Key Takeaways:

• The Sinclair Method (TSM) uses medication to reduce the brain’s reward response to alcohol, helping people reduce drinking over time.

• Unlike abstinence-based methods, TSM does not require people to stop drinking immediately, making it less intimidating for many.

• Both TSM and abstinence have different benefits—choosing the right one depends on your personal needs and goals.

Does The Sinclair Method Work? A Closer Look Compared to Abstinence-Based Recovery

At Rethink Drink, we’re passionate about offering science-backed, personalised approaches to alcohol recovery. One of the most innovative methods we support is The Sinclair Method (TSM). It turns conventional thinking on its head, offering a new route that doesn’t require immediate abstinence. But does it really work? And how does it stack up against traditional abstinence-only approaches? Let’s break it down.

What Is The Sinclair Method?

The Sinclair Method is a form of medication-assisted treatment that uses opioid-blocking medication—typically naltrexone or nalmefene—to retrain the brain’s response to alcohol. The method is based on a process called pharmacological extinction, which reduces the reward associated with alcohol over time.

Here’s how it works:

• You take the medication one to two hours before drinking alcohol.

• The medication blocks endorphins that would otherwise reinforce the drinking habit.

• Over time, your urge to drink decreases, and your brain unlearns the addictive behaviour.

To dive deeper into how TSM works on a neurological level, check out our Sinclair Method FAQ.

Does The Sinclair Method Work?

The short answer: yes. Research shows that TSM is effective for the majority of people who follow the protocol properly. In fact:

• Around 78% of people using TSM reduce their alcohol consumption significantly.

• It is backed by over 90 clinical trials and decades of scientific research.

• It offers a sustainable, gradual path to recovery with fewer dropouts compared to abstinence-only approaches.

One of the main benefits of TSM is that you don’t have to quit drinking immediately. This makes the process feel more manageable and less daunting, especially for those who have struggled with strict sobriety.

How Does TSM Compare to Abstinence-Based Methods?

Traditional abstinence programmes, such as 12-step groups or rehab, focus on complete and immediate sobriety. While these methods can be life-changing for some, they’re not ideal for everyone. Here's a comparison of the two approaches:

Benefits of The Sinclair Method:

• Less Pressure to Quit Immediately – You can still drink while retraining your brain.

• Higher Long-Term Adherence – Fewer people drop out because the process feels more achievable.

• Scientifically Targeted – It works on the neurochemical root cause of cravings.

• Increased Personal Control – You're empowered to track your progress and make choices about drinking.

Benefits of Abstinence-Based Recovery:

• Clear Structure – Total abstinence sets a firm boundary, which some find easier to stick with.

• Community Support – Programmes like AA offer strong peer support and regular group meetings.

• No Grey Area – For some, “just don’t drink” is a simpler rule to follow.

• Spiritual or Emotional Focus – Many abstinence programmes include personal development tools that resonate deeply with some individuals.

Choosing the Right Path for You

When it comes to recovery, there’s no one-size-fits-all. TSM and abstinence are two different tools—and which one you choose should depend on:

• Your personal preferences and beliefs

• The severity of your alcohol dependence

• Your past experiences with quitting

• Your mental health and lifestyle

If you’ve found abstinence too rigid or intimidating in the past, TSM could offer the freedom and flexibility you need to succeed.

At Rethink Drink, we offer coaching and support tailored to your journey through The Sinclair Method. Our mission is to empower you with the tools and knowledge to take back control of your relationship with alcohol.

Explore more about our approach and how we can help you on your journey via our homepage.

Recovery isn’t about following someone else’s rules—it’s about finding a method that works for you. Whether that’s through the science of TSM or the structure of abstinence, the most important thing is taking that first step.