I Drink Every Night—Am I an Alcoholic? My Experience Gaining Control Over Alcohol

If you drink every night, you might wonder if that makes you an “alcoholic.” I asked myself a similar question: I was drinking too much, but I didn’t feel like an alcoholic. And while I knew I needed to change my relationship with alcohol, the idea of quitting entirely was daunting and felt like an all-or-nothing decision I wasn’t ready for.

For me, traditional programs like Alcoholics Anonymous or rehab didn’t feel like a good fit. They often require complete abstinence from the start, and I was looking for a way to regain control and drink more moderately, not to quit drinking forever. This is something many people can relate to—wanting to cut back but feeling hesitant about the idea of giving up alcohol entirely.

After years of searching for an alternative, I finally discovered a treatment called the Sinclair Method (TSM). Unlike conventional treatments, TSM offers a gradual approach to reduce drinking over time and is designed to tackle the root cause of overdrinking at a neurological level.

What Is the Sinclair Method?

The Sinclair Method is a science-based treatment that allows you to continue drinking initially while gradually reducing your intake. The idea behind TSM is to retrain your brain by taking a medication called naltrexone, an hour before drinking. Naltrexone works by blocking the endorphins or “feel-good” chemicals that reinforce the drinking habit. Over time, this results in less craving and less reinforcement, helping you naturally reduce your drinking.

Does Drinking Every Night Mean I’m an Alcoholic?

The term “alcoholic” can carry a lot of stigma, and not everyone who drinks daily necessarily fits this label. The term Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is used more often now, recognizing that alcohol use exists on a spectrum.

Here’s a quick look at what defines AUD:

• Loss of Control: Difficulty limiting alcohol intake, often drinking more or longer than planned.
• Craving and Preoccupation: Strong urges to drink and spending a lot of time thinking about it.
• Negative Impacts on Life: Drinking affects health, relationships, work, or other important areas.

If drinking every night is interfering in these ways, it might be worth exploring ways to cut back. But it doesn’t mean you need to label yourself in a way that feels stigmatizing.

For me, I knew I wanted to change but didn’t feel quitting forever was necessary. Many people using the Sinclair Method feel the same—they’re looking for a balanced relationship with alcohol, not total sobriety. This method provides a gradual way to regain control by addressing these components without requiring complete abstinence.

Why the Sinclair Method Might Be Right for You

If you’re questioning your drinking habits and wondering if there’s a middle ground, TSM might be worth considering. It’s designed for people who want to change their drinking without the pressure of total abstinence. The method offers a practical and science-backed solution that acknowledges the complexity of Alcohol Use Disorder and allows for a more gradual, manageable approach.

Many people who use TSM find that it not only helps them reduce their drinking but also provides a sense of control that they didn’t have before. The change is gradual, making it feel natural rather than forced. Over time, many experience decreased cravings and are able to enjoy alcohol in moderation without feeling the same urge to overdrink.

The Bottom Line: You Don’t Have to Quit Forever

If drinking every night has you questioning your relationship with alcohol, know that there are options beyond “all-or-nothing” sobriety. The Sinclair Method may offer a solution that helps you cut back while still enjoying alcohol responsibly.

Learning to drink moderately and regaining control is possible, and TSM is a path that acknowledges your desire to change without requiring you to quit drinking entirely. For more information on TSM and how it could help, click here to dive deeper into this life-changing method.

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.