Gray Area Drinking founder Jolene Park faces the camera with arms crossed

My Story...

Hi! I’m Jolene.

I once drank the way many people do, using alcohol to unwind and quiet my mind at the end of the day. But in 2014, after countless stops and restarts, I decided to quit for good.

My story doesn’t include a dramatic rock-bottom moment or a dark episode of drinking. Instead, I came to a simple yet powerful realization: the way I drank wasn’t working for me.

One glass of wine could easily turn into two, three, or, let’s be honest, the whole bottle. I wasn’t an every-now-and-again drinker, and I wasn’t an end-stage drinker. I was somewhere in between—a space I call Gray Area Drinking.

Society tends to overlook this kind of drinking, yet it affects countless people who are questioning their relationship with alcohol but don’t fit the traditional label of “an alcoholic.” Even if you don’t see yourself as this type of drinker, chances are someone close to you, a friend, a sibling, a colleague- is navigating Gray Area Drinking.

Why Traditional Approaches Fall Short

Simply focusing on a 30-90 day quit process or relying solely on cognitive approaches isn’t enough. Gray Area Drinkers need comprehensive, body-based strategies not just to quit, but to truly thrive in sustaining an alcohol free life.

That’s the gap I’ve dedicated my career to filling.

My Approach

I blend insights from neurobiology, somatic experiencing, functional nutrition, epigenetics, polyvagal theory, circadian biology, biochemical individuality, neuroplasticity, and spiritual disciplines to help people break free from the cycle of Gray Area Drinking.

Here’s what that actually means: Instead of just talking about why you drink, we address the underlying physiological factors like neurotransmitter deficiencies that drive cravings and nervous system dysregulation that makes stress hard to tolerate without alcohol. By boosting neurotransmitters naturally and regulating the nervous system through physiology first practices, I’ve helped thousands of people not just quit alcohol, but stay off the drinking merry-go-round for good.

The result? The freedom, clarity, and vitality that come from choosing yourself over alcohol are greater than you ever imagined.

Jolene Park smiling and sitting in a sunlit room

What Makes My Approach Different?

For over 25 years, I’ve been creating innovative solutions in the health and wellness space. My strength lies in connecting ideas from different disciplines to create approaches that actually work—especially for people who’ve been let down by conventional methods.

I don’t just improve existing systems; I build new ones. When I saw that Gray Area Drinkers were being underserved by traditional recovery models, I created a methodology specifically designed for people in this overlooked space.

My approach is inclusive, direct, and science-based, with a splash of tough love—because real change requires real action. I take what’s outdated and make it fresh, practical, and effective.

My Background and Credentials

I’m a Certified Functional Nutritionist (American Academy of Nutrition) since 1999 and a Certified Health Coach (Wellcoaches International) since 2014. This combination of nutritional science and coaching expertise allows me to address both the biochemical and behavioral aspects of Gray Area Drinking.

My education bridges conventional medicine and integrative approaches, including:

Integrative & Functional Medicine Training:

1000+ CEU hours in Integrative Medicine and Functional Nutrition, including specialized training in neurotransmitter imbalances, nutrigenomics, immune dysregulation, hormone and Gi regulation, and disease prevention with leading physicians like Roger Billica, MD, Michael Holick, MD, Mark Houston, MD, and Jeffrey Bland, PhD (2002-2008)
Pre-nursing courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and holistic nursing practices (2002-2004)

Mind-Body & Trauma-Informed Approaches:

The Healers Art Training Program with Rachel Remen, MD – exploring the values of service, healing relationships, and compassionate care (2006)
Certified Yoga Instructor with trauma-informed, somatic training through “Off The Mat Into The World” intensive leadership programs (2008, 2015)
Advanced training with leading trauma and addiction experts, including Bessel van der Kolk, MD (“The Body Keeps The Score” Symposium, 2016) and Gabor Maté, MD (Trauma and Addiction Workshop, 2016)

Holistic & Spiritual Development:

Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry (Levels 1-4) – heart-centered energy therapy for holistic well-being (2002-2004)
CS Lewis Fellows Program – intensive year-long focus on discipleship, spiritual mentoring, and accountability (2022)
The Science of Well-Being, Yale University – evidence-based study of happiness and habit formation (2025)
Duke Divinity School – Theology, Medicine, and Culture graduate program (2026)

Professional Recognition:

In 2021, my Gray Area Drinking Coach Training Program received formal recognition with approval for 30 continuing education hours from three leading organizations:

NAADAC (National Association for Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Counselors)
NBHWC (National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching)
AADP (Association of Drugless Practitioners)

Presentations & Public Speaking

I co-hosted the EDIT: Editing Our Drinking & Our Lives Podcast, which has reached over one million downloads, and have been a guest on 50+ podcasts sharing insights on Gray Area Drinking and alcohol-free living.

Keynote Speaking Engagements:

Gray Area Drinking TED Talk (2017)
Annie Grace Alcohol Free LIVE Event (2019)
Women in Sobriety National Conference (2022)
National CoLAP Conference for Attorneys on Gray Area Drinking (2025)
Charleston School of Law Wellness Panel (2025)
Feeding The Brain Conference (2025)

What Clients are Saying

My Mission:

At the heart of everything I do is a straightforward mission: to help people live healthier, happier lives by rethinking their relationship with alcohol and addressing the root causes that keep them stuck.

I’m passionate about changing the conversation around alcohol and proving that you don’t need to hit “rock bottom” to get support. If you’re questioning your drinking, that’s reason enough to explore a different path.

Let’s Work Together

If you’re ready to break free from Gray Area Drinking and discover what’s possible on the other side, you’re in the right place.