Content
Its craving suppression mechanism has shown success in various clinical trials and patient reports. The Sinclair Method aims to break this cycle through pharmacological extinction. By taking naltrexone before drinking, the medication blocks the opioid receptors, preventing endorphins from binding and reducing the pleasurable effects of alcohol. Over time, this leads to a decrease in the brain’s association between alcohol and pleasure, ultimately reducing the desire to drink. The benefits of the Sinclair Method include reduced alcohol cravings, a flexible approach to drinking, and the potential for long-term recovery. The method is designed to gradually recondition the brain’s response to alcohol by blocking the rewarding effects of drinking, which significantly reduces cravings over time.
What happens if I take naltrexone if I’m currently taking opiate pain drugs or heroin?
- The TSM website describes success as the “degree of freedom you have from alcohol.” As an example, one metric may be your lack of obsessing or preoccupation about alcohol or drinking (6).
- If I have elevated liver enzymes from chronic alcohol consumption, can I still be treated using TSM?
- By taking naltrexone prior to consuming alcohol, the pleasurable feelings that drinking typically produces are blocked.
Remember, TSM relies on continued drinking, at least at first, to break the cycle of drinking-equals-reward. TSM also does not address underlying trauma or mental health conditions that could lead someone to self-medicate with alcohol. The TSM website describes success as the “degree of freedom you have from alcohol.” As an example, one metric may be your lack of obsessing or preoccupation about alcohol or drinking (6). Researchers say evidence does not support abstinence as being the only treatment approach (2).
More rarely, severe side effects can include blurry vision, diarrhea, confusion, drowsiness, stomach pain, and vomiting. John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine. For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
How to Choose: Daily vs. Targeted Naltrexone (TSM)
- Gradual, Natural Decline in ConsumptionBecause the method leverages a behavioral extinction process, changes might feel more natural.
- That’s where alternative treatment methods like the Sinclair Method come in — offering a bridge between addiction and recovery for those who want to reduce or control their drinking behavior.
- A healthcare provider then prescribes naltrexone, the key medication used in TSM.
- Less Risk of Overdose than OpioidsThough primarily an alcohol treatment, TSM’s partial synergy with naltrexone also helps if the person is concurrently using opioids.
- A slip may involve forgetting to take naltrexone before drinking or drinking more than intended on one occasion.
If you’re exploring ways to change your relationship with alcohol, you may have come across The Sinclair Method (TSM). While TSM is a science-backed approach to reducing alcohol intake, it’s not for everyone. Learn how Thrive’s home-based program, centered on naltrexone, helps you take control of alcohol and rebuild your confidence. When people skip naltrexone before drinking, the limbic brain is in control, making it harder to stop.
Commonly Used Terms In The Sinclair Method
- Traditional treatments for alcoholism, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other abstinence-based programs, have been life-saving for many.
- They create a general feeling of well-being, stress relief, and pain relief (4).
- Naltrexone works by occupying the opioid receptors in the brain, preventing endorphins from attaching to these receptors.
- As a result, the person does not feel the need to continue drinking, which can prevent them from consuming a much more harmful amount of alcohol.
While effective for some, this one-size-fits-all strategy does not accommodate the diverse experiences and needs of all individuals struggling with alcohol dependence. Naltrexone is effective because it blocks the pleasurable feelings people have when consuming alcohol. Because drinking is less rewarding and reinforcing, it becomes easier for people to limit their alcohol consumption and reduce their alcohol cravings. If someone uses naltrexone consistently whenever they drink, over time, they can stop their excessive thoughts about alcohol and free themselves from the symptoms of their addiction. By slowly reducing alcohol consumption, people are less likely to experience serious alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including delirium tremens (DT). It’s also beneficial because it lets people be actively involved in their treatment, which can help them feel more in control of their drinking and recovery.
Rewiring the Brain
It’s important not to view the Sinclair Method as “cure all” for alcohol misuse. To truly overcome alcohol misuse, a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan is often most effective. Naltrexone works by occupying the opioid receptors in the brain, preventing endorphins from attaching to these receptors. This action reduces the euphoric and rewarding effects of alcohol, making drinking less appealing.
Our experience is that this method does not accomplish the same level of extinction that we observed in taking the oral naltrexone 1 hour before drinking. Some may notice changes in their drinking habits and cravings within a few months, while others may take longer to experience significant effects. Consistency and adherence to the medication protocol are key factors in achieving success with TSM. Critics of TSM have raised ethical concerns regarding the method’s approach to reducing alcohol dependency. The notion of prescribing medication to enable individuals with AUD to continue drinking, albeit in a controlled manner, has sparked debate about the implications of such a strategy. Critics argue that it may inadvertently normalize or perpetuate drinking behaviors rather than encourage individuals to confront and overcome their dependency.
- If a person consumes excessive alcohol to the point that it bypasses the “naltrexone wall,” a point at which alcohol use becomes pleasurable again, they may experience a relapse to alcohol use.
- Neither this site nor anyone who answers the call receives a commission or fee dependent upon which treatment provider a visitor may ultimately choose.
- While this approach is less common in the United States, it has become much more widely used in Europe.
- However, this timing and dosage might make it difficult to take properly, lowering its effectiveness.
If you’re considering TSM, talking to a knowledgeable doctor is the best first step. Join Thrive to get connected with a physician and receive expert guidance on your journey. ❗ Finding a knowledgeable doctor can be challenging – Not all physicians are familiar with TSM. Thrive connects you with experienced telemedicine doctors across the U.S. to make this step easier. ❗ Not suitable for everyone – Certain health conditions, opioid use, or pregnancy may exclude some from safely using naltrexone.
Instead, it simply makes it so drinking no longer produces an endorphin rush or “buzz”. Without those pleasant feelings, the brain eventually stops associating drinking with pleasure. This approach was introduced by John David Sinclair, a researcher who discovered that naltrexone could be used to block alcohol-reinforcing Twelve-step program effects. It is sometimes described as targeting naltrexone to use only when needed. The Sinclair Method is an option if you want to reduce your drinking, but don’t necessarily want to abstain from alcohol altogether.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Find the treatment, support, and resources you need in recovery at the Mandala Healing Center. Learn about our programs or schedule an intake appointment by contacting our treatment specialists today. Unlike traditional methods, TSM emphasizes compassion, choice, and science — making it appealing to individuals who may feel alienated by abstinence-only models. 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.