Ten years ago, then 35-year-old Bryony Gordon, a mother of a young child with a successful career and seemingly stable life, found herself in a psychiatrist's office seeking a drug to curb her significant alcohol consumption. She was drinking a bottle of wine nightly, sometimes two, leading to misery, OCD episodes, and depression.
Gordon's attempts to moderate her drinking, which included Googling "how to stop drinking" and exploring medications like naltrexone and Antabuse, were met with a suggestion to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. She recounted feeling incensed by this suggestion at the time, leading her to storm out and continue seeking alternatives to complete abstinence.
The Allure of a 'Miracle Pill'
Recently, Gordon observed a resurgence of discussion around naltrexone, a drug that reportedly blocks reward receptors in the brain, making alcohol less appealing. This medication, sometimes referred to as the "Ozempic of alcohol," has gained traction among individuals who describe themselves as "grey-area drinkers" – a term Gordon suggests may be a modern construct born from the stigma associated with the word "alcoholic."
Gordon noted that while naltrexone can be a valuable tool for those detoxing from serious addictions, it can also be sought as a shortcut to avoid the challenging process of meaningful change. She cautioned that the effects of such pills are temporary, and the underlying desire to drink can re-emerge once the medication is stopped.
She recalled that if she had known the term "grey-area drinker" at the time of her psychiatrist's visit, she would have identified with it. She described herself as having taken a "wrong turn" into excessive drinking due to stress and a busy lifestyle, a situation she now recognizes many people face.
Embracing the Identity of an Alcoholic
Gordon's path to sobriety, which has lasted nearly nine years, eventually led her to rehab. There, she was told she had "alcohol-use disorder," a diagnosis she initially found medically palatable. However, when this was explained as another term for alcoholic, she realized the futility of resisting the label.
Despite the negative connotations many associate with the word "alcoholic," particularly women who may not wish to be defined by it, Gordon found liberation in embracing the identity. She stated that by accepting herself as an alcoholic who cannot drink, she has been able to be a mother, wife, employee, and a contributing member of society.
Gordon acknowledges that "grey-area drinkers" may exist, but suggests that many who identify as such might be in a state of denial. Ultimately, she emphasized that while terminology may vary, the crucial aspect is knowing that individuals struggling with alcohol are not alone and that seeking help is valid.