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How Naltrexone Helps Overcome Alcohol Addiction: The Sinclair Method Explained

June 27, 2025

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Diagram showing seven steps of the Sinclair Method for alcohol recovery using naltrexone medication

Table of contents

Naltrexone for alcohol use disorder is not a new phenomena but is seeing a resurgence.

Alcoholism is a problem experienced by millions of people across the world, while existing treatment program has helped many overcome this problem, science evolves, and new approaches emerge.

One of these is the Sinclair method.

As with many medical treatments, the main component, the prescribed medication Naltrexone, was not invented for alcohol dependency in the same way that Viagra was not invented to help men in the bedroom!  

Let our experienced addictions clinicians share their knowledge with you in this blog.

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Why is it called the Sinclair method?

That is simple to answer: The scientist who invented it was an American science academic, Dr John Sinclair.

While not a medical doctor, he held a doctorate from the University of Oregon.

The bulk of his doctoral research centred around alcohol and his findings were that alcohol detox does not denude cravings but increase them leading to relapse.  

 

What is the principle of the Sinclair method?

The core concept is called “pharmacological extinction” sounds complicated but really quiet a simple idea.

By using a drug, called Naltrexone, you carry on drinking, while taking Naltrexone.

This drug will reduce the pleasure and euphoria associated with alcohol. In time, because you do not get experience these positive effects, you stop drinking.  

A flow chart showing the steps necessary to undertake the Sinclair method

Naltrexone 

Originally designed, and licensed, for opioid dependent clients as it blocks the effects of opioids.

It is not unusual for someone with, for example, a heroin addiction, to be prescribed Naltrexone after detox.

There is usually a gap of between 7-10 days, post treatment, to ensure the person is opioid free otherwise the Naltrexone will precipitate withdrawal.  

Dr Sinclair discovered that the same drug will significantly reduce the pleasurable effects of alcohol. Naltrexone is not the same as Naloxone (Narcan) which is the emergency treatment for heroin and opioid overdose. It is similar but not the same.  

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How is Naltrexone taken?  

All that is needed is to take one tablet an hour or ninety minutes before consuming alcohol. On the first day, half a tablet is taken just to test for sensitivity to the drug.  

What are the advantages of the Sinclair method?  

  • Using Naltrexone can be done at home.  

It cannot be done at a rehab center as they are abstinence based.

You need to be still drinking while using Naltrexone for alcohol. This means you can carry on with work, studies and all other activities.  

What is the cost of using the Sinclair method?

    Using the Sinclair method is very substantially less expensive than residential treatment.

    It is very easy to obtain treatment for a few hundred pounds.

    A private GP may well be able to prescribe it.

    There is no need to use a specialist company advertising services via the internet.

    Unfortunately, Naltrexone for alcohol use disorder can not be prescribed on the NHS , though they may be able to see you as a private patient.  

    Is the Sinclair method effective?

    There is a growing body of evidence which supports its use and suggests it is effective in up to 78% of those who use it.  

    Key Takeaways

    • Naltrexone for alcohol use disorder is gaining attention as a treatment option, alongside emerging methods like the Sinclair method.
    • The Sinclair method leverages pharmacological extinction, allowing individuals to drink while taking Naltrexone, reducing pleasure associated with alcohol.
    • Naltrexone is safe for many, but it’s not suitable for those with severe alcohol dependency or advanced liver disease.
    • Using the Sinclair method is cost-effective and offers flexibility, enabling treatment at home without needing rehabilitation facilities.
    • Find Me a Rehab provides expert advice and support for individuals and families dealing with alcohol addiction and treatment options.

     

    Considerations

    The Sinclair method is a safe, low cost, scientifically based treatment method suitable for many. However, as with all medications, there are those for whom it is not appropriate:  

    • Severe alcohol dependency:  

    Naltrexone cannot be used as a detox medication. It is not suitable for those who experience withdrawal symptoms if they have not had a drink for a few hours. If you wake up in the morning, unwell, and need a drink to settle yourself: It is not for you.  

    • Acute liver disease:  

    While Naltrexone can be safely prescribed for those in the early stages of liver disease, for those with more advanced damage, it is not permissible.  

    • Not currently drinking 

    We often get calls from those who are not currently drinking and are worried about relapse or are drinking on certain days of the week. Naltrexone won’t work unless someone is drinking daily. There is an alternative for those who are drinking intermittently called Nalmefene.  

    • Only wanting to use medication 

    The Sinclair method won’t work if all you do is take medication.

    Without exploring the reasons as to why you were drinking you will relapse: very quickly.

    Rusty chain breaking with sparks and blue energy flowing through the break

    What can I do if I can’t have naltrexone?

    For those who can not use Naltrexone, residential treatment is the way forward.

    Knowing what goes on in rehab and how to support someone going through the process is also important.

    Home treatment is available with some exceptions due to clinical safety but those who have treatment at home are very prone to rapid relapse.

    Treatment at home can never replace the therapy, relapse prevention skills workshops and aftercare received in rehab.

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    Adjunctive treatment

    It is important to remember that Naltrexone is an adjunctive treatment meaning that is used by those engaging with support groups (12 steps/SMART) etc.

    While not available on the NHS, the licensing and practice guidelines are that the person using it must engage in support networks.

    This means you can use it at home, even attend groups on line. Community support for family members is essential when someone is recovering from addiction.

    Naltrexone for alcohol use disorder is part of the recovery trajectory: Not the entirety of it!

    How can Find Me a Rehab help?

    Our expert clinicians provide free, confidential and impartial advice to anyone: family member, loved one, employer as well as those seeking treatment.

    They can advise on all aspects of alcohol addiction rehab treatment, provide 24 hour addiction help so as to achieve alcohol addiction recovery UK.

    We never charge for advice or treatment referrals.

    Our clinicians only signpost to legally registered centres.

    Getting help today

    Call, live chat or email to speak with an experienced addictions clinician on any aspect of addiction, detox, rehab, home treatment, therapy, relapse prevention and aftercare.

    You can discuss treatment options, treatment plans, locations, costings and logistics.

    Naltrexone for alcohol use disorder is something we have much experience in.

    Our advice is always free and if you want to arrange treatment we can do that for you.

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    Need help finding the right rehab for you or a loved one? Get in touch today and take the first step toward recovery.

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