.
If you or someone you know has experienced any of these signs of grey area drinking, it may be time to consider speaking with a professional. Women’s Recovery in Colorado offers an alcohol addiction treatment program to help people get back on track and stop their grey area drinking from becoming an issue.
How Can A Grey Area Drinker Recover?
The first step to recovery is recognizing there is a problem and seeking treatment, if necessary. For some, simply analyzing their relationship with alcohol and assessing the negative consequences might be enough to give them perspective and allow them to alter their drinking habits. For others, no amount of introspection will convince them they have a problem—it may take a particularly negative event such as a DUI or loss of a job to convince them they need professional help.
With the right professional treatment program, individuals who engage in grey area drinking can find help. Professional treatment centers offer personalized care tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs to achieve long-term sobriety and prevent relapse. Treatment includes individual and group counseling, medication management, and aftercare planning. Individuals can gain the support they need with the right program to take back their lives.
It is important to remember that grey area drinking can easily become a destructive habit or lead to dependency or addiction if left unchecked. With proper care, individuals who engage in grey area drinking can make positive lasting changes and regain control of their lives.
Contact Women’s Recovery in Colorado Today
If one or more of the cherished women in your life are showing subtle signs of grey area drinking, seek professional help from Women’s Recovery. Our compassionate, professional staff offers an alcohol addiction treatment program and continuing aftercare support. Call today at 833.754.0554 or contact us online.
