In this episode, I’m joined by Karen for an honest conversation about grey area drinking and why so many women find themselves quietly questioning their relationship with alcohol.

Karen shares parts of her personal journey and what led her to become passionate about helping women rethink drinking, raise awareness around grey area drinking, and reduce the shame that often keeps these conversations silent.

We explore how alcohol can shift from something enjoyable to a coping tool, particularly in the context of emotional regulation, nervous system overwhelm, anxiety, and ADHD traits. We also talk about why being “high functioning” can make it harder to recognise when something isn’t serving you anymore.

This conversation isn’t about labels or hitting rock bottom. It’s about self-awareness, curiosity, and understanding yourself with more compassion - and knowing when it might be time to reach out for support.

(00:00) Introduction

(04:52) Meet Karen

(06:39) Understanding grey-area drinking

(12:50) Karen’s personal relationship with alcohol

(17:43) Supporting others through lived experience

(22:33) “Is this me?” - what to do next

(24:15) The story you’re living from

(27:27) Anxiety, hangovers, and mental health

(35:06) Losing - and rebuilding - identity

(40:24) Self-belief and the “I am enough” shift

(47:02) Not feeling like a grown-up: the brain connection

(50:43) Why stopping drinking is often the easy part

🤍 Connect & Follow

INSTAGRAM

Podcast @rhapsodic.podcast

Carmen @busymind.redefined

Guest: @thebossshiftcounselling

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned:

Podcast episodes:

Alexis Fernandez Brain Fact about hangovers
Merie Burton - Managing Stress and Anxiety

If this episode brings up questions or feelings around alcohol, support is available:

• Alcoholics Anonymous Australia
  Free, anonymous peer support through in-person and online meetings
  🌐 aa.org.au
• Alcohol and Drug Foundation – DrugInfo
  Confidential information and support, 24/7
  📞 1800 250 015
  🌐 adf.org.au/druginfo
• Lifeline Australia
  24/7 crisis support
  📞 13 11 14
  🌐 lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue
  Support for anxiety, depression, and emotional distress
  📞 1300 22 4636
  🌐 beyondblue.org.au
• 📩 BetterHelp – Online Therapy Support
  BetterHelp is an online counselling and therapy service connecting individuals with licensed mental health professionals via messaging, live chat, phone, or video - offering support that can be accessed from home. 

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow Rhapsodic, share it with a friend, or leave a quick review - it helps the podcast grow and reach more listeners.

Thank you for tuning in - and as always, remember to keep showing up for yourself. 💛