Naltrexone is generally well-tolerated, with possible side effects including gastrointestinal upset, headache, fatigue, or dizziness. Serious adverse events are uncommon but can happen, such as liver enzyme elevations when used in very high doses. Typically, the recommended daily or targeted dose for TSM is within a safe range. Still, it’s essential to check for liver function and any opioid medication use—because naltrexone can also precipitate withdrawal in individuals on opioids for pain or in active opioid addiction.
If I am being treated using TSM, does that mean I don’t need counseling?
Unlike some other more expensive treatment options, the Sinclair Method is cost-effective and can be done at home. Skypoint Recovery focuses exclusively on men, creating a supportive environment designed to empower lasting recovery. Our team is here to help you figure out what works best for you, from treatment programs to payment strategies. TSM is also appealing to those who have tried traditional 12-step programs but found the abstinence-first model unsustainable. For many, quitting alcohol entirely can feel impossible—especially when juggling careers, families, and personal responsibilities.
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TSM also does not address underlying trauma or mental health conditions that could lead someone to self-medicate with alcohol. No large randomized controlled trials (RCT) of TSM have been published. While large RCTs are considered the “gold standard” of health outcomes research, several smaller studies of targeted naltrexone use suggest promising results. The Sinclair Method is not the only medication-based treatment approach. Depending on your own situation, you may find that another type of medication might work better for your needs.
How Effective Is the Sinclair Method?
Within six months, Sarah noticed a significant reduction in her cravings. She was able to enjoy social gatherings without the compulsion to drink excessively. Today, Sarah drinks moderately and has regained control over her life. No, but Vivitrol (a monthly injection of naltrexone) may be able to help you reduce your heavy drinking days. There is evidence that naltrexone in all forms can reduce cravings and decrease heavy drinking days.
Without those “feel good” feelings from alcohol, we’re less inclined to drink. Over time, as people continue to take naltrexone whenever they drink, they can break free from alcohol misuse. Daily naltrexone involves taking the medication every day, usually at the same time, regardless of drinking plans.
The method is based on the premise that alcoholism is a disease that is caused by a build-up of endorphins in the brain. Sinclair developed a treatment plan that involves taking a daily medication called naltrexone, which blocks the action of endorphins. The theory is that by blocking the action of endorphins, the urge to drink alcohol will be reduced and eventually eliminated. The naltrexone-based Sinclair Method works by reducing the reinforcement that people get when they drink alcohol.
- Since then, it has been widely used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for people seeking to reduce alcohol consumption and regain control over their drinking behavior.
- While naltrexone and acamprosate are the most popular medications for reducing drinking, disulfiram might still be a good option for some of us.
- Others require months of consistent usage, especially those with many years of heavy or daily drinking behind them.
- Since 2018, we’ve empowered thousands of individuals to achieve their ideal relationship with alcohol.
- Our dedicated team is here to listen, understand, and guide you towards a recovery plan that meets your needs.
This chapter will review studies investigating the role of the opioid receptors in ethanol-mediated behaviors with the view of identifying improved therapeutics for the treatment of AUDs. Central to TSM is the concept of “pharmacological extinction,” the process by which the brain’s association between alcohol and pleasure is gradually weakened. When individuals take naltrexone before drinking, the repeated lack of reward during drinking sessions leads to the gradual weakening of the brain’s learned association between alcohol and pleasure. This process rewires the brain to reduce its dependence on alcohol, ultimately decreasing the desire to drink. Unlike traditional methods that require abstinence, TSM allows individuals to drink while undergoing treatment, enabling them to unlearn addictive behaviors in a controlled manner progressively.
Always consult a healthcare provider to ensure the treatment plan aligns with your goals. The Sinclair Method is a treatment approach for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) that involves taking the medication naltrexone before consuming alcohol. Unlike traditional abstinence-based treatments, TSM allows individuals to continue drinking while the medication works to reduce cravings over time. This process, known as pharmacological extinction, helps individuals regain control over their drinking habits.
What Our Members Achieve with Thrive
Doesn’t Address All Underlying TriggersWhile TSM can block biochemical cravings, it doesn’t automatically resolve emotional trauma, social triggers, or environmental pressures fueling alcohol misuse. Combining TSM with therapy and lifestyle interventions is recommended. Find out if this treatment could be the key to regaining control over your drinking and transforming your life. When you join Thrive, we’ll connect you with a specialized doctor who focuses on prescribing naltrexone and helping patients get started with confidence. These doctors are experienced in tailoring the treatment to minimize side effects, ensuring a smooth and supportive start to your journey.
What is the Sinclair Method?
They prioritize drinking above all other things, including relationships and personal responsibilities at work, school, or home. They continue to drink despite the physical, emotional, and relational drug addiction harm it causes. This miracle treatment we’re talking about is known as The Sinclair Method and it is often touted as a “cure” for alcohol use disorder. Although many people are trying this method in hopes of achieving a sober lifestyle, could one medication really hold all the answers?
You’ll meet hundreds of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance. If you are taking an opioid medication, if you are currently pregnant, or if you have severe liver damage, TSM is not recommended.
- The Sinclair method appeals to people who have struggled with relapse in abstinence-focused programs or who want a more flexible, personalized path to recovery.
- The Sinclair Method represents a paradigm shift in the treatment of alcohol addiction, offering a promising alternative for those seeking a more individualized and less restrictive path to recovery.
- John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine.
Gradual, Natural Decline in ConsumptionBecause the method leverages a behavioral extinction process, changes might feel more natural. Over time, participants may not experience the rigid sense of restriction—instead, https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/what-is-the-sinclair-method-for-alcohol-addiction-recovery/ they see themselves simply losing interest in heavy or frequent drinking. Over repeated sessions, the pleasurable or relieving feeling from alcohol is diminished, leading to less interest in drinking at all. Proponents argue that TSM addresses the conditioning aspects of alcohol use, rather than relying on sheer willpower or abrupt abstinence. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, meaning it binds to and blocks opioid receptors in the brain — the same receptors that respond to endorphins released by alcohol. The Sinclair method is a form of treatment for alcohol use disorder that focuses on reducing use rather than maintaining complete abstinence.