The Sinclair Method is a way people, who are suffering from alcohol-related issues can prevent the problematic reward that some people get from drinking. The Sinclair Method can be an effective way to prevent someone, who has recently finished an alcohol detox, from falling back into old habits. It also works for those who have not required an alcohol detox because they don’t drink daily, but tend to binge heavily when they do drink. This guide aims to explain the Sinclair Method in more detail, how effective the method is & how long it takes.
What is The Sinclair Method?
The Sinclair Method is a way of treating Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) – formerly known as alcoholism – by blocking a person’s opioid receptors, to prevent endorphins binding to them and giving a reward for excessive drinking. The aim is to recondition the body so that it doesn’t experience an excessive reward when alcohol is consumed.. The individual should take the medication (naltrexone) before they start drinking and this gives them a ‘safe’ period of time when the receptors are blocked and the body does not demand large amounts of alcohol. Drinking is slower and satisfaction is reached more quickly.
There are two ways that The Sinclair Method can be successful, either by the individual stopping drinking altogether or being able to return to more healthy drinking levels.
To use naltrexone as per The Sinclair Method, people taking medication should not take it on days when they are not drinking.
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Does The Method Actually Work?
The Sinclair Method does work. It has been found to have a 78% long-term success rate, which is much higher than other alcohol treatments. This means that by using the Sinclair Method you can work towards controlled drinking or eventual abstinence without the long-term strong cravings associated with other methods.
How Long Does It Take For The Sinclair Method To Work?
On average, it can take about 3-4 months before your drinking before the point of pharmacological extinction is reached. This is the point where the neural pathways have been altered so that craving for alcohol ceases and the individual can either avoid alcohol altogether or enjoy an alcoholic drink with much better control. However, for some people, this period before extinction is reached maybe a longer or shorter time, depending on the individual. Interest in alcohol wanes over time but it is important that there is full compliance which will speed up that process.
Does Naltrexone Work?
Naltrexone is the medication that is used during the Sinclair Method to prevent the endorphins binding to opioid receptors and giving a reward for excess drinking. Naltrexone does not cancel out alcohol and its effects such as intoxication, a relaxed feeling, lowered inhibitions, and the effect on a person’s ability to drive or operate machinery.
It also doesn’t prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms so it may be necessary for some people, who drink large amounts daily, to undergo alcohol detoxification prior to starting The Sinclair Method.
One aspect of using The Sinclair Method is ‘mindful drinking’ because, although The method can reduce the urge to drink more, it doesn’t change habits, only makes it easier for the person with AUD to change their habits. Ongoing support is necessary and available as part of the Sinclair Method package that we offer.
If you have any questions about the Sinclair Method, please feel to contact me.