Many alcohol recovery treatment programs require patients to rely on willpower alone to abstain from their drug of choice. This discipline might come easy when things are going well. However, when life goes awry, the brain seeks relief in any way possible, including the bottle — temporary and dangerous as that fix may be.

What if there was a way to reduce your body’s craving for alcohol? Now, there is. Medication in conjunction with counseling offers new hope. Here are five things you should know about the Sinclair Method for alcohol addiction recovery.

1. It Doesn’t Rely on Willpower  

The Sinclair Method is unique among alcohol recovery treatment programs in that it doesn’t rely on willpower alone. It uses a drug called naltrexone to block alcohol’s intoxicating effects. 

Naltrexone is also used in opioid addiction treatment. Unlike methadone and buprenorphine, it binds and blocks opioid receptors instead of activating them. Therefore, there is no abuse and diversion potential — users don’t experience any pleasure from taking the drug.   

Naltrexone also differs from medications like Antabuse that make you experience unpleasant physical symptoms when you take a drink. Instead, your doctor will probably encourage you to keep drinking while you begin treatment. That’s because this medication works through behavioral conditioning. After your brain learns that it no longer gets “high” from drinking, it stops seeking alcohol as a reward.  

Naltrexone eliminates many problems with conventional alcohol treatment. Willpower can fail, and those struggling can refuse to take nausea-inducing medications if they want to imbibe. However, this medication has few side effects in those with healthy livers, encouraging compliance.

2. It Doesn’t Require You to Quit Drinking   

If you rely on alcohol to relax at the end of the day, the thought of forgoing your evening glass of wine may depress you or cause resentment that breaks your resolve. The Sinclair Method doesn’t require you to give up drinking.  

Therefore, this method might be ideal for you if you frequently encounter social situations where other people expect you to drink. For example, while societal attitudes are changing, happy hour is still an established ritual in many workplaces, and skipping out could cost you valuable opportunities.  

However, you might harbor private concerns that you indulge more than you should. Signs like drinking more than you intended in a given sitting indicate that you could benefit from professional aid. The Sinclair Method can help you regain control of when to say when without suddenly switching to strict chamomile tea-sipping at your office holiday bash.

3. There Are Different Ways to Take the Medication 

Talking with your doctor is crucial when trying the Sinclair Method. Some physicians advise that patients take the medication at the same time each day. Others recommend that you take it an hour before drinking.

The best approach for you probably depends on your unique physiology and lifestyle. You might begin with a daily dose if you routinely drink more than you anticipate at night. If you are more of a social drinker, using naltrexone only before heading out to a gathering may be your best bet

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4. You Can Still Become Intoxicated 

Although naltrexone can keep you from getting the pleasurable “buzz” you associate with drinking, it doesn’t prevent intoxication. Therefore, you must watch your intake, especially if you plan on getting behind the wheel.  

Most health experts recommend no more than two drinks per day for men and one for women. Please be aware that consuming three or more drinks in an hour puts you over the legal limit if you weigh 150 pounds or less. Switch to something nonalcoholic after your initial cocktail if out on the town.

5. It Works Best in Conjunction With Counseling  

The Sinclair Method changes the neurological pathways in your brain, helping them see that alcohol isn’t the answer to your problems, even for temporary relief. However, physical conditioning alone isn’t enough to break an addiction. You still have to recognize the devastating effects excess alcohol use can have on every aspect of your life. You must commit to quitting or reducing your intake long term.  

If your doctor prescribes naltrexone for alcohol cessation, expect them to refer you to a qualified mental health counselor. Online and in-person support groups can further aid in your recovery.

Things to Know About the Sinclair Method for Alcohol Addiction Recovery 

Many traditional alcohol addiction recovery methods rely on willpower. While patients may have the best intentions of staying sober, life can sometimes leave them seeking surcease of their sorrows — which they may find in a bottle. The Sinclair Method breaks the connection between alcohol and temporary pleasure through medication, offering real hope to those looking to quit or control their drinking.