Drink Your Way Sober: The Science-Based Method to Break Free from Alcohol

by Katie Herzog

Discover a revolutionary and evidence-based method to treat alcohol use disorder—that doesn’t require abstinence.

After 20 years of fighting and failing to get sober using abstinence-based methods, journalist Katie Herzog found a simple, inexpensive, and effective way to take control over alcohol.

Part memoir, part guidebook, Drink Your Way Sober shares Herzog’s recovery journey as well her keen observations of drinking and life. She dives into the science and history of addiction treatment to discover why we treat alcohol use disorder the way we do—and why abstinence-based programs like Alcohol Anonymous don’t always work. Through candid first-person reporting, Herzog outlines a simple guide for others
Use an evidence-based protocol to take control of their drinking and break free from cravings Explore alternatives to AA and other abstinence-based programs Gain support from family and friends Reap the benefits of a low-alcohol or sober lifestyle, including improved health, relationships, and mental well-being
Blending humor, heartbreak, and refreshing honesty, Drink Your Way Sober offers a relatable and exhaustively researched account of a transformative approach to recovery with tips on how you can drink yourself sober too.

Genres: Nonfiction, Addiction

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2025

Reviews

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Book was Different. It was Different in a Very Good Way. People with AUD need more options than just AA. I was pleasantly surprised that Katie Herzog gives an honest account of her own journey to Stop drinking and found that using medication. In this case, Naltrexone and following the Sinclair Method. You can drink, but a very important element is you must always take the medication first and wait 1 hour. That is harder than it sounds for someone struggling with addiction. Just doing that step shows motivation and a desire to start changing some habits that may be self-destructive. Yes, you can drink and you will feel a result, but it is blunted, making the high of alcohol diminish. Katie does not demand anyone stops, but over several months that seems to happen or be greatly diminished. I had never heard of this before Method or Medication before. So, really think it’s import to have options and that clinicians, especially General Practitioners be aware of this. There is also a Shot with lasts a month that has shown promise, especially in underserved communities and those lacking access to many of the lifestyle advantages described. At this time, with opening understanding of addiction, I think it is time we looked at more than one program that was written 100 Years ago. The more options available, the more likelihood for success.

It is said that to join AA, the only requirement is the desire to stop drinking. I do not think that honestly captures AA. It is a Christian Religious Group and I think it’s Main Attraction is It is Free, Accessible, and Offers Group Support from Others who have gone down the same path. Yet, The Big Book and 12 Steps, with 1/2 of those Steps mentioning God, do pose a problem for many people. If you are not White and haven’t grown up going to White Christian Church, I do see many issues with AA. It has worked well for many and that is wonderful, just forcing everyone to accept one philosophy is probably not going to be successful.

I enjoyed the narrator, Rachel Perry very much. The book moved quickly and provided information, but did not drag. The only problem I have is that yet another book about addiction comes from a privileged White Person and Yes, she is writing about her experience, but is a Little Tone Deaf to Others’ Experiences. It would’ve been interesting to hear from a BIPOC Woman and their Recovery and How that Path Differs when she gives examples of others recovery.

Overall, highly recommend this Audiobook.

Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for Granting me a Copy of this Book. I always leave reviews of Books I Read.

[Samantha Buller-Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest, at times laugh out loud funny, exploration of Herzog’s own journey with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and her path out of it using naltrexone and the Sinclair Method (TSM). As a person who loves someone with AUD, this book rocked me (evidenced by the fact that I finished it in 3 days despite typically being a very slow reader). I am highly educated, but have never had an awareness that AUD could be treated with medication. I always have assumed abstinence and the 12-step program was the only way out. As Herzog is quick to point out, AA is wonderful and has absolutely worked for many many people, but it doesn’t work for everyone. This important book sheds light on the fact that there are other options available, even though they are not well-advertised. I now consider this mandatory reading for family members and friends who want to support the alcoholics in their life. It might just save somebody’s life. Thank you, Katie Herzog.

