The AA Backlash | The Current

Welcome back to The Current, your source for the latest news, perspective and resources from Oar Health.

The Oar Perspective: The AA Backlash

Since we launched our latest TV commercial to spread the word about the daily pill to drink less, we’ve heard from thousands of people eager to learn more. Some have already started treatment and begun to drink less or quit entirely.

But there’s one group of people who aren’t so happy to hear our story: some AA members. In a recently published article, our founder Jonathan takes on the backlash, writing:

“I can’t blame people for feeling loyalty to the approach that helped them. AA is an amazing organization with an inspiring track record: millions of people helped across its 90 year history in almost every country on earth — all for free. But it’s counterproductive to insist that there is only one way to recover.”

Read the rest here.

Resource Of The Month: Drink Your Way Sober

Drink Your Way Sober: The Science-Backed Method To Break Free From Alcohol is a new book by journalist Katie Herzog. It's out now! After 20 years of fighting and failing to get sober using abstinence-based methods, she found an evidence-based protocol for targeted use of naltrexone, finally finding a way to take back control over alcohol. The book is a great read for anyone who wants to:

1) Learn more about The Sinclair Method, a protocol for targeted naltrexone use

2) Explore alternatives to abstinence-based programs and understand why addiction treatment has failed to promote them

3) Be inspired by one woman's sometimes painful, sometimes funny, refreshingly honest journey to change her relationship with alcohol.

Member Story: Let Me Out Of Alcohol Jail

"Naltrexone has let me out of alcohol jail.

I've been on this on again off again track trying to get away from the whole boozy scene. Since starting the medication, I have had only two very fleeting moments where I felt that little tug to drink.

It was so fast and didn't linger like before where once the idea to drink came into my brain it would nag me till I went out and bought a bottle of wine. I feel so much happier.

I was worried about starting the medicine because of the side effect of nausea. I could not tolerate that even if it was light. I was so pleased to find that I have had zero nausea or stomach issues.

I hope to get through Christmas without alcohol and my next goal will be to go to the beach this summer and not worry about getting triggered to go back to drinking.

I like this alcohol free life better."

Trustpilot Review, October 3rd, 2025

AUD In The News

What Do We Really Know About Genetics And Alcohol Use Disorder? | University of Colorado

“Why are some people able to give up alcohol with ease, while others struggle for years? … AUD is estimated to be about 50% heritable, meaning genetic factors play a role in developing the disease.”

How Gen Z Is Rewriting The Rules of Sobriety | Slate

“From influencers to #sobertok, a new generation is finding community and support for alcohol use—and bucking once closely held beliefs about addiction.”

You Can Beat Alcohol Use Disorder, Starting Now | Psychology Today

“Medications for use disorders are safe and effective. So why aren't we using them?”

FDA Endorses Drinking Reductions As Valid Clinical Endpoint | University of New Mexico

“Abstinence is absolutely associated with improvements, however, most people who receive treatment or who recover without treatment are successful in reducing their drinking without necessarily achieving total abstinence.”

Few Mental Health Facilities Offer Medications For Alcohol Use Disorder | Psychiatry Advisor

“Few mental health and substance use disorder facilities in the United States offer medications for alcohol use disorder (MAUD) to patients with co-occurring mental illness and alcohol use disorder (AUD), despite the proven benefits of MAUD in reducing alcohol-related harms.”