Many people struggle with alcohol misuse, but finding the right solution to regain control can feel overwhelming. Jonathan Hunt Glassman, the founder and CEO of Oar Health, experienced this journey firsthand. In this conversation, we explore how a daily pill became a life-changing tool for him, and how it’s helping thousands of others achieve their goal to drink less or quit entirely.
Rediscovering Control Through Medication
Jonathan’s personal story is one that many can relate to: alcohol became a persistent companion, starting with binge drinking in high school and evolving into a more serious issue in his adult life. “What started as binge drinking in high school and college became a pattern of drinking to blackout in my twenties," Jonathan recalls. By his thirties, while many peers outgrew excessive drinking, he found himself spiraling deeper.
Despite trying various methods—Alcoholics Anonymous, therapy, even visits to the emergency room—nothing made a lasting impact. The turning point came when he met with a doctor who introduced him to medication-assisted treatment. “That suggestion, at that point in my life, was nothing short of transformational,” Jonathan shares. The idea of taking a daily pill as part of his journey to drink less or quit opened new doors and allowed him to finally regain control over alcohol rather than it controlling him.
The Power of a Simple Step
For Jonathan, this transformation went beyond just cutting back on alcohol. It opened up a world of possibilities. He shares that reducing his alcohol consumption gave him room to focus on what really mattered: work, relationships, and hobbies that had once seemed out of reach.
"I was able to get back my focus and creativity at work, invest more authentically in my relationships, and even find time for new hobbies like yoga," he notes.
This personal transformation inspired Jonathan to create Oar Health, a platform designed to provide easy access to the same life-changing medication that helped him. Oar Health offers a straightforward process: users visit the website, begin a telehealth consultation with a licensed clinician, receive a treatment plan, and get their medication shipped directly to them.
Why Is This Solution Underused?
Despite the proven effectiveness of medication for alcohol use disorder, it remains vastly underutilized.
“There are about 30 million people with alcohol use disorder in the United States, but less than 2% are prescribed medication to help them,” Jonathan explains.
This is part of a global phenomenon where people continue to struggle with alcohol despite the availability of safe, effective treatments.
Many people are unaware that medication is even an option. As Jonathan points out, options like mutual peer support (such as Alcoholics Anonymous), professional behavioral healthcare, and medication can all complement each other. But there’s no need to tackle everything at once. “It pays to do a little bit of research and start with something that feels like a good fit for you,” Jonathan advises.
Measurable Progress, Tangible Results
Jonathan’s mission is not just about helping people reduce their drinking; it's about enabling people to reclaim their lives. Oar Health members report meaningful progress in various aspects of their lives. About two-thirds of members either drink less or quit entirely, and a similar percentage show a reduction in their drinking risk. Beyond just cutting back on alcohol, members also report benefits in their personal health and wellness, from improved relationships to clearer skin.
These results are a testament to the power of taking that first step—whether it’s deciding to drink less or quitting altogether.
"Taking the first step doesn’t need to be overwhelming or dramatic," Jonathan emphasizes.
The key is to explore the options available and find what works best for you.
A Personal and Professional Mission
Jonathan’s journey through alcohol misuse and recovery has become both a personal and professional mission. Over the past four years, Oar Health has helped more than 40,000 people take their first step toward drinking less or quitting. For Jonathan, it’s a way to blend his professional expertise in healthcare with his personal experience, bringing a solution that so many need.
“Not every day is an easy one,” he admits, but the fulfillment he gets from seeing others regain control of their lives keeps him motivated. His advice to those considering the same path?
"Start with something that feels manageable and go from there. You know yourself best."
Key Takeaways:
Medication-assisted treatment can be a powerful tool in controlling alcohol use.
Combining medication with other methods like peer support or therapy can provide a well-rounded approach to recovery.
It’s essential to explore options at your own pace and start with what feels like the right fit.
Oar Health provides a convenient, simple way to access medication that can help people drink less or quit.
Final Thoughts
Jonathan Hunt Glassman’s story highlights how a daily pill can change lives, but more importantly, it shows that solutions are available. The road to controlling alcohol use doesn’t have to be long or complicated—sometimes, all it takes is the right step at the right time.
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