The Modern Approach to Overdrinking

LifeBac is a medically managed program that uses baclofen [Update (2022): LifeBac now also offers naltrexone — learn more by clicking here.], a collection of online tools, and personalized coaching to help each member reach the drinking goals that they set for themselves. We don’t demand abstinence — if you simply want to drink less, we can help you get there.

Our program is highly individualized — we want our members to be involved in each step of the process. We customize medication plans for each person who joins LifeBac based on the times they drink. Doing so makes the medication more effective, and we adjust the plan as our members progress through the program to maintain that high-level efficacy.

The medication we use, baclofen, tackles the neural aspect of over-drinking. It initiates one of the same neurotransmitters as alcohol, but it doesn’t stimulate the reward system in the same way. The effect is that baclofen breaks down the positive feedback loop that causes alcohol cravings, so those cravings diminish over time. It’s that effect that gives LifeBac members the power to choose whether they abstain from alcohol or reduce the amount they drink.

Our Success Coaches work with LifeBac members on the habitual aspect of overdrinking. They reach out to explain each step of the process, discuss members’ goals, and share strategies to achieve those goals. Success Coaches will typically reach out each week, but that’s not a requirement. Our primary commitment is to help each member. If you don’t need as much coaching, we will adjust our program for you. If you want more coaching, we can do that too.

Why LifeBac?

For as long as alcohol has existed, it has caused problems for a number of its consumers. Some people can have a drink or two and enjoy the buzz, but for others, the desire to drink turns into a craving so embedded in their brain that it damages their lives.

At a certain point, drinking stops being a choice. It becomes a compulsion, born of neural pathways and grown by habits.

Historically, alcohol treatments have only been geared toward combatting the habitual aspect of drinking. They center around cutting yourself off from alcohol, surrounding yourself with like-minded people, finding new activities, or labeling yourself with a problem that you can never solve. These treatments that rely solely on willpower, accountability, or shame only target habits and leave you to suffer through the neural element on your own.

Now there’s LifeBac — the modern, scientific alternative that tackles the habitual and neural elements of drinking. You don’t need to white-knuckle and grind your way to a healthier relationship with alcohol. Our two-pronged approach allows you to more easily, efficiently, and effectively take control back from alcohol.

Is LifeBac Too Good to Be True?

Whenever something novel is introduced — particularly in the world of medicine and treatment — it is bound to be met with skepticism, as it should be. It’s good to question and look into things, especially when they seem too good to be true.

LifeBac is no different. We’re new and effective, so it’s no wonder some people are skeptical. But there’s a point when skepticism becomes harmful — when it causes you to miss out on something useful.

To make sure we don’t give the wrong impression, let’s start with what we aren’t:

We aren’t a miracle cure
We aren’t guaranteed to work for everyone
We aren’t an effort-free method

What we are is a medically managed program that is introducing a new method to control overdrinking based on clinical research. That research is very promising, and baclofen is already used to deal with overdrinking in parts of Europe and Australia. It won’t work for everyone, but it does work for many people.

For years, AA and rehab were the only options for people who wanted to get control of their drinking. More recently — as people have realized that alcohol is a neurological problem as well as a habitual one — medication programs have gained traction.

We understand that change is scary, but at times, it’s necessary. AA and rehab aren’t the only options anymore. They are still viable for some people — we don’t want to dismiss AA or rehab if they work for you. But there are people for whom those programs aren’t a good fit. Either they’re too expensive, too uncomfortable, or they simply don’t work. For those people, LifeBac is a great option.

How It Works

Here’s an overview of the general steps each LifeBac member takes:

Everyone who signs up for LifeBac gets a free initial consultation with one of our medical providers.

If you are eligible, the medical provider will create a medication plan based on the days and times you drink (i.e., your “drinking window”).
In your first weeks with LifeBac, you will receive emails with videos that walk you through the program, and you will have two phone calls with a LifeBac team member.

At this point, you’ve entered the first phase of LifeBac. Our program has 3 phases that make up what we call the LifeBac Journey. This first phase is called the Titration Phase.

When your baclofen prescription arrives, you can start your medication plan in the app or web portal and begin taking the medication according to that plan.

You will track drinks and medication and fill out progress reports in the app/portal.
During this phase, you will slowly increase the amount of medication you take until you find your Effective Dose (the dose at which you are indifferent to alcohol).

When you find your effective dose, you enter the aptly named Effective Dose Phase. This phase is all about maintenance; you’ve found the dose that works for you, now simply let it do its work.

In the meantime, our coaches will help you work on changing the habits that might deter you from reaching your goal.
We encourage clients to stay at their Effective Dose for at least 3 months to ensure the effects of the medication are long-lasting.

After you’ve spent time at your effective dose, you will enter the Taper Phase. This phase involves slowly reducing your dosage while keeping an eye out for cravings. Some people titrate all the way down and discontinue baclofen, while others reduce to a new long-term effective dose to keep cravings at bay.

If you want to learn more about the LifeBac journey, including a breakdown of the three phases, check out this article!

Our Goal

However you complete your LifeBac journey, you’ll be able to enjoy life without the weight of alcohol cravings. That’s our ultimate goal: to help everyone who joins our program gain the power to choose their relationship with alcohol.

We don’t have a miracle cure, and we won’t be a good fit for everyone. But we do know our program works for many people, and we want to allow everyone to discover if it can help them get their life back.

Don’t let cravings take over your life — see if LifeBac will work for you.