Episode 50 | The Diary of a Grey Area Drinker - Choosing Life without Alcohol

In this deeply personal episode of What Would They Say, we step into Megan's real-time experiment - one that questions not just alcohol, but the habits we rarely examine.

This is not a rock-bottom story. There are no dramatic turning points or life-altering consequences. Instead, it’s the story of a “grey area” drinker - someone whose relationship with alcohol looks normal on the surface, but no longer feels aligned underneath.

Through an honest reflection on habits, social conditioning, and the subtle creep of routine, we explore how alcohol can shift from celebration to default. This episode unpacks how something that once felt like a choice can quietly become a pattern that no longer serves.

Blending personal storytelling with science, we dive into the research behind alcohol’s impact on the brain and body, especially for women, and why moderation doesn’t work for everyone. Inspired by voices like Sarah Rusbatch, Jolene Park, Catherine Grey and Andrew Huberman, this episode reframes the narrative.

At its core, this is a “scientific experiment”: what happens when alcohol is removed entirely? What replaces it? And what becomes possible in its absence?

This episode isn’t about telling you what to do. It’s about normalising a different choice. One rooted in presence, self-trust, and the possibility that life might feel richer, clearer, and more intentional on the other side.

Kessler K10 Test

The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (often called the K10) is a simple questionnaire used to measure a person’s level of psychological distress.

It asks 10 questions about how often you’ve felt things like nervousness, hopelessness, restlessness, or fatigue over the past 4 weeks. Each response is scored, and the total gives an indication of your mental wellbeing.

The higher the score, the higher the level of distress:

Low scores = likely well
Moderate scores = mild distress
High scores = possible anxiety or depression

It’s not a diagnosis, but it’s a helpful screening tool to identify when someone might need extra support or a deeper mental health assessment.

Take the K10 Test Now

Get Help

There isn’t just one “right” path - some people prefer anonymous helplines, others thrive in group settings, and some need medical or therapeutic support. The important thing is that help exists at every stage, whether someone is just questioning their habits or ready to make a big change.

In Australia

National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline for free, confidential 24/7 phone support (1800 250 015) with counselling, advice, and referrals.

Counselling Online (Alcohol & Drugs) for 24/7 online chat and email support with qualified counsellors - great if you don’t want to call.

Alcoholics Anonymous Australia for peer-led support groups with regular meetings across the country.

SMART Recovery Australia for evidence-based group program using practical tools (like CBT) to change habits.

Internationally

Alcoholics Anonymous (International) for worldwide network of free peer-support meetings (in-person and online)

SMART Recovery (International) for science-based recovery meetings available globally (online + local groups)