On this week’s Sober Life Rocks Podcast, we spoke with gray area drinking coach Sarah Rusbatch, whose journey from Scotland’s drinking culture to sober leadership in Australia is inspiring women worldwide to redefine their relationship with alcohol. Her story reminds us that sobriety isn’t just about giving something up—it’s about coming home to yourself.

Growing Up in a Culture That Celebrated Drinking

Sarah grew up in Scotland, where every celebration—from birthdays to ordinary weekends—was marked with laughter, music, and whisky. Watching her parents entertain, she learned that fun and alcohol went hand in hand. By fourteen, she was drinking, and when a classmate told her, “You’re so much fun when you drink,” she internalized the message that alcohol made her likable—a belief that would follow her for decades.

When Drinking Becomes a “Professional Skill”

In London, Sarah’s career flourished, and so did her drinking. One job interview even ended with tequila shots. Alcohol wasn’t seen as a problem—it was networking, bonding, belonging. But over time, what once felt fun began to feel like a trap.

Chasing the Dream Life That Felt Empty

Sarah and her husband eventually moved to Australia with their two kids—sun, balance, and everything she thought she wanted. Yet inside, she felt exhausted and disconnected. Then came mommy wine culture: the memes, the jokes, and the “Mom Juice” glasses that turned self-medication into social bonding. Drinking to “take the edge off” soon became daily routine.

The 21-Day Challenge That Changed Everything

What began as a 21-day alcohol-free challenge to “reset” turned into something life-changing. Within three weeks, Sarah felt clearer, more energized, and more alive. She kept going—100 days—and found herself thriving. She was making more money in her business, sleeping better, and reconnecting with her family. When she eventually gave in to “just one glass,” she quickly slipped back into old habits—and realized the truth: the habit wasn’t gone. It was waiting.

Her “Rock Bottom” Without the Rock Bottom

Sarah didn’t lose her job, marriage, or home. But she was losing her presence—especially with her children. Two moments with them became her wake-up call. She knew she wasn’t showing up as the mom she wanted to be, and that was her breaking point.

Discovering Gray Area Drinking

Through books like This Naked Mind by Annie Grace and Jolene Park’s TED Talk on gray area drinking, Sarah finally had language for her experience. She wasn’t powerless, but she wasn’t free either. That realization led her to train as a Gray Area Drinking Coach, helping women who want to change their relationship with alcohol before hitting rock bottom.

The Fear—and Freedom—of Sharing Her Story

When Sarah shared her story publicly in an Australian newspaper, fear nearly stopped her from publishing it. But a journalist’s reminder—“If one person reads your story and it helps them, isn’t it worth it?”—gave her courage. Within days, 8,000 women reached out. “You told my story,” they said. “I thought I was the only one.” That’s when Sarah realized her vulnerability was her greatest strength.

Living Life Sober Is About Saying Yes

Today, Sarah measures success not by followers or downloads but by impact. “Did I help one person today?” she asks. Her work is about helping women reclaim their energy, confidence, and joy. Sobriety, she says, isn’t just about saying no to alcohol—it’s about saying yes to clarity, connection, and purpose.

Final Thoughts

Sarah’s story challenges the idea that you need to hit rock bottom to make a change. Her path to freedom began with curiosity and courage—and now, she’s helping thousands do the same. Living life sober, she reminds us, isn’t about deprivation. It’s about waking up to your own brilliance.

Stay Connected with Sarah:

• Website: Sarah Rusbatch Coaching
• Instagram: @sarahrusbatch
• Location: Perth, Western Australia

The post Episode 72: Gray Area Drinking Coach Sarah Rusbatch: From Mommy Wine Culture to Living Sober first appeared on Sober Life Rocks.