The Sinclair Method - Does it Really Work?

Tawny Lara

Tawny Lara

Tawny is an NYC-based millennial who writes about the intersection of culture and sobriety.

Wondering if the Sinclair method works, and if you can really KEEP drinking without getting hooked on it again? Read on to learn more...

The Sinclair Method for Alcohol Management

When it comes to alcohol addiction, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery. While some people can abstain from alcohol completely, others find that moderate drinking is a more sustainable approach. The most important thing is that each person finds an approach that works for them and that they are comfortable with. There is no wrong way to recover from alcohol addiction, as long as the person is committed to their sobriety.

Speaking of medical treatments to cure alcohol use disorders, the Sinclair method is worth a try. The Sinclair Method is not a cure-all, but it has been shown to be an effective treatment for alcohol dependence that uses naltrexone, and it may help people to reduce their alcohol intake or even quit drinking altogether. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse, the Sinclair Method may be worth considering.

What is the Sinclair Method?

The Sinclair Method (TSM) is a medical treatment for alcoholism that was developed by Dr. David Sinclair in the 1970s. The basic premise of the method is that alcoholism is a conditioned response and that by teaching the alcoholic to associate alcohol with a lack of sensation, they can break the habit of drinking alcohol. 

The most common form of treatment involves taking a medication called naltrexone before drinking, which completely removes the euphoria associated with drinking.

Over time, as the alcoholic learns to associate drinking with essentially no reward, they will reduce the person’s craving for consuming alcohol or stop drinking altogether. 

While TSM is effective in treating alcoholism, it is not without its critics. Some argue that it does nothing to address the habit forming behaviors and that it simply replaces one addiction with another. Others argue that the side effects of naltrexone can be worse than the symptoms of alcoholism. Nonetheless, the Sinclair Method remains a popular treatment for those struggling with substance abuse.

How Exactly Does The Sinclair Method Work?

The method is based on the use of naltrexone, an opioid antagonist that blocks the rewarding effects of alcohol. Patients begin by taking naltrexone prior to one hour before drinking, and then continue to take the medication on a regular basis. 

Over time, the pleasurable effects of excessive drinking are reduced, and patients find that they are able to drink in moderation or abstain from drinking altogether. The Sinclair Method is an effective treatment for those who are motivated to put an end to their alcohol dependence.

What Makes The Sinclair Method Different from Other Treatments?

Here is how TSM is different from other treatments or medications for curing the craving for alcohol.

1- No Prior Detoxification Needed

TSM is based on the use of the medication naltrexone. The key difference between TSM and other treatments is that it does not require patients to abstain from alcohol prior to starting the medication.

Instead, naltrexone is taken while still drinking, and it works to reduce cravings by blocking the pleasurable effects of alcohol. The result is a gradual reduction in drinking over time, without the need for abstinence or detoxification.

2- Targeted Extinction

What sets TSM apart from other treatments is that it guarantees selective extinction, meaning that patients will only experience the negative side effects of Naltrexone when they drink alcohol. Because patients are only instructed to take the medication before drinking, there is no potential for medical interference with other activities, like eating or sex.

3- It’s A Continous Process

The key difference between TSM and other approaches is that treatment is not considered to be a “cure” for alcoholism, but rather a way to help people manage their drinking. The goal of TSM is to help people reduce their consumption of alcohol, and eventually stop drinking altogether. 

The method helps to reduce cravings and the urge to drink. over time, as people drink less and less, they will eventually be able to stop drinking entirely. While TSM is not a cure for alcoholism, it is a promising approach and arguably one of the best habit erasing behaviors that can help people control their drinking and improve their lives.