How I Learned to Drink Wine in Moderation with the Sinclair Method and Naltrexone
Jan 10, 2025If you're someone who's struggled to control your drinking, you're not alone. I spent years in a cycle of heavy drinking, white-knuckling through attempts to moderate or even quit drinking, and feeling hopeless when I couldn’t maintain control. But in 2017, I discovered a treatment called the Sinclair Method (TSM), and it completely transformed my relationship with alcohol.
Unlike other methods that demand total sobriety or rely solely on willpower, TSM offers a science-backed solution that’s flexible and sustainable. It allowed me to go from drinking at least a bottle of wine every night to having just a couple of glasses a few times a month. Whether you’re curious about cutting back or simply want to know more about TSM, this method offers a path to real and lasting change.
What is the Sinclair Method?
The Sinclair Method is a treatment that helps people regain control over their drinking without requiring them to quit alcohol completely. It’s based on decades of research and works by addressing the root cause of problem drinking: the brain’s reward system.
When we drink, our brain releases an intense surge of endorphins—chemicals that create feelings of pleasure. Over time, this creates a learned behavior: our brain associates alcohol with a massive reward. For people like me with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), this rewiring of the brain results in cravings and a lack of an “off switch.”
TSM uses a medication called naltrexone, an FDA-approved, non-addictive opiate blocker. Taken one to two hours before drinking, it works by reducing the pleasure the brain receives from alcohol. This gradually rewires the brain to break the cycle of dependency and cravings.
My Journey with the Sinclair Method
Before starting TSM, I struggled for nearly a decade to moderate my drinking. I tried setting limits, taking breaks, and even quitting alcohol altogether, but nothing worked. I’d wake up most mornings telling myself, “I’m not going to drink tonight,” only to find myself pouring another glass of wine by evening and finishing an entire bottle—or more—most nights.
When I first heard about the Sinclair Method, I was skeptical. Could a simple medication really change my drinking habits? But I was desperate for a solution, so I decided to give it a try.
The Early Days
When I started TSM, I was drinking every day—a bottle of wine most nights and even more on weekends. After taking naltrexone consistently, I noticed small but significant changes. In the first week, I had my first effortless alcohol-free day in years. It wasn’t forced or filled with cravings; I just chose to skip drinking that night because I didn’t feel like it.
This almost never happened to me before—unless I was too hungover to drink. To me, this was a sign something was changing.
Over the next couple of months, my drinking began to decrease naturally. I went from finishing an entire bottle of wine in one sitting to having just three or four glasses—and feeling satisfied. The constant mental battle over whether or not to drink started to fade, and for the first time in years, I felt hopeful.
Why Can I Drink Wine in Moderation with the Sinclair Method?
One of the most powerful aspects of the Sinclair Method is that it doesn't require you to quit drinking right away—or even at all. This was a game-changer for me. Unlike abstinence-based programs that demand immediate and total sobriety, TSM allowed me to gradually reshape my relationship with alcohol while still enjoying it in moderation.
But how does TSM make moderation possible?
Rewiring the Brain's Reward System
TSM works by addressing the neurological basis of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). When we drink, our brains release a surge of endorphins that reinforce the behavior, making us crave alcohol more over time. This creates a cycle where we need to drink more to achieve the same pleasurable effects.
By taking naltrexone one to two hours before drinking, it blocks the endorphins from binding to receptors in the brain. This means that while you still experience the taste and effects of alcohol, the intense euphoria and reinforcement are reduced. Over time, this leads to pharmacological extinction, where the brain unlearns the addictive behavior.
Regaining the "Off Switch"
Before TSM, I lacked an "off switch" when it came to drinking. One glass always led to another until I lost count. Naltrexone helped me reclaim that off switch. I began to feel satisfied after one or two glasses of wine, much like someone who has never struggled with AUD.
No More Cravings
Another reason TSM enables moderation is that it reduces the subconscious cravings for alcohol. Since the brain no longer associates drinking with a massive reward, the obsessive thoughts and urges diminish. This makes it easier to choose when and how much to drink without feeling deprived or battling constant temptation.
Flexibility and Sustainability
For many people, the idea of "never drinking again" feels daunting or unrealistic. TSM provides an alternative path. By allowing controlled drinking from the outset, it reduces the fear and resistance that often accompany traditional abstinence programs. This flexibility makes the method more sustainable for those who aren't ready or don't wish to give up alcohol entirely.
Personal Empowerment
Perhaps most importantly, TSM empowers you to make conscious choices about your drinking. You're not adhering to strict rules or facing the stigma that can come with other programs. Instead, you're actively participating in your recovery process, which can boost confidence and further support moderation.
By leveraging the science behind how our brains respond to alcohol, the Sinclair Method offers a practical solution for those seeking to drink in moderation. It doesn't force you into an all-or-nothing scenario but instead provides the tools to naturally reduce your intake, regain control, and enjoy alcohol responsibly if you choose to.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
As incredible as naltrexone and TSM is, one thing I realized was that it wasn’t a magic pill. While the medication addresses physical cravings and rewires the brain, lasting success with TSM also requires changing habits and routines.
For years, drinking wine at night had been my way of unwinding after a stressful day. When I started TSM, I had to find new ways to relax and fill my time. Hot baths, exercise, and watching funny movies became my go-to replacements. Over time, these new habits became just as satisfying—if not more so—than drinking.
Alcohol Moderation Through the Sinclair Method
By the end of my first year on TSM, my drinking had naturally tapered off to the point where I was having just one or two drinks about once a month. The most incredible part? It felt completely effortless. I didn’t avoid drinking because I was forcing myself to or "white-knuckling" through cravings. Instead, I simply didn’t feel like it most of the time. When I did choose to have a glass or two of wine at a special dinner, it felt easy and enjoyable—no mental tug-of-war, no guilt, no overindulgence.
The freedom I experienced from not craving alcohol was truly life-changing. Many people who use TSM find a similar sense of balance. They can enjoy a glass of wine at a wedding or a beer with friends without feeling the urge to drink more. The beauty of this method is its flexibility—it’s designed to fit your personal goals, whether that’s moderate drinking or moving toward an alcohol-free life.
How to Get Started with TSM
If this method resonates with you, here are some steps to take:
- Learn More: Read The Cure for Alcoholism by Dr. Roy Eskapa, which explains the science behind TSM.
- Get a Prescription for Naltrexone: Consult your doctor or join Thrive to connect with one of our telemedicine doctors that specialize in TSM.
- Join a Program: Thrive Alcohol Recovery, which I founded 😎, offers a comprehensive program to guide you through TSM with coaching, community support, and practical tools.
- Be Patient: TSM is a long-term treatment. Give yourself at least a year to see meaningful progress.
Final Thoughts
The Sinclair Method gave me something I thought I’d lost forever: control over my drinking. It allowed me to unlearn my dependence on alcohol, rebuild healthier habits, and ultimately reclaim my life. Whether your goal is to drink less or stop drinking altogether, TSM offers a path to freedom—without judgment or pressure to fit into a one-size-fits-all solution.
If you’re curious to learn more, feel free to explore the resources I’ve shared or reach out with any questions. You deserve a life free from the grip of alcohol, and TSM might just be the answer you’ve been looking for.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is not for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a healthcare professional for any medical concerns. Do not ignore or delay seeking medical advice based on what you read here.