In this episode, former Free Pressers Andy Mills and Matt Boll delve into the hidden truths of alcoholism. They discuss the alarming rise in alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in countless deaths. Katie shares her powerful journey with a little-known drug, naltrexone, that challenges traditional treatment norms. The conversation critiques the rehab industry and questions the effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous, shedding light on innovative alternatives for recovery.
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Quick takeaways
Alcohol consumption surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in approximately 178,000 alcohol-related deaths—outpacing all drug overdose fatalities combined.
Katie's journey highlights the destructive cycle of alcohol addiction, societal misconceptions, and the difficulty in finding effective treatment methods.
The podcast advocates for broader awareness and acceptance of medications like naltrexone, challenging the dominance of traditional recovery approaches like Alcoholics Anonymous.
Deep dives
The Rise of Alcohol Consumption During COVID
Alcohol consumption in the United States reached unprecedented levels during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a significant increase in drinking reported between 2020 and 2021. In fact, there were around 178,000 alcohol-related deaths within that period, surpassing the total from all drug overdoses, including opioids. This alarming trend reveals a worrying correlation between stress, isolation, and increased drinking habits, leading many individuals toward problematic alcohol use. Despite the severity of the situation, the vast majority of Americans suffering from alcohol issues do not seek help, with less than 6% receiving any form of treatment.
Katie's Journey of Self-Experimentation
Katie openly shares her personal struggles with alcohol dependency, detailing how her relationship with drinking evolved over the years, beginning in her teenage years through adulthood. She recounts her early and reckless drinking, often drinking alone, which eventually morphed into a destructive pattern marked by numerous health crises and hospitalizations. Despite recognizing her problem, attempts to quit via various methods such as Alcoholics Anonymous were largely unsuccessful, leaving her feeling trapped in a cycle of addiction. The episode highlights not only her individual experiences but also the societal misconceptions surrounding alcohol addiction and the stigma often associated with seeking help.
Exploring Alternative Treatments for Alcoholism
The podcast delves into the alternative treatments for alcohol addiction that are less common in the United States, particularly focusing on a drug called naltrexone. This medication works by blocking the pleasurable effects of alcohol, allowing users to drink without the accompanying euphoria and consequently reducing cravings over time. It contrasts sharply with the traditional 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, which emphasize total abstinence and often have low success rates. The conversation underscores the persistence of outdated treatment practices and calls for a more evidence-based approach that includes medications like naltrexone to address alcohol use disorder effectively.
The Ignored Scientific Evidence
Despite a growing body of research supporting the effectiveness of medications like naltrexone, there is a pervasive lack of knowledge and acceptance around these options among both healthcare professionals and the public. The episode highlights how only a small percentage of patients with alcohol use disorder are prescribed medications, primarily due to a culture that privileges 12-step programs over medical solutions. It questions the continued reliance on Alcoholics Anonymous and emphasizes the disconnection between available evidence and current treatment practices. Furthermore, it points to the need for better training and awareness within medical education to improve treatment options for those struggling with alcohol addiction.
Stigma and the Need for Change
Katie's story illuminates the broader societal stigma surrounding alcohol addiction and the challenges faced in promoting alternative treatments. Many individuals remain unaware of the effectiveness of medications like naltrexone, often getting caught up in the prevailing narrative of shame associated with addiction. This stigma discourages honest conversations about alcohol problems and their treatment options, making it difficult for individuals to seek help or discuss their struggles openly. The podcast calls for a shift in cultural attitudes toward addiction, advocating for more inclusive and informed discussions on treatment methods to provide people with the support they need.
Today, we have a special story from two friends and former Free Pressers, Andy Mills and Matt Boll. They have a new podcast, Reflector, that I think you’re going to love, and we’re sharing an episode where they look at some of the hidden truths and misconceptions about alcoholism and how to treat it.
Alcohol consumption increased more during the Covid years than it had at any time in the past 50 years. In fact, Americans were drinking so much that from 2020 through 2021, there were approximately 178,000 alcohol-related deaths, which is more deaths than from all drug overdoses combined, including opioids.
And yet most Americans with a drinking problem never speak to their doctors about their drinking, and fewer than 6 percent of them receive any form of treatment whatsoever.
Today, a woman named Katie tells the story of her self-experimentation with a little-known but highly effective drug to combat her alcohol addiction.
It’s not only an incredibly moving story of one woman’s journey but it also gets to the bigger question of why these types of medications aren’t widely used in America, and it challenges everything we know about alcoholism and how to treat it.
Check out Reflector wherever you get your podcasts, or by going to reflector.show and becoming a subscriber.
If you liked what you heard from Honestly, the best way to support us is to go to TheFP.com/subscribe and become a Free Press subscriber today.