After all, isn’t abstinence the only real solution for alcohol problems? But in actuality, more recent research into addiction treatment has shown that forced abstinence often fails precisely because it doesn’t address what’s happening in your brain. Many patients using The Sinclair Method report that they are far less likely to over drink after taking naltrexone and they experience reduced cravings and obsession with alcohol. Although it all may seem straightforward, researchers are still trying to fully understand the mechanism behind how naltrexone reduces alcohol cravings. However, it is known to block specific opioid receptors in the brain and also affect dopamine, a neurotransmitter which is believed to help in blocking the reinforcing effects of alcohol.

What Should You Do if You Miss a Dose of Naltrexone?

When taken before drinking, these medications prevent the reinforcement that usually follows alcohol consumption. This interrupts the cycle of craving and reward, allowing the brain to “unlearn” its dependence on alcohol. Alcohol consumption triggers the release of endorphins in the brain, which bind to opioid receptors and create a feeling of pleasure or euphoria. This reward system reinforces drinking behaviour, making it difficult for individuals to reduce or stop consumption. TSM involves taking a prescribed medication, such as Naltrexone or Nalmefene, one hour before consuming alcohol. These medications block the release of endorphins that make drinking pleasurable, gradually weakening the brain’s association between alcohol and reward.

What is pharmacological extinction?

• Controlled drinking is a key component of TSM, as naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, reducing the brain’s reward response to alcohol.
• When people skip naltrexone before drinking, the limbic brain is in control, making it harder to stop.
• Our mission is to educate, support, and empower those affected by alcohol dependency, offering a compassionate and science-backed solution to achieve sustainable recovery.
• TSM works for both daily and occasional drinkers—as long as naltrexone is taken before drinking.

If you or someone you know is grappling with alcohol addiction, the Sinclair Method could be the key to regaining control and achieving a healthier, happier life. Remember, seeking help is the first step towards recovery, and with the Sinclair Method, a solution may be within reach. Despite its effectiveness, the Sinclair Method is not as widely known or available as traditional treatment options. Increasing awareness and access to TSM can help more individuals benefit from this approach. Missing doses of naltrexone or failing to take it an hour before drinking can undermine the effectiveness of the treatment.

Antidepressants and Addiction

Naltrexone will block not only the euphoric feeling but also the sedative effects of opioids. Freedom from alcohol in 90 days​ with clinical, community, and coexisting issue support. Since 2018, we’ve empowered thousands of individuals to achieve their ideal relationship with alcohol. “My patients who are members of the Thrive find it an encouraging and useful source of peer support and information.  They appreciate the holistic perspective and confidence it gives them in their recovery journey.”

Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism or Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), is characterized by an inability to control drinking despite adverse effects on health, relationships, and daily functioning. Traditional treatments often require complete abstinence, which can be daunting for many. Instead of immediate abstinence, he proposed that patients needed to experience drinking alcohol without the endorphin-mediated reward.

At its core, The Sinclair Method is based on the principle of pharmacological extinction. This approach aims to reduce cravings and alcohol consumption by using medication in conjunction with continued drinking. Unlike traditional methods that require complete abstinence from alcohol from the outset, TSM allows individuals to drink while taking Sinclair method medication—specifically Naltrexone. TSM is a medication-based approach that helps people gradually regain control over their drinking. It works by using naltrexone, a prescription medication that blocks the brain’s pleasurable response to alcohol when taken before drinking. Over time, this helps reduce cravings and weaken habitual drinking patterns.

A common concern is whether naltrexone reduces enjoyment from everyday activities like food, exercise, or relationships. 🧠 Cognitive Brain – Logical, focuses on long-term benefits.🔥 Limbic Brain – Impulsive, seeks immediate pleasure. Naltrexone does not affect over-the-counter pain medications such as Ibuprofen (Advil), Acetaminophen (Tylenol), or aspirin.

If you’re actively involved in your recovery and open to using a medication like naltrexone, this method may offer a transformative option for managing alcohol and finding freedom from addiction. Compared to traditional abstinence-based treatments, which often have lower long-term adherence rates, TSM provides a more flexible model that many find easier to stick with. The most important rule of the Sinclair Method is consistency in taking the medication. Naltrexone must be taken every time before drinking — ideally, about one hour prior. Skipping doses can disrupt progress and reintroduce pleasurable reinforcement.

• BetterHelp offers affordable mental health care via phone, video, or live-chat.
• Below, we’ll explore how each method works and who may benefit most from each approach.
• Katie founded Thrive after years of struggling with problem drinking and trying numerous treatments that didn’t work.
• Coming from a family deeply involved in the rehabilitation and support of those suffering from addiction, she is passionate about helping people to understand and take control of their dependences.
• Research also suggests that it can be very effective in helping people reduce their drinking.

In other words, it’s used to curb alcohol cravings, so the alcohol needs to be present. The goal is to gradually lose interest in alcohol over time, leading to complete abandonment of drinking habits. It’s generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol when starting the medication, even though it’s been shown to be safe and effective in people who are still actively drinking.

Find out if this treatment could be the key to regaining control over your drinking and transforming your life. 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. Taking naltrexone an hour before drinking prevents these endorphins from creating the pleasurable “buzz” that reinforces habitual drinking. Seeking help for alcoholism is a brave and crucial step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Providers may resist approving of a patient’s continued drinking during treatment, due Sobriety to concerns about the effect of continued drinking on the patient’s health. The Sinclair Method (TSM) was created by Doctor John D. Sinclair, based on his years of research related to alcohol addiction, behavior, and brain chemistry. In the 1980s he proposed that alcohol consumption (including problematic overuse) was learned behavior, reinforced by an endorphin release in the brain, and could therefore be unlearned. This ran counter to the model of alcohol addiction as a chronic condition requiring ongoing vigilance and intervention.

Overall, we have had reports from clients that they have managed to curb their alcohol consumption down to a moderate rate and are now able to enjoy alcohol without feeling the need to have it every day. Other clients have even reported that they have no desire to drink alcohol at all. Once the treatment is underway, you will begin https://ibros.edu.pe/2025/04/17/how-to-get-drunk-without-alcohol-at-home/ to notice changes happening in your relationship with alcohol, as Naltrexone has blocked the pleasurable effects of alcohol. TSM is fundamentally different from traditional approaches because it targets the brain’s reward system. Many individuals who have struggled with other methods find success with TSM. The medications used in TSM are non-addictive and safe when used as prescribed.