Just a reminder: The information presented in this post is a blend of personal research and anecdotes. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, and should not be relied upon for making health-related decisions. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
I first heard about The Sinclair Method when i first joined Tik Tok. I remember thinking it was too good to be true: I quit drinking, by still drinking?? huh?”
What is The Sinclair Method? The Sinclair Method (TSM) is a pharmacological treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) that involves the use of an opioid antagonist medication called Naltrexone. The method was developed by Dr. David Sinclair, a researcher who focused on pharmacological treatments for alcohol dependence. TSM is based on the principle of pharmacological extinction, aiming to reduce alcohol cravings and consumption over time.
Here is how it typically works:
- Naltrexone Administration: Before drinking alcohol, individuals take a prescribed dosage of Naltrexone at least one hour before consuming their first alcoholic beverage. Through ways too clinical for me to explain, the drug reduces the rewarding reinforcers of alcohol, which reduces the desire to drink over time.
- Continued Drinking: Unlike other approached reliant on absolute abstinence, TSM is composed of continued drinking while taking the medicine, in order to reshape the neural pathways associated with alcohol use.
- Extinction of Cravings: Over time, with consistent use of naltrexone before drinking, the association between alcohol and the pleasurable effects diminishes. This process is referred to as pharmacological extinction, where the cravings for alcohol gradually decrease.
- Reduced Alcohol Use: TSM is growing in popularity due to it’s positive effects in reducing cravings and therefore, reducing alcohol use. Many individuals have successfully quit alcohol completely.
Reference: Sinclair, J. D. (2001). Evidence about the use of naltrexone and for different ways of using it in the treatment of alcoholism. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 36(1), 2-10. https://academic.oup.com/alcalc/article/36/1/2/146255
My takeaway on TSM: Naltrexone almost immediately impacted my cravings. I experienced stomach aches, nausea, and overall aversions to the thought of alcohol. But, I am stubborn! So I drank through those feelings; nonetheless, i could not go past 4 drinks a night while on the medicine. Over time, my cravings and reliance on alcohol significantly decreased.
Sober Magic 