Understanding My Drinking Habit
The truth is, patterns of excessive drinking are something that often develops gradually over time. For many, including myself, drinking starts as a fun, socially accepted activity. It’s something we do to relax, celebrate, or let loose with friends. But somewhere along the line, it can go from an occasional indulgence to a habit we can’t seem to control. When someone crosses over from a "normal drinker" into a heavy drinker, it becomes challenging to just go back to how things were.
I found myself feeling like I was “white-knuckling” it, constantly trying to moderate and set rules around my drinking, only to find that it wasn’t working. I’d try to force myself to drink less or take breaks, but each attempt felt like an exhausting effort with minimal progress. In fact, sometimes my drinking would get worse, despite all the willpower and planning I put in to try to control it.
It’s Not a Lack of Willpower
One of the hardest things to accept was that my drinking problem wasn’t because of a lack of willpower or discipline. I used to feel ashamed and blame myself, wondering why I couldn’t just cut back like other people. But as I learned more about alcohol use disorder, I realized that binge drinking and heavy drinking are often deeply ingrained in the brain. It wasn’t a lack of self-control that kept me drinking — it was a learned behavior.
Alcohol use disorder isn’t a moral failing or a flaw in character; it’s a pattern that develops in the brain over time. When we drink repeatedly, especially in large amounts, our brains start to adapt to it. Eventually, this habit becomes deeply rooted in the pleasure centers of the brain, to the point where alcohol starts feeling like a “survival need.” That’s why the cravings for alcohol can feel so powerful and why simply deciding to quit or cut back doesn’t always work.
Treating the Root Cause of Binge Drinking
The key to regaining control wasn’t in fighting my desire to drink with more willpower or setting stricter rules. It was in treating the root cause: the changes that had taken place in my brain over years of drinking. Our brains are incredibly adaptive, and as alcohol use progresses, it starts to take priority over other survival needs. The compulsion to drink often outweighs any logical reasoning, making it feel impossible to stop.
For me, the answer was the Sinclair Method, a treatment approach that focuses on rewiring the brain to reduce cravings for alcohol. This method treats alcohol use disorder at its root level in the brain, which was the game-changer for me. With the Sinclair Method, I took a medication that helped to retrain my brain to see alcohol differently, reducing both the cravings and the euphoric effect of drinking. As I continued with this treatment, I started to feel in control again. I experienced fewer cravings, drinking became less compulsive, and it became easier to have alcohol-free days.
Finding Genuine Control
Thanks to the Sinclair Method, I was able to regain control over my drinking. This method wasn’t a quick fix, and it didn’t work overnight, but it did give me the freedom to take control of my life. If you’re struggling with binge drinking and feel like you’ve lost control, know that you’re not alone. Alcohol use disorder is a learned behavior in the brain, and it can be unlearned with the right tools and treatment.
If you want to learn more about the Sinclair Method and how it works, click here. At Thrive, we provided a private online program centered around this treatment. Remember, getting back in control of your drinking is possible, and it starts with understanding that you’re not at fault. Your brain adapted to a habit that took time to form — and with the right support, you can find a way to break free from it.
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.
