STAT+: Treatment for alcohol addiction is undergoing a seismic shift. Many say it’s overdue

STAT PlusThe Deadliest Drug Treatment for alcohol addiction is undergoing a seismic shift. Many say it’s overdue Alcoholics Anonymous has helped millions but for many others proved too rigid on medication and moderation By Lev FacherMay 14, 2026 Lev Facher[email protected]Lev Facher covers the U.S. addiction and overdose crisis.

Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article All Jillian wanted was to regain control of her drinking. At 38, she knew alcohol had already cost her a marriage and begun to threaten her career. What had started as typical college-age shenanigans had morphed into regularly overindulging at professional happy hours, and eventually into an all-day urge to drink.

Most days, a bottle of vodka journeyed from standing full in a cabinet to laying empty in a recycling bin. Advertisement “I got to the point where I said: Holy shit, I can’t stop on my own,” Jillian said. Her boyfriend was at a loss.

Her therapist’s harm-reduction tactics helped at times, but the relapses kept coming. And while her family doctor encouraged her attempts to cut back, he never prescribed medication that might help. In the end, Jillian took the only path she knew: She sought a local Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.

But the mutual help group didn’t do the trick, either. She found the programming too God-centric and the messaging about achieving sudden, permanent abstinence unrealistic. At several points, men aggressively pursued her and other women there, offering rides home or seeking their phone numbers under the guise of mentorship.

When she did find camaraderie, it was with other attendees who met up after meetings to drink at a nearby bar. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts.

Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%!

2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In addiction, chronic diseases, Mental Health, public health, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Lev Facher Addiction Reporter Lev Facher covers the U.S. addiction and overdose crisis.

Recommended The Deadliest Drug May 13, 2026 STAT Plus: A new kind of liver crisis is emerging in the U.S. The American diet is to blame The Deadliest Drug May 12, 2026 STAT Plus: Despite its toll, alcohol is still an awkward subject in the doctor’s office Advertisement The Deadliest Drug May 12, 2026 STAT Plus: Alcohol is wreaking havoc on U.S. public health.

American society looks the other way The Deadliest Drug May 12, 2026 6 takeaways from STAT’s investigation into the U.S. alcohol epidemic Subscriber Picks