Is The Sinclair Method a Legitimate Treatment for Alcohol Addiction?

Oftentimes when people learn about naltrexone – the medication used in the Sinclair Method as a treatment for alcohol addiction – it seems too good to be true (I thought that also when I first learned about it).

It seems too good to be true because the treatment doesn't require abstinence but rather has been shown to help most people to regain control over alcohol.

Today I wanted to discuss whether or not the Sinclair Method is a legitimate treatment for alcohol addiction – and address some of the concerns people might have.

You can also check out the video above with Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Brian Noonan where he speaks to this question. 👆

Is the Sinclair Method a legitimate treatment for alcohol addiction?

The short answer is yes – The Sinclair Method is a legitimate treatment for alcoholism, and it has been recognized as such by many medical professionals and organizations since the 1990s.

The book, "The Cure for Alcoholism" by Dr Roy Eskapa was written about the Sinclair Method and dives into much of the research into this treatment method.

You can also learn more about it from the documentary film, One Little Pill.

The Sinclair Method (TSM) is a type of pharmacological extinction therapy that uses the drug naltrexone to help people overcome their addiction to alcohol.

The method was developed by Dr. John Sinclair, a physician and researcher, and it involves taking naltrexone before drinking alcohol over a long period of time. The drug works by blocking the endorphins that are released when alcohol is consumed, which reduces the pleasure that is associated with drinking. Over time, this can help to weaken the neural connections that underlie addiction and ultimately lead to a reduction in alcohol consumption and fewer alcohol cravings.

Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the Sinclair Method in treating alcoholism, and it has been endorsed by organizations such as the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

According to numerous clinical trials, the Sinclair Method is estimated to have a success rate of 78% – however, it is important to note that this treatment is not a "magic bullet" and may not work for everyone. Like any treatment for addiction, it should be used in conjunction with counseling and support to achieve the best results.

Is the Sinclair Method an effective treatment for alcoholism?

Yes, in fact, the Sinclair Method has been shown to be effective in treating alcohol addiction in many studies and clinical trials. According to a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, the Sinclair Method was found to be significantly more effective than placebo or no treatment in reducing alcohol consumption and promoting abstinence.

One of the advantages of the Sinclair Method is that it is a relatively low-risk and non-invasive treatment option. Naltrexone has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of alcohol dependence since 1994, and it has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated by most patients.

However, it's important to note that not all patients respond equally well to the Sinclair Method. The effectiveness of the treatment can depend on factors such as the severity of the addiction, the patient's motivation to change, and their willingness to comply with the treatment regimen. In addition, the Sinclair Method is not a standalone treatment, and it should be used in conjunction with counseling and support to address the underlying psychological and social factors that contribute to alcohol addiction.

Overall, the Sinclair Method can be an effective treatment option for many individuals struggling with alcohol addiction, but it's important to consult with a medical professional to determine if it's the right treatment approach for your specific needs. Get in touch with a member of our team today to learn more.

Is The Sinclair Method a scam?

No, the Sinclair Method is not a scam, it's just not very well-known despite the decades of research and evidence behind it.

It is indeed a legitimate treatment for alcohol addiction that has been studied extensively and endorsed by many medical professionals and organizations. The method is based on the principle of pharmacological extinction, which involves taking the medication naltrexone to help reduce the pleasure and reward associated with drinking alcohol.

While the Sinclair Method may not be effective for everyone, it has been shown to be effective in many clinical trials and studies. As noted above, the method has also been endorsed by organizations such as the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

Where can I find research about The Sinclair Method?

There are several ways to find research on the Sinclair Method, including:

1. PubMed: PubMed is a free database of biomedical literature and includes many studies on the Sinclair Method. You can search for studies using keywords like "Sinclair Method," "pharmacological extinction," or "naltrexone."

2. Google Scholar: Google Scholar is another free search engine that includes academic research papers and other scholarly literature. You can search for studies on the Sinclair Method using similar keywords.

3. ClinicalTrials.gov: ClinicalTrials.gov is a registry of clinical trials conducted around the world. You can search for trials related to the Sinclair Method by entering keywords like "naltrexone" or "Sinclair Method" into the search bar.

4. The C3 Foundation website: The C3 Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides information and resources on the Sinclair Method. Their website includes a list of research studies on the method, as well as links to other resources.

Is The Sinclair Method permanent?

The end result of the Sinclair Method is pharmacological extinction of the alcohol addiction. At that point, many people continue to drink with control – as long as they continue to follow the Sinclair Method protocol correctly (taking naltrexone 1 hour before consuming alcohol).

For others who go alcohol-free or abstinent at this time, they are able to maintain this lifestyle fairly effortlessly since they no longer experience alcohol cravings or have interest in drinking alcohol.

Also, generally these individuals no longer need to take naltrexone since following this protocol – the medication is only taken prior to drinking. The alcohol cravings also remain at bay and do not return – and most people will maintain a feeling of very low to no desire to consume alcohol anymore.

The results from The Sinclair Method can be permanent – as long as the person:

1. Takes naltrexone at least 1 hour before consuming alcohol as long as they continue to drink
2. Never drinks alcohol without naltrexone

I hope this helps clear up the concern as to whether or not The Sinclair Method is a legitimate treatment.

If you or a loved one are ready to get started on naltrexone and TSM today – click here to sign up and get started.

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.