Grey Zone Drinking: For Some, It is Black and White.
- Grey Zone Drinking: For Some, It is Black and White. Christine Meyer 1:04:23
Conversations around problem drinking are never easy.
So, how might doctors or therapists address the health concerns associated with alcohol consumption without alienating the patient?
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Shelby Riley is the founder of Shelby Riley, LMFT & Associates, a practice based in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania.
On this episode of Tell Me More, Shelby is back to discuss the spectrum of problem drinking she observes in her clients, describing how she differentiates addiction from using alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Shelby explains how she helps clients explore their relationship with alcohol and encourages them to experiment with other tools that fulfill the purpose alcohol currently serves in their life.
Listen in to understand how alcohol can keep us from being authentically present with our loved ones and learn how Shelby frames the conversation in a way that helps clients change their drinking habits for the better!
Key Takeaways
Why so many people increased their alcohol consumption during COVID
The spectrum of problem drinking Shelby observes in her clients
How Shelby encourages her clients to explore their relationship with alcohol and the function it serves
What questions Shelby asks clients who are drinking more than they should
When people are willing to experiment with drinking less (and when they’re not)
How to differentiate addiction from using alcohol as a coping mechanism
The challenge loved ones face in initiating conversations around drinking and why people ultimately have to set limits for themselves
How alcohol prevents us from being authentically present with friends and family
The most difficult conversation around alcohol Shelby has had with a client
Shelby’s advice on developing other mechanisms to fulfill the purpose alcohol serves in your life
Why building a relationship is the first step in helping a patient who’s abusing alcohol
When it’s helpful and appropriate for healthcare professionals to engage in self-disclosure (and when it’s not)
Shelby’s experience with people changing their relationship with alcohol
Connect with Ms. Riley
Shelby Riley, LMFT & Associates
Connect with Dr. Meyer
Email christine@christinemeyermd.com
Resources
A Cocktail a Day Keeps the Doctor Okay? Nope. On Tell Me More EP009
Shelby Riley on Tell Me More EP020
