Grey Zone Drinking: For Some, It is Black and White.

Tell Me More

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

Dr. Meyer’s Website

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Dr. Meyer on LinkedIn

Email [e-mail]

Resources

A Cocktail a Day Keeps the Doctor Okay? Nope. On Tell Me More EP009

Shelby Riley on Tell Me More EP020