When paired with support, naltrexone helps reduce alcohol use for six months or more, giving you time to build lasting change. Daily naltrexone involves taking the medication every day, usually at the same time, regardless of drinking plans. This method is often recommended for people who drink daily or who want to quit entirely. ❗ Habit change still takes effort – While naltrexone helps reduce cravings, behavior change is still necessary for long-term success.

• Naltrexone blocks those receptors, so alcohol stops providing the same reward.
• Consistency in taking naltrexone before drinking is crucial for success.
• Check out this video and blog from Thrive’s founder, Katie Lain, as she describes her experience of what it feels like to drink alcohol on naltrexone.

Why Choose Daily Naltrexone?

• Involvement of spouses or parents in psychoeducation can reduce conflicts and better support the TSM approach at home.
• ❗ Habit change still takes effort – While naltrexone helps reduce cravings, behavior change is still necessary for long-term success.
• Research has found success rates between 70% and 80% in reducing heavy drinking or achieving long-term control.
• Sinclair postulated that the brain would naturally lose interest in alcohol in about 3-4 months.

When used correctly, it’s shown to have a clinically-proven 78% success rate. The method allows for controlled drinking during the treatment process, utilizing naltrexone to gradually reduce alcohol cravings and intake over time. A core area of contention stems from TSM’s departure from the traditional abstinence-only model. The Sinclair Method is a gradual process, and its effects continue to evolve as the brain’s reward system adapts. While some people experience a reduction in cravings and alcohol consumption fairly early, others need more time or need additional support to complete the full course of treatment​.

Do I have to stop drinking entirely with the Sinclair Method?

Unlike traditional abstinence-based approaches, the Sinclair Method encourages individuals to continue drinking while on naltrexone. This is necessary for the pharmacological interventions to work — the brain must learn, through repeated experiences, that drinking alcohol no longer brings pleasure. If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, explore our rehab directory or contact a treatment provider to explore your treatment sinclair method options. The Sinclair method is based on the theory of extinction, which means slowly reducing the amount of alcohol over time. It does not mean that you have to quit drinking (unless you choose to) but instead focuses on reducing alcohol consumption in a healthy manner. No, the Sinclair Method does not require complete abstinence from alcohol.

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The COMBINE trial’s main results indicated naltrexone plus medical management counseling was as effective or more effective than other more intensive medication and counseling regimes. A secondary analysis of the study, published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, suggested that naltrexone reduces heavy drinking in regular drinkers (9). Naltrexone works by occupying the opioid receptors in the brain, preventing endorphins from attaching to these receptors.

TSM works for both daily and occasional drinkers—as long as naltrexone is taken before drinking. This is largely because it neglects to address the mental toll that alcoholism can have on a person. BetterHelp offers affordable mental health care via phone, video, or live-chat. Our office has seen TSM help people that have had problems with alcohol for decades and also with people that recently realized they are alcoholics. In fact, we have also worked with people that are worried about their increased alcohol consumption and want to prevent their consumption from getting worse. Requires regular monitoring by healthcare professionals to adjust treatment.

Drinking without proper dosing or supervision reduces the method’s effectiveness and poses health risks. Always consult a healthcare provider to ensure the treatment plan aligns with your goals. Yes, the Sinclair Method (TSM) works for binge drinkers, as it helps reduce cravings and the Substance abuse rewarding effects of alcohol that drive binge episodes. TSM’s use of naltrexone to block opioid receptors decreases the urge to overconsume alcohol, making it easier to control drinking patterns, according to a study by Anton RF.

As Verywell Review Board Member Dr. John Umhau notes in an article published in Advances in Addiction & Recovery, the Sinclair Method requires a lifetime commitment. While it minimizes cravings, it is essential to remember that people also drink for other purposes, including social reasons, boredom, habit, and as a way to dampen emotional pain. Extinction takes time, and even occasional reinforcement can serve to maintain a behavior.