Sarah Rusbatch, an Accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach and author, discusses gray area drinking and its impact on health. They explore the challenges of creating a life not centered around alcohol, highlighting the importance of balance and well-being. The podcast delves into alcohol's unique effects on women's health, emphasizing the need for moderation and finding joy in activities like dancing to maintain a fulfilling life.
Gray area drinking encompasses regular alcohol consumption without dependency, affecting 3 billion globally.
Alcohol can have severe health impacts on women, linked to illnesses like breast cancer and worsened menopausal symptoms.
Deep dives
Understanding Gray Area Drinking
Gray area drinking describes the space between occasional drinking and physical dependency on alcohol. It represents individuals who drink regularly but not daily. This category includes a significant portion of the population, estimated at 3 billion people globally. Sarah Raspach, an accredited gray area drinking coach, breaks down gray area drinking on a scale of one to ten, ranging from occasional drinking to full dependency.
Health Impacts of Gray Area Drinking
Gray area drinking can have significant negative impacts on women's health. Women metabolize alcohol differently than men, making them more vulnerable to its health effects. Recent studies have linked alcohol to 60 acute and chronic illnesses, with one in five breast cancer cases attributed to alcohol consumption. Additionally, alcohol can exacerbate anxiety, disrupt sleep, and increase hot flushes, especially as women age.
Strategies for a Fulfilled Life without Alcohol
Transitioning away from gray area drinking involves shifting mindset from lack to abundance, focusing on the benefits of sobriety like better sleep and increased energy. Addressing underlying reasons for drinking, such as boredom, stress, and loneliness, is crucial. Engaging in new hobbies, activities, and social interactions can replace the role alcohol once played in providing relief. By exploring fulfilling alternatives and embracing positive changes, individuals can find joy and vitality in life beyond alcohol.
Heard of grey drinking? Well, it’s very common, particularly among women. Accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach and author Sarah Rusbatch discusses it, its impact on our health and how to create a life that doesn’t revolve around alcohol.
WANT MORE FROM SARAH?
For more on Sarah’s book Beyond Booze (Murdoch Books, $34.99) see here. You can catch her @sarahrusbatch, via her site here, or jump onto her Facebook group, here.
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