I Drank A Bottle of Wine Every Night, Here's How I Finally Escaped the Cycle

If you’ve ever found yourself in the endless loop of pouring just one more glass of wine every night, 🍷 then this article is for you – and it might just change your life. 

Countless people – successful, "normal" everyday people – are stuck in an unhealthy relationship with alcohol and aren't sure how to get out.

It leaves us wondering, "Am I drinking too much?" "Is my drinking normal?"

I'd like to share my 10-year struggle with alcohol. I was drinking so many bottles of wine each week that I was embarrassed to put out my recycling. Eventually, I broke free from this unhealthy habit without quitting alcohol entirely or even leaving my house. I kept drinking, but I learned to drink less. Let me tell you how.

In this article, I aim to:

1. Reassure you that you're not alone – I once wondered if drinking a bottle of wine nightly was normal.
2. Explain that this issue can affect anyone and doesn't define you.
3. Share how I managed to cut back on drinking and regain control without quitting entirely, using a method called "The Sinclair Method."
4. Highlight that this treatment is private, can be done at home, and won't disrupt your life (discretion is important to many of us with this issue).

Let's jump in.

The Not-So-Fun Spiral

Let me start at the beginning. There was a time when having a couple of glasses of wine on occasion was no big deal for me. But as time went on, those occasional drinks turned into a nightly necessity, with a bottle of wine (or more) becoming my routine. Not exactly something I was proud of. Every time I tried to cut back, it felt like trying to climb a mountain in flip-flops – impossible and frustrating. I dreaded the idea of being labeled an "alcoholic" or giving up alcohol completely, so I was desperately searching for a middle ground.

I made a quick video to illustrate my daily drinking routine...maybe you can relate? 🔄👇

Trying (and Failing) to Moderate My Drinking

I didn't want to quit drinking forever; what I wanted was more control when I drank – an "off-switch" for alcohol. I tried to moderate my drinking countless times, but I failed miserably. Each attempt began with good intentions, but I was always preoccupied with thoughts of alcohol. Once I started drinking, it was incredibly difficult to stop. My mind would fixate on having just one more glass, and before I knew it, I'd finished the bottle. It felt like a losing battle, and no matter how determined I was to cut back, I found myself stuck in the same cycle over and over again.

Then something happened that would forever change my life.

Lightbulb Moment: Discovering the Sinclair Method

In July 2017, while I was deep down the YouTube rabbit hole looking for answers to my drinking problem, I stumbled upon a TEDx talk by an actress named Claudia Christian. She spoke about overcoming her own alcohol issues using a little-known treatment called "The Sinclair Method." The Sinclair Method uses Naltrexone, a medication that’s affordable, non-habit-forming, and most importantly, doesn’t require total abstinence from drinking.

I had no idea there were methods to help people drink moderately. All I'd ever heard about was quitting alcohol entirely. Honestly, it sounded too good to be true, but something inside me knew I had to try it. It seemed like the perfect solution for someone like me who wasn’t keen on quitting but wanted to drink less and regain control.

How It All Works

Following the Sinclair Method, I was to take a Naltrexone pill one to two hours before my first sip of alcohol. This little wonder drug blocks the buzz or "euphoric" effects you usually get from drinking, which over time, reduces your desire to overindulge. It’s like going on a diet but still getting to eat your favorite cake, just not wanting the whole thing in one sitting. My drinking went from a must-have ritual to a “meh, maybe I’ll have a glass or two.”

Believe me when I say I tried to drink moderately countless times before discovering this treatment. It never worked. I'd always set the intention for "just a couple of glasses," but inevitably, I would blow way past that.

But the Sinclair Method was different. Over time, my control over alcohol became effortless, not something I had to force.

Why We Over-Indulge & How the Sinclair Method Helps Us Regain Control Over Alcohol

One thing I learned through this process is that when we experience alcohol use disorder – it's a function of changes that have happened in our brain. 🧠 And this can happen to almost anyone.

The brain can develop alcohol use disorder because it learns to crave the pleasure alcohol provides. When you drink, especially on a regular basis, your brain releases dopamine, which makes you feel good. Over time, your brain starts to link that good feeling with drinking, encouraging you to drink more often. As you continue, your body builds up a tolerance, needing more alcohol to get the same effect. This can happen to anyone, no matter who you are, because everyone's brain works the same way. What might start as a simple habit can slowly turn into a problem, making it hard to control your drinking without even noticing it happening.

The Sinclair Method helps reverse alcohol use disorder inside the brain. This happens because when naltrexone is taken before drinking, it blocks some of the reward reinforcement from alcohol. Over time, as this process is repeated, the brain essentially "unlearns" the addiction, allowing the person to regain control over their drinking.

My Journey to Freedom

For me, adopting the Sinclair Method was more than just popping a pill; it was about reshaping my entire outlook on drinking. Slowly but surely, my craving for the nightly wine rendezvous started to dwindle. I found myself enjoying life’s other pleasures more and not relying on wine to be the highlight of my evening. This method gave me the reins to steer my drinking habits in a direction I was happy with, without feeling like I was missing out.

What I loved most about the Sinclair Method was its gentle approach. I used to struggle, "white-knuckling" my way through controlling my drinking, constantly feeling like I had to force myself to maintain control. But with this treatment, I gradually became the "normal drinker" I always wanted to be.

Here's some major changes I saw in myself with this treatment:

• I could open up a bottle of wine on a Monday evening and trust that I wasn't going to finish the whole thing – instead, I could enjoy one or two glasses and put the cork back in.
• I'd go out for drinks with friends, without the need to continue drinking when I got home.
• I stopped blacking out and having hangovers.
• My mental preoccupation and thoughts about drinking just started to fade away.
• I was no longer ashamed of my drinking or hiding it from loved ones.
• I could trust myself again with alcohol. I knew over-drinking was a thing of my past.

Essentially, alcohol just became unimportant in my life....and I got back in control of my drinking. And this was LIFE CHANGING in ways that I could have never imagined. 🙌

Starting Your Journey to Freedom

If your nightly glass of wine has turned into a bottle (or more) and you’re looking for a way out, the Sinclair Method might just be your ticket to freedom. My transformation from a bottle-a-night (or more) drinker to someone who could enjoy a couple of glasses on occasion is proof that there’s hope. I’ve dedicated myself to spreading the word and helping folks like you find their way out of the cycle.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SINCLAIR METHOD >

You have Options

Escaping the grip of daily wine drinking is totally within reach. The Sinclair Method is a compassionate, science-backed route to gaining back control and redefining your relationship with alcohol.

Ready to Start Your Own Sinclair Method Story?

• Get Curious: Dive into more about the Sinclair Method and its wonders
• Access the Medication: When you join our program we'll refer you to expert telehealth docs for Naltrexone
• Vision Board It: Think about what you want your alcohol relationship to look like
• Find Your Tribe: Link up with our awesome community and program for support
• Embrace the Journey: Give yourself grace and time to see the change.

No matter which path you choose, I hope you find total and lasting freedom from problem drinking so that you can live your best life! 🎉

Medical Disclaimer: This content is not for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a healthcare professional for any medical concerns. Do not ignore or delay seeking medical advice based on what you read here.