Grey Area Drinking & Sober Coaching FAQ - Lucy Hemming

Grey Area Drinking & Sober Coaching FAQ

If you're questioning your relationship with alcohol and exploring sober coaching in the UK, you're in the right place. Below, I answer the most common questions I receive about grey area drinking, what sober coaching involves, and how we can work together to create a life you love; without relying on alcohol:

I am here to support you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Grey Area Drinking

  • Grey area drinking is the space between social, moderate drinking and severe alcohol dependence. It's not about being physically addicted to alcohol, but rather about questioning your relationship with it. If you find yourself drinking more than you intend to, using alcohol to cope with stress, or feeling that it's taking more from your life than it's giving, you might be in the grey area. It's a deeply personal experience defined by your own feelings about your drinking, not by a specific number of drinks.

  • Only you can answer that, but a good place to start is by asking yourself a few gentle questions, or booking a chat with Lucy Hemming Sober Coach. Do you set rules for your drinking (e.g., "only on weekends") but often break them? Do you spend time thinking about your next drink, or worrying about your drinking habits? Does alcohol impact your mood, sleep, or energy levels in a way that you don't like? If these questions resonate, it's a sign that exploring your relationship with alcohol could be a positive step. This isn't about a label; it's about your wellbeing.

  • The key difference is typically the absence of physical dependence. People with severe alcohol use disorder (historically called alcoholism) often experience significant withdrawal symptoms if they stop drinking. Grey area drinkers, on the other hand, usually maintain their daily responsibilities; work, family, and social life; but have a persistent, uncomfortable feeling that their drinking habits are not serving their best interests. It's less about physical addiction and more about a psychological and emotional reliance on alcohol.

About Sober Coaching with Lucy

  • Sober coaching is a collaborative, one-on-one partnership designed to support you in changing your relationship with alcohol. As your sober coach, I provide a confidential, non-judgmental space for you to explore your habits, understand your triggers, and build a toolkit of strategies for navigating life without relying on alcohol. It's a forward-looking process focused on creating a life you love, alcohol-free.

  • This is a fantastic question. Think of it this way:

    •Therapy often focuses on healing past traumas and addressing underlying mental health conditions that may contribute to your drinking.

    •AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) is a peer-support group with a specific, structured 12-step program focused on lifelong abstinence from alcoholism.

    •Sober Coaching is action-oriented and future-focused. We don't diagnose or treat addiction, but we work on the 'how'—how to handle cravings, how to navigate social situations, how to build new coping mechanisms, and how to design a joyful, fulfilling life without alcohol. Many of my clients find coaching to be a powerful complement to therapy.

  • Absolutely not. My role is to support your personal goals. Whether you are 'sober curious,' want to take a break from alcohol (like for Dry January), aim to moderate, or wish to stop drinking completely, I am here to provide support. This journey is yours, and my coaching is tailored to your unique path and definition of success.

The Coaching Process & Logistics

  • Our sessions are confidential, supportive conversations held online via video call. In our first session, we'll explore where you are now and what you hope to achieve. In subsequent sessions, we might work on identifying your triggers, developing new coping strategies, setting achievable goals, and celebrating your progress. Each session is tailored to you, ensuring you leave with clarity, confidence, and actionable steps.

  • I offer a range of coaching packages to suit different needs and budgets. The best way to understand the investment is to book a complimentary, no-obligation call with me. On this call, we can discuss your goals, and I can walk you through the options to find the best fit for you. Transparency is very important to me, you can also read more here.

  • Item desIf you're reading this, a part of you is likely ready for a change. You don't need to have all the answers or be certain about your path. The only requirement is a curiosity to explore what life could look like with a different relationship to alcohol. If you feel that gentle pull towards something more, then you are ready to have a conversation.

  • Item dThe first step is simple and completely free. Just click the button below to book your complimentary call. It's a relaxed, confidential chat where we can get to know each other, you can ask me anything, and we can see if we are a good fit. There is absolutely no pressure to commit to anything further.