The Sinclair Method: A Revolutionary Approach to Alcohol Harm Reduction
Key Takeaways:
The Sinclair Method (TSM) helps reduce alcohol consumption using the medication naltrexone.
It supports harm reduction, not forced abstinence — drink mindfully, not mindlessly.
TSM shows a success rate of up to 78% in clinical studies.
Rethink Drink offers expert-led coaching and mini-courses for support with TSM.
This method is science-backed and highly personalised — a truly modern solution.
What is the Sinclair Method?
The Sinclair Method (TSM) is a science-based approach to alcohol harm reduction that flips traditional recovery thinking on its head. Instead of pushing for immediate abstinence — a goal that many find daunting or unsustainable — TSM allows individuals to drink while slowly retraining their brains to reduce their dependence on alcohol.
At the core of TSM is naltrexone, a medication that blocks the brain’s reward receptors associated with alcohol. Over time, and with consistency, this leads to a process known as pharmacological extinction, where the urge to drink fades significantly or disappears entirely.
To explore more about how this science-led approach works, visit our homepage for The Sinclair Method.
Why Abstinence Alone Isn’t Working
The dominant narrative around Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) often centres on abstinence — stop drinking completely and stay that way forever. But the reality is, this approach fails the majority of people.
Here’s how The Sinclair Method differs from traditional abstinence-based approaches:
TSM offers a gradual reduction in drinking, rather than an all-or-nothing approach.
It has a higher long-term success rate, particularly for those who have struggled with relapse.
TSM focuses on compassion, not guilt or shame.
There’s no need to white-knuckle through cravings — cravings diminish naturally over time.
Drinking mindfully is encouraged, rather than denied, as part of the healing process.
For those who’ve tried to stop but found themselves back at square one, TSM offers something refreshingly different — a way forward without the shame cycle.
How Does The Sinclair Method Actually Work?
TSM follows a simple but powerful protocol:
Take naltrexone one hour before your first drink of the day.
Drink as usual, with mindfulness and intention.
Track your progress to understand how your drinking habits change.
Repeat the process consistently and allow your brain to do the rest.
Naltrexone blocks the release of endorphins (feel-good chemicals) when alcohol is consumed. Without the reward, your brain begins to ‘unlearn’ the urge to drink — a process called pharmacological extinction.
This method has a success rate of approximately 78% when followed correctly, making it one of the most effective treatments for AUD available today.
Harm Reduction: A Gentler Path to Healing
The idea of harm reduction is that not everyone needs — or wants — to quit alcohol entirely. For many, the goal is to cut back to healthier levels, reduce bingeing, or eliminate alcohol-related harm like anxiety, poor sleep, or health complications.
The Sinclair Method is built for this reality. It respects your autonomy and personal goals, and it's particularly effective for:
Those who drink habitually or socially
Individuals who’ve relapsed after trying to quit cold turkey
People managing stress, trauma, or anxiety alongside alcohol use
Anyone looking for a more sustainable, empowering approach to change
Want to explore this life-changing method at your own pace? Start today with our free Sinclair Method mini-course — it’s the perfect introduction in under an hour.
Real Lives, Real Results
We’ve worked with countless people who felt trapped in their drinking habits but didn’t resonate with traditional routes like AA or total abstinence.
Here’s what our clients often say after a few weeks on TSM:
“For the first time in years, I feel like I’m in control. I can have a drink if I want, but I don’t need to anymore.”
“No more guilt. No more hiding. Just steady progress and freedom.”
Is TSM Right For You?
TSM is most effective when:
You’re ready to make a change, but aren’t sure about quitting entirely.
You want a science-backed approach to reduce your alcohol intake.
You’re open to daily consistency with medication and tracking.
You’re looking for support that’s judgement-free and empowering.
At Rethink Drink, we offer coaching packages, expert support, and science-led guidance designed to help you regain control and build healthier habits — on your terms.
Find out more about our approach by visiting the Rethink Drink homepage, or take your first step with the free TSM mini-course.
Final Thoughts
The Sinclair Method is a breath of fresh air for anyone who’s struggled with alcohol and felt like traditional methods just don’t fit. It’s not about guilt, control, or cold turkey — it’s about retraining your brain, reducing cravings, and building a better relationship with alcohol over time.
If abstinence hasn’t worked for you, don’t give up. There is another way — and The Sinclair Method might just be the life-changing solution you’ve been searching for.