Will The Sinclair Method Work for Me? A Science-Backed Route to Alcohol Recovery
Key Takeaways:
The Sinclair Method (TSM) uses naltrexone to reduce cravings and alcohol’s grip on the brain.
It boasts a 78% success rate in clinical studies when followed correctly.
Non-compliance with the medication is the primary reason for failure, not the method itself.
Medication compliance is generally high when patients are properly supported.
TSM offers a harm-reduction alternative to traditional abstinence-only recovery paths.
For those of us navigating the difficult landscape of alcohol recovery, finding a method that actually works can feel overwhelming. Many traditional approaches rely heavily on willpower and abstinence, often leading to feelings of guilt or failure when relapse occurs. But what if there was a method that used science to change the brain's relationship with alcohol—without requiring you to quit cold turkey?
This is exactly where The Sinclair Method (TSM) comes in. If you're asking yourself, “Will The Sinclair Method work for me?”—you're not alone. Thousands of people are exploring this powerful yet underutilised approach, and the evidence suggests that yes, for many of us, it really can work.
How The Sinclair Method Works
At the heart of The Sinclair Method is a simple idea grounded in neuroscience: take the medication naltrexone before drinking, and over time, alcohol will lose its appeal.
Naltrexone is an opioid receptor blocker. When taken an hour before drinking, it prevents the release of endorphins—the ‘reward’ chemicals our brains produce when we drink alcohol. Without this pleasurable reinforcement, the brain gradually begins to lose interest in alcohol. This process is called pharmacological extinction.
Unlike abstinence-based models, TSM allows us to continue drinking during treatment. That might sound counterintuitive, but drinking while taking the medication is essential for the extinction process to work. Over time, cravings diminish, and many people naturally cut down or stop drinking altogether—without forcing themselves into white-knuckled sobriety.
To understand more about how the method works in detail, we’ve broken it down in our Sinclair Method overview.
A 78% Success Rate—Backed by Science
When used correctly, The Sinclair Method shows one of the highest success rates of any treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder—approximately 78%, according to long-term clinical trials and real-world data. That means nearly eight out of ten people see a significant reduction in their drinking or achieve full abstinence through the method.
But here’s the crucial detail: the key to that success lies in medication compliance.
Studies have consistently shown that people who take naltrexone before every drinking session achieve better outcomes. In fact, non-compliance is the most common reason TSM doesn’t work—not because the science is flawed, but because the process wasn’t followed. It’s a bit like skipping your antibiotics and wondering why the infection doesn’t clear up.
Encouragingly, data from various treatment programmes show that compliance with naltrexone is generally high, especially when patients receive guidance and support. If you’re motivated to change your drinking and open to following a structured routine, the odds are in your favour.
What If It Doesn’t Work?
If you’re wondering whether TSM is a magic bullet—no, it’s not. But it is one of the most effective, evidence-based tools available today. It works best for people who are:
Open to continuing to drink during treatment while aiming to reduce or quit
Willing to take medication consistently before drinking
Interested in a harm-reduction, science-led approach to recovery
On the other hand, TSM may not be appropriate for people with liver disease, certain medical conditions, or for those who cannot take naltrexone. That’s why we always recommend speaking with a medical professional before starting. You can book a free screening call with us to determine if TSM is a safe and effective choice for you.
Realistic Recovery—On Your Terms
One of the most empowering aspects of The Sinclair Method is its flexibility. Unlike programmes that demand immediate abstinence and label relapse as failure, TSM meets people where they are. It supports those of us who might feel intimidated by the idea of never drinking again, offering a more compassionate and realistic path to recovery.
By retraining the brain rather than punishing it, TSM helps remove the shame and stigma so often associated with AUD. It turns the tide from fighting against ourselves to working with our biology.
If you’ve tried traditional recovery methods and found them ineffective or unsustainable, The Sinclair Method may be the alternative you've been searching for. For additional insight, visit our FAQ section, where we answer common questions and concerns about the process.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Recovery is not one-size-fits-all. But with the right tools and support, you can reclaim control over alcohol—without relying on willpower alone. Whether your goal is moderation or full abstinence, The Sinclair Method offers a science-backed, judgement-free path to a healthier relationship with alcohol.
If you're ready to take the next step, book your free screening call here. We’ll walk you through the process and help you decide if TSM is the right fit for you.