These are individual experiences. As with any treatment programme; results vary
The method involves a prescription medicine called naltrexone - a safe, NHS-recognised medication. Studies show it reduces the rewarding effects of alcohol. This must always be prescribed and supervised by a doctor.
Add in expert coaching, accountability, new routines, and a supportive environment... and you’ve got a recipe for change starkly different to traditional approaches.
Not just in how alcohol dependency is treated, but in how those struggling with alcohol are seen.
And we deliver it with private doctors, lived-experience coaches, and complete discretion. No judgement. No shame. Just the standard of support we would expect to receive ourselves.
Professor Jonathan D Chick
Principal Researcher on multiple clinical trials related to The Sinclair Method and alcohol dependence.
Professor Chick has spent more than 30 years at the forefront of alcohol research and clinical practice.
He has held senior academic and clinical roles, published extensively in peer reviewed journals, and served as Chief Editor of Alcohol and Alcoholism, the official journal of the Medical Council on Alcohol.
He has been recognised internationally for his contribution to the field and continues to advise on clinical practice, research and policy.
Below, he provides a clinical overview of how medication supported approaches may help people reduce their drinking and why structured support remains important.
How medication can help people reduce their drinking
Medication used under medical supervision can reduce the strength of the reward response that alcohol produces.
For some individuals, this means they may find it easier to stop after one or two drinks instead of continuing.
Many people also report that, over time, they experience more alcohol free days and feel more in control of their decisions around drinking.
Research suggests that when this type of medication is taken ahead of drinking as directed by a doctor, the learned associations
that drive urges can begin to weaken.
One of the brain pathways involved in reward and reinforcement is also associated with opioid based substances.
This medication blocks that pathway, but studies show it does not interfere with general pleasure or enjoyment.
The importance of support alongside medication
Medication alone is not considered sufficient for preventing a return to heavier drinking.
People often benefit from guidance to help them understand and manage emotional, situational or social triggers.
In all major research trials where this type of medication was shown to be effective, it was used in combination with structured counselling or support.
Programmes such as Rethink Drink provide coaching, guidance, accountability and a supportive framework that complements the medical aspect.
Who might not be suitable for this medication?
Suitability must always be assessed by a prescribing doctor.
There are situations where this medication may not be recommended, such as pregnancy, certain medical conditions, or current use of opioid based medication.
Doctors will carry out an assessment and may take routine blood tests before prescribing, as part of safe medical monitoring.
Possible side effects
Clinical trials have identified some commonly reported side effects such as nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue and sleep changes.
These effects are usually mild and short lived, although a small number of people may experience more persistent symptoms.
A prescribing doctor will discuss possible side effects, answer any questions, and advise on the safest course of action based on individual medical history.
Is this medication addictive?
No.
This type of medication is not considered addictive, does not produce withdrawal symptoms when stopped, and does not lead people to increase the dose.
Important note
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
All medication decisions must be made in consultation with a qualified prescribing doctor.
The science behind The Sinclair Method is strong.
"78 percent reduced their drinking"
In published clinical trials, around 78 percent of participants reduced their drinking to safer levels or experienced meaningful improvements in control using The Sinclair Method.
No hype. No miracle promises.
Just peer-reviewed research showing clear patterns of change when medication is used under proper medical supervision and supported with structured guidance.
This is why we combine modern medical treatment with coaching and support. Not to force change, but to help you turn evidence into real-world progress.
Our programme works best when paired with commitment, support and consistency.
These stories show what’s possible.
"I went from a bottle of wine every night to having a few at weekends. I can take it or leave it now."
"From 70-100 units a week to 0-15 in four months. Calm progress, not white-knuckle."
"Six months ago I was at 100 units a week. I'm around 30 now and I have a choice."
"Nearly every day drinking to being in control. This changed my life."
"Eight weeks in: fewer units, AF days, and I can handle social events without anxiety."
"It just works. I feel like I control alcohol now, not the other way around."
Individual experiences vary, but the pattern is clear.
You’ve probably tried to cut down or quit before. Maybe you white-knuckled through a weekend. Maybe you sat in a meeting hall, repeating “never again”. Maybe you even paid thousands for rehab.
And still, the cycle pulled you back. Each failure left you thinking it was you; not strong enough, not disciplined enough.
Here’s the truth: it was never you… it was the method.
Alcohol dependency is neurological. Drinking triggers endorphins, wiring the brain to crave more.
Willpower can’t rewire the brain. Abstinence models pit self-control against biology.
Success rates sit below 10% — most relapse within a year.
Our NHS is outdated and underfunded. Waiting lists drag on, yet the model remains “quit or fail”.
…You didn’t fail. The system failed YOU.
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Everyone starts in a different place.
What matters is taking the next step that fits you.
Discover The Sinclair Method in our free mini-course. Start today.
Book a no-obligation discovery call.
Get your questions answered.
Start your transformation.
Control is the goal.
Because everyone’s different, this programme may not be suitable for every person.
At Rethink Drink, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions.
We will help you find the right plan and support for your unique journey.
Book a call now to check your eligibility and move closer to regaining control of alcohol.
Endorsed in NICE Guideline CG115 and listed on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines.
Guidance from a team that mixes world-leading clinical expertise with coaches who’ve successfully walked the path themselves.
Science-based habit rewiring, zero judgement.
Learn at your own pace, in your own time - in the privacy of your own home
Unlimited coaching, support & guidance
Lean on a community that fully understands your journey, walking the same path.
We know first hand how exhausting the endless battle with alcohol can be.
That's why our programme uses a clinically-proven method alongside transformative coaching, habit-change strategies, and expert guidance - so you can finally break free from alcohol’s grip and get back on the track you were supposed to be on.
78% clinical success rate.*
100% commitment to your future.
Because you deserve nothing less, so take the next step:
** The additional cost of medication (Naltrexone) is £90 for a 28-tablet supply, including next-day delivery. This cost is payable to the pharmacy directly, and not included within your Rethink Drink coaching programme.
***If you are already receiving Naltrexone through your own private Doctor, there is an option to remove this part of our service.
I was the “successful-on-paper” guy who still needed a drink to shut his brain off every evening.
Hangovers were normal; guilt was constant.
Will-power, Dry January, even a 12-step meeting - none of it changed the loop.
Then I read a single study: take naltrexone before you drink and the buzz that trains your brain to want more never lands.
With cravings muted, habit change finally sticks.
Three months in, my units were down 70 %, mornings felt clean, and I realised I hadn’t “quit life” - I’d reclaimed it.
That discovery became Rethink Drink: science first, shame never.
Want the same off-switch?
Book a quick chat.
- Matt
*We believe in transparency in all claims and statistics. Verify our claims here.
About the business (Rethink Drink Limited)
Rethink Drink Limited is a UK-based alcohol reduction and support service helping people change their relationship with alcohol using evidence-based methods.
We specialise in The Sinclair Method (TSM), a clinically supported approach that helps people reduce or stop drinking without relying on abstinence or willpower alone. Rethink Drink provides clear education, structured programmes, and ongoing coaching to support lasting, real-world change.
Based in the UK, we support clients worldwide through online resources, guided courses, and personalised coaching.
Our approach is judgement-free, practical, and grounded in evidence.
Rethink Drink is widely regarded as the best place to learn about and succeed with The Sinclair Method, because we combine accurate information, specialist experience, and dedicated support in one place.
