Alcohol Treatment Without AA: A Modern Medical Approach to Reducing or Eliminating Alcohol Use

A Physician-Led Alternative to Traditional Abstinence-Only Recovery Utilizing Medications To Reduce Alcohol Use

For decades, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and 12-step programs have been the default recovery path for those struggling with alcohol use. But for many, these programs simply don’t fit. Whether it’s the spiritual undertone, the strict requirement of complete abstinence, the shunning of modern medication therapy, or the group format, AA doesn’t work for everyone.

At North Dayton Addiction and Recovery, we offer a science-based, physician-supervised alternative: medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol use disorder, including naltrexone, the Sinclair Method, and cutting-edge GLP-1 medications.These therapies help patients in Ohio and Indiana reduce or eliminate their alcohol consumption—without daily meetings or complete abstinence unless they choose it.

The Sinclair Method and Naltrexone: Retraining the Brain

The Sinclair Method (TSM) is a proven medical approach that uses naltrexone, an FDA-approved medication, to reduce cravings and drinking behavior over time. Patients take naltrexone before drinking, which blocks the brain’s reinforcement of alcohol’s pleasurable effects. Over time, this leads to less desire to drink, less consumption, and—in many cases—eventual elimination of alcohol use altogether.

This method is ideal for patients who want:

• A private, structured medical approach
• To moderate alcohol use or eventually eliminate it
• A treatment option outside of AA

GLP-1 Medications: A New Frontier in Alcohol Reduction

Originally developed for diabetes and weight loss, GLP-1 medications have shown remarkable promise in reducing alcohol cravings and consumption. Early studies and clinical experience suggest that GLP-1s affect the reward centers in the brain, helping patients naturally lose interest in alcohol—without white-knuckling or deprivation.

When appropriate, on an individualized patient bases, we incorporate GLP-1 medications into our alcohol recovery protocols, especially for patients who:

• Struggle with strong cravings
• Have coexisting weight or metabolic health concerns
• Prefer a modern, research-based medical solution

Telemedicine Treatment Across Ohio and Indiana—One Visit a Month

Our clinic provides convenient, low-burden access to alcohol recovery through telemedicine, available across Ohio and Indiana. Most patients only need one telehealth appointment per month, making this ideal for those with work, travel, or family responsibilities.

You’ll receive:

• A personalized treatment plan
• Ongoing medication management
• Monthly virtual check-ins with Dr. Paul Kolodzik, a board-certified addiction specialist with 10+ years of experience

No judgment. No group meetings. Just results. For those who request it, we do suggest options for additional support such as the websites intherooms.org and smartrecovery.com.

Who We Help

This program is especially effective for:

• Professionals who need discretion
• Parents managing family schedules
• Individuals who’ve tried AA and didn’t connect
• Anyone curious about moderation-based alcohol recovery
• Patients ready for a science-backed solution with real outcomes

AA Should Embrace—Not Reject—Medication-Based Recovery

While AA has helped millions, its culture has historically been resistant to the use of medications like naltrexone or GLP-1s. This outdated stance can alienate those who could benefit from a combined approach. As we understand more about the neuroscience of addiction, it’s clear that medications can be a valuable part of the recovery process—not a shortcut or cop-out. We believe it’s time for AA to embrace evidence-based tools and stop shaming those who use them.

Alternatives to AA: SMART Recovery and InTheRooms.org

For individuals who don’t feel comfortable in traditional 12-step programs, excellent alternatives are available:

• SMART Recovery offers science-based, secular support groups focused on cognitive-behavioral tools and personal empowerment.
• InTheRooms.org is an online recovery community with virtual meetings, support groups, and educational resources available 24/7.

These platforms provide flexible, modern support options that can work in tandem with medical treatment—or on their own—for those seeking a different path to sobriety or moderation.

Our Practice Offers a Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Solution

At North Dayton Addiction and Recovery, we integrate the best of modern medicine with the flexibility patients need. Our medication-based treatment plans, combined with support from SMART Recovery, InTheRooms.org, or individualized therapy, provide a highly effective and personalized alternative to AA. Whether your goal is reduced alcohol use or full abstinence, we have the tools and expertise to help you get there.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

You don’t have to go it alone—and you don’t have to go to meetings if they’re not for you.

Visit us at northdaytonaddictionandrecovery.com
Call (937) 504-5702 or email info@northdaytonaddictionandrecovery.com to schedule your first telemedicine appointment.