[Sam Starr-Baum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been sober for nearly 9 years now, and I did it with AA. I'm the biggest proponent of that method; as a privileged white male it's definitely an organization of, by, and for, people like me. Still, I don't think there should be one exclusive path to rethinking your relationship with alcohol --AA is just one of the many tools in a toolbox I use to manage my sobriety and, by extension, life on life's terms....which is why I'm SO glad Katie wrote this. It was great to learn about TSM. It was even more valuable to know why it isn't more widespread. She did an excellent job of balancing her story with other interviews and solid research. I walked away having read this with an appreciation for the author, her work, and the importance of this approach to AUD.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley, for granting me a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Since everyone else is giving their Full Disclosures, I shall give mine too: I'm a big fan of Katie Herzog and her podcast, Blocked and Reported, and I think she's one of the funniest commentators out there. I also don't drink. So in a way, I came into this both blindfolded and with eager anticipation.

Before I even started the book, I thought the title, Drink Your Way Sober: The Science-Based Method to Break Free from Alcohol, was a questionable one, since it sounds like the type of book that should be written by a clinician, not a journalist-cum-podcaster. And it does read more like a deeply-researched magazine feature than a work of science. Luckily for Herzog, that works in her favor: Drink Your Way Sober is much more accessible than the average psychology book precisely because it's written by a journalist who poured a ton of research into it, rather than a scientist. Herzog writes with a self-deprecation that is at times hilarious and at others surprisingly moving. She also profiles a score of other people who have struggled with alcohol addiction, some who found solace in AA, others who, like Herzog, got their drinking under control via the Sinclair Method, and even a handful who never found their way out.

How well Herzog handles the science is something for the professionals to debate and dissect (which they undoubtedly will), but at least a third of this book is devoted to examining the science behind alcoholism and how the Sinclair Method has helped people like her. She never derides AA, acknowledging that it has helped millions of people but that it doesn't work for everyone. The parts I enjoyed the most were the autobiographical anecdotes that Herzog shared, since those were the funniest parts (sometimes uncomfortably so) and were when her writing shined the most.

Having been a long-time fan of Herzog's podcast, there were some things she left unmentioned that I suspect may have also affected her relationship with alcohol, like getting canceled and spending too much time in the online vortex (and on the flip side, launching a highly successful podcast about both). Her referrals to Facebook and Reddit were also a bit questionable, given how toxic both websites can be and how they have the potential of dating the book within a few years. But those are small potatoes compared to the main objective of this book, which is to get the word out about another way to achieve sobriety outside of AA and white-knuckling. Even as a non-drinker, I think it's safe to say she succeeded.

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit I went into this a bit sceptical: is this method going to be an alcoholic's justification/excuse to keep drinking?
I'm glad to report that no, it was not. Herzog did an excellent job of combining personal experience and scientific research into a very informative and interesting book. She presents many different views on alcohol abuse and treatments, highlights the pros as well as cons of each and, very responsibly, emphasizes that different methods work for different people. What you end up with is an interesting, well-written, cohesive narrative to better inform those who (like me) have only a very limited understanding of alcoholism and had never heard of anything other than AA for recovery.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Lgordo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish Katie had titled this book "Drinking My Way Sober" because everyone who saw me reading it was concerned. It's at as much memoir as self-help book, but I admit I was reading it because I listen to Herzog's podcast. Otherwise I would not have picked it up. That said, I'm glad I did.

I have no known addictions at the moment but am considering spiking my husband's dinner drink with naltrexone so he stops scrolling all night long. Think it'll work?

Seriously though, this book was a quick, light read and I learned a few things about addiction along the way.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quit alcohol several years ago, so I didn't read this to learn the Sinclair method, instead I wanted to hear more about Katie's personal story with alcohol and sobriety, since she's the host of one of my favorite podcasts, Blocked and Reported. This was a different, more vulnerable side of her than I'm used to, and I reallyappreciated hearing what she'd struggled with and how using naltrexone had helped her stop drinking.

