The Sinclair Method

Most people who drink "a lot" are binge drinkers rather than drinking heavily every day.  But then when they do drink it is often more than they had intended. 

For people who want a little more control over their drinking there is a pretty cool treatment that is available. It involves taking a medicine called naltrexone just once a day. Here's the neat part. You don't need to take the pill on days when you are unlikely to drink. That means less cost & less chance for side effects.  

Alcohol addiction affects millions of people, but traditional treatment methods like complete abstinence or 12-step programs fall short for many of them. If you’re looking for a more flexible, evidence-based alternative, Richard R Andrews MD MPH offers the Sinclair Method as a powerful option for adults throughout Texas. Board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician Richard Andrews, MD, uses this approach, combining FDA-approved naltrexone with a strategy called pharmacological extinction to help you control your drinking. To learn more, schedule a telehealth appointment online at the website today.

What is the Sinclair Method?

The Sinclair Method is a medication-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) that uses naltrexone to gradually reduce your desire to drink. Other names for this treatment are:  "naltrexone as needed" and "targeted naltrexone".

Unlike most treatment methods that focus on quitting quickly, the Sinclair Method involves:

• Taking naltrexone only before drinking (typically one hour before)
• Drinking as usual, but with the medication active in the system

Over time, the process disconnects alcohol from the brain’s reward system. When alcohol no longer triggers pleasurable effects, the brain begins to “unlearn” some of the less-healthy behaviors associated with drinking.

Can I benefit from the Sinclair Method?

The Sinclair Method is especially well suited for people who:

• Struggle to control their drinking, but aren’t ready to stop completely or have had trouble doing so
• Prefer a private, self-directed approach to treatment
• Experience intense cravings or compulsions to drink, especially in certain social situations, like parties or "game day".
• Don't want to give up their usual socializing activities, even when alcohol will be present. 

If you’re more focused on harm reduction than immediate abstinence or are looking for a science-backed option that doesn’t disrupt your lifestyle, the Sinclair Method may be ideal for you.

What can I expect from treatment using the Sinclair Method?

Dr. Andrews assesses your overall situation, and your goals, then advises you on the best approach. For most people this involves taking  naltrexone 50 mg in pill form.

You take your dose of naltrexone about one hour before you think you will get your first drink.  Unless a smaller or larger dose is recommended by Dr Andrews, the total daily dose of the medication will be 50 mg.

As you continue this pattern, most people notice:

• Reduced cravings
• Decreased enjoyment from alcohol
• Gradually lowered alcohol intake

Some people do notice significant benefit right from the beginning, but everyone is different. For many other people the treatment is more gradual, but still effective. As you go through the process, you may also benefit from support groups, online communities, and coaching programs to stay accountable and navigate challenges.

The Sinclair Method is a practical, evidence-based approach to treating alcohol over-use and dependence. By combining targeted naltrexone use with ongoing drinking, the Sinclair Method offers a pathway to gradually reduce or eliminate alcohol use without shame, guilt, or the need for immediate abstinence.

This is not forced sobriety. Dr. Andrews prioritizes gradual improvement over "perfection". The goal is more control. Do you want to be in charge of the alcohol, or vice versa?  Schedule your telehealth appointment online via here at the website today.