Sinclair Method Studies
This article examines the scientific foundation behind TSM, drawing on nearly three decades of peer‑reviewed trials, neuroimaging research, and systematic reviews.
The Sinclair Method didn’t originate in a corporate lab or a detox facility—it started in a Helsinki research centre. Dr John David Sinclair, a behavioural psychologist from the United States, moved to Finland in the early 1970s after completing his PhD. There, he joined Alko Laboratories, the research arm of Finland’s state alcohol monopoly, which would later become part of the country’s National Public Health Institute.
"Why don’t they just stop?" It’s a familiar question — one that often leads to frustration, judgement, and misunderstanding. For years, alcohol dependency has been viewed through the lens of morality or self-control. But science paints a different picture: alcohol use disorder (AUD) is not a lifestyle choice, but a chronic condition shaped by changes in brain function.
Let’s face it—quitting alcohol overnight can be intimidating, and for many, it’s simply not sustainable. That’s where gradual alcohol reduction offers a more realistic and compassionate approach. Rather than forcing complete abstinence from the start, this method gives us time to adjust our relationship with alcohol in a way that feels manageable and lasting.
The Sinclair Method (TSM) offers a revolutionary way to overcome alcohol dependence. Unlike traditional abstinence-based recovery, TSM allows individuals to continue drinking while taking medication that gradually reduces their desire for alcohol. This process, known as pharmacological extinction, helps individuals regain control over their drinking habits without the pressure of complete sobriety from the start.