I don't think this method is necessarily best for everyone, and I would recommend giving abstinence a concerted effort before trying the Sinclair method, but based on Katie's experience it sounds like it can work really well for some people and I'm really happy to hear of her success. As she details in the book, many people have never heard of this method, including many doctors who prescribe medication like naltrexone, so I hope this book makes its way into the hands of people who need it, whether they are suffering from alcohol use disorder or treating patients with it. For someone who is curious about using the Sinclair method, I think this book would be a very helpful guide along their journey.


I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Katie's work or is curious about the Sinclair method. I listened to the audiobook, and while I wish Katie had read it herself, I thought the narrator was very good, though at a few points maybe didn't completely capture Katie's sardonic tone.

Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the ALC.

[Todd N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it on a plane in about 3 hours. Very short and important book for people struggling with addiction.

[Michelle McGlinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is good and -- for as dense and clinical as the subject matter is -- easy to read. Katie writes in an entertaining, casual voice, and balances the scientific elements with funny anecdotes about her past self and her drinking habits. I think this book is best for doctors (or medical professionals in general) and alcoholics who need a solution that isn't AA. For anybody else, it's a good read, but probably won't change your life. It's definitely helped me to be more mindful and aware of my drinking habits, but because I wouldn't really benefit from naltrexone, most of the book was sort of irrelevant to me. Most of the book is centered around someone who would be using naltrexone, so the skills don't necessarily translate to someone who wouldn't be using the drug. Still, if it at ALL interests you, it's worth reading. You never know who might need the information (including yourself), and being able to share and talk about this drug and concept has been really informative in my conversations with friends. It's a really interesting method, and if you are someone who has an addiction to drinking, it's really worth learning about and understanding how it can be used with success. If you are someone who drinks a little too much but isn't necessarily addicted, it may not be entirely applicable, but will help you understand where you're at, why you might be there, and what other drugs may help you if naltrexone doesn't. I learned a lot about my own drinking habits through this book and was inspired to schedule an appointment with my doctor to talk about solutions for anxiety as a result. I recommend this book -- it's meant for a pretty specific audience, but if that doesn't happen to be you, you'll still likely be able to take good information away from it.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy.
Full disclosure: I work at a treatment center, which utilizes the 12 steps in helping people get sober.
Imagine Doris Day doing an infomercial for Naltrexone, and you'd get the gist of the book. First, there's nothing to be ashamed of Doris Day nor an infomercial; however, I do have some quibble with Herzog's approach. She disses the 12 steps at the beginning without realizing the first section of the Big Book of AA mentions this is the way we were able to get sober, and it is not the only way. Secondly, she lists several studies saying 12-step groups can't be studied and based on observational studies of sobriety, is very limited, which doesn't take into consideration the long-term study from the UK proving 12-step groups are the best way to sustain sobriety. Third, her chapter on relapse reads exactly how many 12-step groups help others stay connected and maintain sobriety, except now it is through a drug. Her tips are to hang on for more time and adjust, which is similar to other recovery programs. That ends my beef.
Now for the positive. I'm a firm believer in harm reduction and for some subsects of people this is the only way to begin the journey towards some semblance of sobriety. With that in mind, hang on to every chapter and word. Personally, I think it would have been better without the 12-step bashing, which eventually turned her into a bit of a hypocrite when she acknowledges to finding comfort within the rooms. Include more stories. This is a way to help someone who has leveled up to where alcohol now has them. In fact, within the treatment realm, this method has shown good results for binge drinkers.

