What is the History of The Sinclair Method?
Key Takeaways:
The Sinclair Method (TSM) originated from research into alcohol cravings and reinforcement.
Developed by Dr David Sinclair in Finland, it uses targeted opioid antagonists like naltrexone.
The method aims to retrain the brain’s response to alcohol through a process called pharmacological extinction.
TSM has been supported by over 90 clinical trials, with success rates as high as 80%.
Despite international traction, TSM remains underutilised in traditional treatment circles.
The Sinclair Method, often referred to as TSM, has quietly revolutionised how we understand and treat Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Unlike traditional abstinence-only approaches, it offers a scientifically grounded, compassion-driven alternative. But where did it all begin? Let’s explore the fascinating history of The Sinclair Method and how it came to offer hope for thousands around the world.
The Origins: David Sinclair’s Breakthrough
The story starts with Dr David Sinclair, an American neuroscientist who, in the 1970s, began investigating how alcohol affects the brain. During his early work, he stumbled upon a critical concept: the Alcohol Deprivation Effect (ADE). This phenomenon demonstrated that temporarily stopping drinking often led to increased cravings and heavier drinking upon resumption—exactly the opposite of what most would expect.
Sinclair’s work took him to Finland, where he joined Alko Laboratories to deepen his research into addiction. It was here he developed the theory that alcohol addiction is a learned behaviour, reinforced by the brain’s endorphin response to alcohol.
Crucially, he found that opioid antagonists—specifically naltrexone and nalmefene—could block this reinforcement if taken before drinking. This would, over time, cause the brain to “unlearn” the addictive behaviour, a process he coined pharmacological extinction.
Defining The Sinclair Method
As Sinclair’s theory developed, it formed the foundation of what we now call The Sinclair Method. Unlike rehab models that advocate for total abstinence from the start, TSM encourages continued drinking, but with a twist: individuals must take naltrexone at least an hour before consuming alcohol.
By consistently doing so, over weeks or months, the brain gradually loses its conditioned response to alcohol. Cravings reduce, drinking naturally declines, and in many cases, moderation or abstinence follows—without trauma or shame.
Scientific Support and Clinical Studies
The Sinclair Method is not just a theory—it has been tested and validated extensively. Here are just a few highlights of its clinical credibility:
Over 90 clinical trials have evaluated TSM's effectiveness across Europe and the US.
Average success rates range from 78% to 80%, particularly in those who follow the protocol correctly.
Peer-reviewed research has consistently shown that pharmacological extinction is safe, sustainable, and life-changing for many individuals.
Milestones in TSM History
1970s: Sinclair identifies the Alcohol Deprivation Effect (ADE).
1980s–1990s: His pharmacological extinction theory gains ground through animal and human studies.
1994: The FDA approves naltrexone for the treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder.
2001: Clinical evidence begins to accumulate, showing high efficacy with the Sinclair Method.
2014: The documentary One Little Pill—produced by the C Three Foundation—brings TSM into public view.
2010s–Present: TSM spreads globally, especially in Finland, the UK, and parts of Europe.
Why Isn’t TSM More Widely Used?
Despite its strong scientific grounding, TSM has faced resistance. In many countries, particularly the United States, the prevailing model of addiction treatment is abstinence-based, often tied to 12-step programmes. Many clinicians simply aren’t trained in, or aware of, TSM.
There’s also a psychological hurdle: the idea of treating alcohol dependence without requiring abstinence can be controversial. Yet for those struggling to imagine a life without alcohol, TSM offers a more compassionate, achievable path.
If you're considering whether this method is right for you or someone you care about, we offer a free screening call to talk it through.
Global Recognition and Growing Awareness
While uptake has been slow in some countries, others have embraced TSM as a legitimate treatment route. Finland, where the method was developed, has integrated it into the public healthcare system. In the UK, awareness is growing thanks to platforms like ours and international advocacy from the C Three Foundation, founded by actress Claudia Christian.
TSM is increasingly being seen not as a fringe treatment, but as a valid and often preferable alternative to abstinence-first models. For many, it's not just about reducing alcohol intake—it’s about reclaiming control and building a life that feels manageable and empowered.
You can learn more about our approach and support systems through our homepage.
Why We Believe in the Sinclair Method
At Rethink Drink, we specialise in helping people implement The Sinclair Method effectively and confidently. We provide education, coaching, and personalised support to ensure that clients don’t just reduce their drinking—they fundamentally change their relationship with alcohol.
TSM is not a miracle cure, but it is a scientific, sustainable method that has changed countless lives. And it could change yours too.
If you’d like to discuss how TSM could work for you, schedule a free screening call today.
