Reflector

The Sea Change

Apr 30, 2024

Americans are drinking more than ever, but why are effective medications for treating over-drinking not embraced? Katie shares her experience with the drug Naltrexone for alcohol addiction. 12-step programs vs. medical options, with insights from experts. The podcast explores the challenges of incorporating medication in addiction treatment and navigating cultural beliefs. Ground News helps combat media bias. The episode closes with a thank you to listeners and a call for support.

59:32

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Quick takeaways

The Sinclair Method with Naltrexone offers a unique solution by reducing the pleasure of alcohol consumption over time.

The slow acceptance of Naltrexone stems from traditional rehab methods, lack of medical education, and societal attitudes towards alcohol.

Personal accounts show Naltrexone's success in gradually reducing alcohol intake, leading to improved habits and a sense of control.

Deep dives

The Power of Naltrexone in Alcohol Addiction Treatment

The Sinclair Method, using Naltrexone, offers a unique solution to alcohol addiction. By blocking the pleasure from alcohol, it reduces the desire to drink over time. This method challenges traditional abstinence-only models, providing hope for those struggling with alcoholism. Despite skepticism and resistance, Naltrexone proves effective in gradually reducing alcohol consumption.

Intro

3min

Navigating Alcoholism and Addiction Struggles

12min

Struggle with Alcohol Consumption During the Pandemic

2min

Addiction Treatments: Comparing Alcoholics Anonymous and Naltrexone

13min

Exploring the Controversial Sinclair Method for Alcohol Addiction

12min

Navigating Media Bias with Ground News

3min

Challenges and Resistance in Embracing Medication for Addiction Treatment

13min

Closing Remarks and Thank You to Listeners

2min

Why aren’t Americans embracing the most promising medications for treating over-drinking?

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Alcohol consumption increased more during the COVID-19 pandemic than it had at any time in the past 50 years. Even though bars were closed for weeks on end and fewer people were out on the road doing their daily commuting, 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.

Yet, even as we return to 1960’s Mad Men era drinking habits - most Americans with a drinking problem never speak to their doctors about their drinking and less than 6% of them receive any form of treatment whatsoever. 12-step programs like Alcoholic Anonymous remain at the heart of a majority of American rehab programs, even though their “success rate” (which has historically been very hard to study) hovers around the single digits, while there are more effective medical options available.

Why?

On today’s episode, our friend Katie tells the story of her self-experimentation with the drug Naltrexone to combat her alcohol addiction and helps us grapple with why such medications are so rarely used to help problem drinkers in America.

Our thanks to our guests: Addiction psychiatrist Dr. Mark Willenbring and journalist Gabrielle Glaser.

Music in this episode from Cobey Bienart and Peter Lalish

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