[MJ Brodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an informative read but dull to get through at times, despite its concise format. It reads more like a long-form journalistic piece in a magazine like the Atlantic than a book. It's still a fresh take on the problems of alcohol addiction, however, and if it helps even a few people get sober then it's worth it. I heard Katie Herzog discussing the book on some podcasts that I listen to and decided to buy the book out of curiosity. I was surprised to learn that there is medication that exists that can wean alcoholics off drinking to the point where they no longer crave alcohol or seek it out. It's mystifying why this treatment is not as commonly known and used as methadone for heroin addicts, if it's as effective as it seems to be.

This could be a very useful book if you or a loved one has issues with alcohol addiction. It presents an alternative to the AA path. It also provides useful resources and a guide to following the Sinclair Method at the back of the book. The book does not do a deep dive into addiction issues or the social norms we have around alcohol. The author is very matter-of-fact about her own addiction issues and recovery. From that point of view, it is a refreshing take on addiction that could be helpful to read for people looking for practical advice without any drama. Downside: it's not a thrilling read.

[Darnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm glad this book introduced me to naltrexone , as it's interesting to learn there is a drug to treat alcoholism (sort of, but actually quite a few). The difficulty with the book, which I think many reviewers felt, is that there's not that much to it: you take a pill an hour before drinking, there's no need to explain the procedure multiple times, and you can only get so much out of personal stories.

That said... I'm not a drinker and I don't have a close relationship with any alcoholics, so this book was a look into an alien culture. At one point the author says in all sincerity, "At that point, my only hobby besides day-drinking was trying to think of what my hobbies would be if I weren’t day-drinking. I was nearly forty years old and I wasn’t even sure what I liked." Is the difference between my life and one like this just a matter of brain chemistry?

All in all, a quick read I got some things out of, but I think the subject might have been better served with a long-form article.

[Crystal]

As someone who doesn't consume any alcohol, I would have never picked this book up had not my husband urged me to. It was surprisingly interesting. Katie had a drinking problem and tried AA and sheer willpower to get control over her habit. But there was this little devil on her shoulder constantly whispering to her to drink again, even after she had been sober for awhile. She started binge drinking while her spouse was at work and trying to hide how much she was drinking, cleaning up and trying to act like she wasn't stone drunk. She heard about a new drug that locked the dopamine receptors. You take the drug, wait an hour, and then drink. Rather than getting a pleasurable buzz, the drink falls flat. Using this drug, she eventually was able to kick her habit and reach what they refer to as extinction, or going without drinking for a certain period of time. This book gave me such compassion for those who are clenched in the grip of drink, hating themselves, feeling shame and guilt and wishing the could get free, yet are not able to do it.

[Aaron Gertler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The good: Really beautiful opening — Katie tells her own story in a compelling way, and I found it easy, even as a lifelong teetotaler, to understand the appeal of the barfly lifestyle. She's also a good ambassador for naltrexone, and this book's mission is entirely virtuous; I was rooting for her on every page.

What lost a star: I think the book could've achieved 90% as much at half the length; it gets repetitive toward the end, with many points being made through multiple anecdotes or same-y expert quotes. (Though maybe all the extra anecdotes will help readers connect to particular stories and say "that could be me"?) I also though the writing could have been sharper; many paragraphs ended with summative sentences we could have skipped.

Definitely recommended for people curious about naltrexone, or fans of Katie's other work: I listen to her podcast differently now that I know her story.

[jonah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I’m a fan of Herzog’s podcast and actually used to drink at the same bars back in the day although she probably doesn’t remember me. That familiarity made this quite a fun and sometimes surreal read. Like Herzog, I also got sober but I did it through AA (ok rehab, then AA, then rehab, then more AA). What I like about this book is that there’s really no AA-bashing. (Another review says there is, but I didn’t see it and I'm not sure we were reading the same book.) She acknowledges how many people AA has helped, cites data showing that is effective, and even goes into a bit of the program’s history. She just says it didn’t work for her. Which is fine! It’s not going to work for everyone. I think that's the point.

Even for people who don't struggle with drinking, this was an enjoyable read.

