What is The Sinclair Method? Discover the Gold Standard for Alcohol Recovery in the UK & Ireland
Key Takeaways:
The Sinclair Method (TSM) uses targeted medication and behavioural change to reduce alcohol consumption
Naltrexone is taken before drinking to weaken the reward from alcohol
Over time, cravings naturally reduce – a process known as Pharmacological Extinction
Rethink Drink is the UK and Ireland’s gold standard provider of TSM-based recovery coaching
The method is backed by decades of research and used successfully by thousands worldwide
What is The Sinclair Method?
The Sinclair Method (TSM) is a medically proven approach to reducing and overcoming alcohol dependence – one that flips conventional treatment on its head. Rather than asking you to quit drinking from day one, TSM invites you to do something far simpler: take a tablet of naltrexone one hour before drinking.
This isn’t just a delay tactic. It’s rooted in science. When naltrexone is taken prior to consuming alcohol, it blocks the brain’s opioid receptors. That means the usual “reward” you feel from drinking — the buzz, the pleasure — is significantly reduced. As your brain stops associating alcohol with reward, your cravings decrease, and your drinking naturally tapers off.
This effect is called Pharmacological Extinction, and it’s at the heart of TSM.
The Science Behind TSM: Naltrexone and the Brain
To understand why TSM is so effective, let’s look at how alcohol affects the brain. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
Drinking alcohol triggers a release of endorphins, our brain’s feel-good chemicals
Regular heavy drinking reinforces this behaviour through the brain’s reward system
Taking naltrexone before drinking blocks these endorphins from binding to opioid receptors
Drinking on naltrexone reduces the usual pleasure, weakening the brain’s learned response to alcohol
Over time, your brain “unlearns” its dependency. Drinking becomes less pleasurable — not through willpower, but through neurological change.
Why Rethink Drink Is the Gold Standard in the UK and Ireland
While The Sinclair Method is available globally, not all TSM providers are created equal. At Rethink Drink, we bring unmatched clinical and coaching expertise to the table. We specialise in providing comprehensive, compassionate support through every phase of recovery.
Here’s what makes us stand out:
🥇 We have experienced coaches trained specifically in The Sinclair Method
📍 We're based in the UK and Ireland, with deep understanding of the local healthcare landscape
🧠 We take a holistic approach, combining medication with expert behavioural coaching
🔎 We offer a free screening call to help you determine if TSM is the right path for you
Our mission is to help people take back control of their drinking without shame, judgment, or rigid abstinence-only rules.
Real Change Without White-Knuckling It
Unlike traditional abstinence-based models, TSM does not require you to “go cold turkey”. That’s one of the reasons so many people prefer it. Let’s compare it to conventional rehab:
❌ Traditional rehab often prohibits all drinking
✅ TSM allows you to drink while taking medication beforehand
❌ Abstinence is usually required from day one in rehab programmes
✅ TSM allows gradual reduction, making the process more realistic
❌ Relapse is common and often seen as failure in traditional models
✅ With TSM, relapse carries less reinforcement due to blocked reward
✅ TSM does not rely heavily on willpower – the cravings themselves diminish
It’s a flexible and science-driven path to reducing or eliminating alcohol use on your own terms.
Is TSM Right For You?
If you’re curious about The Sinclair Method and wondering whether it could help you or a loved one, the best next step is a conversation. We offer a free screening call where you can speak with one of our friendly experts in confidence.
This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a chance to explore your options, learn how the method works in more detail, and see if you’re a good fit for this evidence-based programme.
Summary: A New Path to Freedom From Alcohol
The Sinclair Method is a revolutionary, science-backed way to treat alcohol use disorder — and Rethink Drink is proud to lead the way in the UK and Ireland. Through naltrexone and structured coaching, TSM offers a way forward that feels doable, empowering, and refreshingly free of judgement.
If you're ready to break free from the cycle of drinking without feeling like you're giving up your life, TSM could be your answer. Let’s rethink drinking together.