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. In one study, treatment with Vivitrol resulted in 25% greater reduction of heavy drinking days than counseling alone. In another study, Vivitrol showed greater success with those who were totally abstinent from drinking for a week ahead of receiving the shot.

Implementing the Sinclair Method: Practical Steps

• From there, Sinclair discovered that taking naltrexone before drinking would eventually cause animals to stop drinking.
• If you drink socially, you can still do so with TSM as long as you pop naltrexone beforehand.
• However, some doctors also use it to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD), as it helps rebalance chemicals in the brain and correct the electrical activity of brain cells.
• The more resources you have in your toolkit, the more likely you are to succeed.
• Naltrexone, disulfiram, and acamprosate can be used alone or in combination with behavioral treatments.

The naltrexone-based Sinclair Method works by reducing the reinforcement that people get when they drink alcohol. When we consume alcohol, our brain’s reward pathway is activated, releasing chemicals that create feelings of pleasure and euphoria. This stimulation triggers our opioid receptors — key players in this pathway — which results in the sense of satisfaction that makes drinking so appealing. This pleasure-reward feedback loop can encourage repeated alcohol use, ultimately leading to misuse or dependence.

Dual Diagnosis 101: How Mental Health Disorders and Substance Use Disorder Often go Hand in Hand

Changing drinking habits takes time, and we’re here with a judgment-free community, personalized support, and specialized resources always at your fingertips. Despite its marijuana addiction 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. However, please remember that the information on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute for any medical or other advice. If you have specific concerns or a situation arises in which you require medical advice, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified medical services provider. According to a survey from the C Three Foundation, more than half of the survey participants reduced their drinking by 70% in 6-12 months.

Alternative Addiction Treatment Options

At Thrive, we often talk about “meeting the medication halfway” to highlight how the Sinclair Method works best with intentional effort. While naltrexone reduces cravings, your actions are key to creating lasting change. TSM is a powerful solution for those who want to regain control and moderate their drinking, offering a stress-free, sustainable approach without the pressure to quit entirely. If someone abstains from alcohol immediately, https://hadoo.vn/substance-abuse-counseling-definitions/ they won’t “unlearn” the reward association. Alcohol may continue to represent a feel-good payoff, even long into sobriety.

The Sinclair Method: A Breakthrough Approach to Alcohol Addiction

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 Sinclair Method is a gradual process, and its effects continue to evolve as the brain’s reward system adapts. While some people experience a reduction in cravings and alcohol consumption fairly early, others need more time or need additional support to complete the full course of treatment​.

Start Healing from Drug and Alcohol Addiction Today

• Behavioral TherapiesWhile TSM alone can yield significant improvements, pairing it with proven counseling methods can address root causes of problematic drinking.
• Drinking without proper dosing or supervision reduces the method’s effectiveness and poses health risks.

Nalmefene, known by the brand name Selincro, is more similar in makeup to naloxone (Narcan), but can be used as a medication to help reduce drinking as well. Contact us today to schedule an initial assessment or to learn more about our services. Whether you are seeking intensive outpatient care or simply need guidance on your drug addiction journey, we Sinclair method are here to help. 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.