[Hartley Hightower · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to this book as a fan of Katie's writing. I first noticed her funny and insightful articles back in her days with The Stranger in Seattle, and I've been following her work around ever since. Don't let her humility fool you--she's an extremely effective interviewer and writer, and she brings courage and clarity to every subject she pursues. This book is no exception.

Even as an attentive fan, I'm fairly stunned to learn Katie ever had an alcohol problem. (Weed, I would have believed, from her early days on her podcast. :)) She could have kept this to herself forever, but instead she's sharing her own story to make sense of the big picture story of Naltrexone. Frankly it's an act of service, and I learned a lot about a wildly underused treatment for AUD that could help a lot of people. Katie says this is her first and only book but I hope that's not true.

[Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

We need to get the word out. I actually feel frustrated at how badly we need to get the word out. This book is approachable, well-written, and balanced. I have so many friends who are struggling who abstinence does not work for. The rejection of atheism and intrusive faith-based nature of many cessation programs don't work.

There's data, and there will be more data. There's something to try. Wouldn't it be nice to try something different? The only thing that can happen is you end back up where you started, which is where you already are. If you're struggling with drinking (or know someone who is) and you see this review on your timeline, please check out this book. I'm really glad it exists.

[Liv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. I left a review on Amazon but I’m leaving one here too. I know it’s tempting to dismiss the good reviews and only focus on the negative, but please don’t. It’s a wonderfully written book that is approachable and understandable by healthcare professionals and the average person, a difficult balance to strike. The funny anecdotes really help the story, especially in the structure of comparing how naltrexone works in stages with how the author experienced them.

I’m so glad someone wrote this book and is getting this information out there. I plan to pass it along to colleagues in addiction medicine and hopefully more people can be treated.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so interesting! A friend of mine recommended a podcast about this and I was so intrigued that I had to buy the book. Basically there’s a pharmaceutical that has been on the market for 30 years that helps people quit drinking or cut back to moderation. Nobody really knows about it though because it goes against AA culture, it is now generic, so drug companies don’t make money on it, and doctors don’t learn about it in medical school. This book explores the ways this drug is useful and how it works. Definitely worth a read if you like learning about medical topics like I do!

[Bia Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read, part medicine and part memoir. The writing is easy to follow and learn the science. The personal stories are scattered throughout and emphasize the treatment details and process with emotion and humor. This book can help all kinds of people learn easily about alternative treatments for alcohol use disorder and where the science currently stands.

[Nikki Lane]

I thought it was an interesting read. I learned a lot. I'm happy to have my ideas challenged. The people I know who are sober did it with AA or white knuckling with some therapy and new hobbies. That said, it's hard to understand a pharmacological approach that still allows the person to drink as being the best option but I'm a fan of what works.

[Deana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well researched book that was also a page turner. I’m inspired to get the word out about naltrexone and the Sinclair method. I was surprised about how much more I learned about AUD and history of available treatments.

[Teresa K. Patton]

This book is so well-written it is fun to read for that reason alone.

I don't happen to have an alcohol issue, but I found this book fascinating and helpful nonetheless. It is also extraordinarily well-written, funny, and (perhaps above all) kind.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why so serious, everyone? This was like David Sedaris takes on alcohol. Entertaining as much as it was informative, causes you to reflect and think but also groan in recognition of certain behaviors. Honestly, would recommend for most of our population to read at this point.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very humane book, plus well structured and informative. Hopeful, funny, lots of good advice. I can see this book helping a lot of people.

[Steve Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s good to make people aware of treatments other than AA.
My video review in Central Park.

https://youtu.be/FY-e853PPRU?si=w9dnr...

[Aaron Spool · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. I read it since I really liked Kaite's interview on a podcast. If you or someone you know has issues with alcohol, this is a great, quick read. And its an engaging story.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal book. So well written, so helpful, so entertaining. Clarified a lot of my misunderstandings about dealing with AUD and the proper use of Naltrexone. Thank you Katie!