The Truth About Secret Drinking & Sneaking Alcohol: Shame, Guilt, and Finding Freedom

For so many people, drinking alcohol is wrapped up in social life, relaxation, or simply part of daily routine. But for others, drinking takes on a darker side—one that’s hidden, secretive, and filled with shame.

If you’ve ever snuck drinks before a party, hidden stashes of alcohol around your house, or poured yourself extra shots when no one was looking, you’re not alone. Secret drinking is far more common than most people realize. And yet, because it happens in the shadows, very few ever talk about it out loud.

In this article, we’ll explore why people hide their drinking, the heavy burden of shame it carries, and how a science-based treatment called The Sinclair Method (TSM) can help people regain control.

Why People Hide Their Drinking

Many people who struggle with alcohol never actually tell anyone. In fact, I know this from my own experience: I spent nearly 10 years struggling with alcohol before I ever said those words out loud.

There are lots of reasons why someone might drink in secret:

• Fear of judgment. They don’t want their spouse, family, or friends to think less of them.

• Desire for control. Sometimes we want to drink as much as we want, without anyone trying to intervene.

• Shame. Admitting how much we’re really drinking can feel unbearable.

• Avoidance. It’s easier to sneak than to face difficult conversations.

But sneaking drinks can quickly become its own cycle of addiction. There’s often a rush in "getting away with it," but it leaves behind guilt, regret, and even deeper secrecy.

The Emotional Toll of Secret Drinking

Living with hidden drinking habits can feel like carrying a double life. On the outside, someone may appear to have it all together—a successful career, loving family, close friends. But inside, there’s a constant battle:

• Shame after overdrinking and promising yourself you’ll stop next time.

• Fear of being found out by the people you care about.

• Isolation from not talking about the problem with anyone.

This tug-of-war is exhausting. For me personally, I enjoyed drinking socially and used it to unwind. But too often, I drank more than I intended—waking up with hangovers, regret, and frustration with myself. Moderate drinking felt impossible.

A Science-Based Solution: The Sinclair Method

Everything changed in 2017 when I discovered The Sinclair Method (TSM)—a treatment that’s actually been around for decades, but still isn’t widely known.

TSM is a science-based, medication-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder. Instead of requiring you to quit drinking altogether, it helps you gradually reduce your drinking by rewiring your brain’s response to alcohol.

Here’s how it works:

• You take a medication (naltrexone) before drinking.

• Over time, your brain learns not to associate alcohol with the same intense reward or “buzz.”

• As weeks and months go by, your desire to drink heavily fades, and you naturally begin drinking less.

For me, after 4–6 months on TSM, I was drinking just a few glasses of wine a month. The craving to overdrink wasn’t there anymore. That meant I no longer felt the need to sneak or hide alcohol—because I was satisfied with far less.

The Ripple Effect of Getting Drinking Under Control

When secret drinking falls away, the relief is enormous. Beyond just drinking less, the positive effects spill into every part of life:

• Better health and energy (no more constant hangovers).

• Improved relationships (no more hiding).

• More confidence and peace of mind (no more guilt or shame).

• Improved work and finances (because alcohol isn’t running the show).

This is exactly what I experienced when I started TSM. It wasn’t just about drinking less—it was about truly getting my life back.

You’re Not Alone—And There’s Hope

If you’re stuck in a pattern of hiding your drinking, please know you’re not the only one. Many people with “normal” lives—parents, professionals, students, retirees—struggle with this.

The good news is that there’s a way out. The Sinclair Method offers a path where you can still drink, but gradually gain control and freedom from the cycle of secrecy and shame.

If you’d like to learn more, I have other videos and resources that explain exactly how TSM works and how to get started. You can also check the link in my profile for helpful guides and support.

Final Thoughts

Secret drinking thrives in silence. The act of hiding creates more shame, which leads to more drinking, which leads to more hiding. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.

With the right tools—like the Sinclair Method—it’s possible to break free from secrecy, regain control, and start living openly again.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any medical treatment.