Sinclair Method
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Alcohol Detox Sinclair Method

The Sinclair Method is a treatment for alcohol abuse that works by using an opiate blocker to help reduce, and in many cases eliminate, a person’s craving for alcohol.
The Sinclair Method is a very successful way to treat alcohol addiction which uses a technique called pharmacological extinction. This is the use of an opiate blocker to change habit-forming behaviours into habit-eliminating behaviours. The effect of this opiate blocker helps to return an addict’s craving for alcohol to its pre-addicted state.
The Sinclair Method UK consists of taking either Naltrexone or Nalmefene one hour before the first drink of the day. The treatment will carry on for the rest of your life if you choose to continue drinking. Naltrexone (or Nalmefene) is used to chemically disrupt the behaviour and reward cycle in the body, which in turn causes a drinker to want to drink less.
The Sinclair Method has a 78% long-term success rate.*
Studies have shown that The Sinclair Method is just as effectively used on its own without therapy as it is with therapy, so patients have a choice as the physical result will be the same.**
Extinction will usually occur within 3-4 months of treatment.***
About a quarter of participants on The Sinclair Method go on to become 100% alcohol abstinent. For those continuing to consume alcohol, taking medication prior to drinking will be compulsory for the length of time they continue to drink.
Description
The Sinclair Method is an alcohol addiction treatment that employs a technique known as pharmacological extinction. This is the combination of using an opiate blocker whilst drinking to turn off habit-forming behaviours and help erase these behaviours completely. The effect results in an addict’s cravings diminishing and fading away.
Within months, most addicts can reduce their alcohol consumption to safe levels, with many choosing to stop drinking alcohol altogether. It is vitally important to comply with the instructions at all times.
How The Sinclair Method works:
The Sinclair Method consists of the patient taking either Naltrexone or Nalmefene an hour before their first daily drink. The treatment will carry on for the rest of their life if they choose to continue drinking. Naltrexone (or Nalmefene) chemically disrupts the behaviour and reward cycle in the body, which in turn causes a drinker to want to drink less.
If you stop taking the medication before drinking, you can undo all of the progress you have made and relapse back into the addicted state
Success Rate
The Sinclair Method has a 78% long-term success rate.*
Studies have shown that The Sinclair Method is just as effectively used on its own without therapy as it is with therapy, so patients have a choice as the physical result will be the same.**
Extinction will usually occur within 3-4 months of treatment.***
About a quarter of participants on The Sinclair Method go on to become 100% alcohol abstinent. For those continuing to drink alcohol, they will have to continue to take the medication before drinking for the length of time they decide to drink.
The Sinclair Method uses “chemical extinction” to change the drinking habits of an alcoholic or problem drinker. Just take a tablet one hour before you plan to drink alcohol.
Notes
* Most other treatments claim a 5-65% success rate.
**All other treatments for alcohol dependency promote one of the following: managing the desires to drink; chemical suppression of the cravings; or making drinking so horrible the addict does not want to drink alcohol anymore.
***As with any medical treatment, patient results may vary. Any changes in dosage should be discussed with a trusted doctor.
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Alcohol Addiction FAQ's
Where can I find my nearest rehab centre?
We offer locations for alcohol rehab centres nationwide, call our team on 0333 444 0434. They will be able to advise you on treatment options available in your area.
How soon will you be able to get me into rehab?
This all depends on your personal circumstances. We ask that you contact our team on 0333 444 0434 so that we can fully understand your situation and needs.
We’ll talk you through a short telephone questionnaire designed to help us provide you with the best possible care.
We then set a date and time for your admission and you can look forward to a new start in life.
Could my mental Health be linked to my addiction?
Absolutely yes, so many people are not even aware they have a mental health problem and many people don’t make the connection in children and mental health. The alcohol can become a ‘solution’ for a persons mental health. At the start it will seem as if the alcohol is quieting the mind, but in time as the addiction progresses it will only add to any mental health problems the person has. It is also difficult to diagnose a person with mental health while under the influence of alcohol.
Is it true that alcohol affects sexual performance and harm an unborn babies?
As well as being directly related to many serious diseases, drinking large amounts of alcohol can also lead to poor sexual performance, and it can harm an unborn baby. If you have an alcohol related problem, there are many ways in which you can get help to reduce your drinking, and there are also many services that you can use that will help you stop altogether. Definition The problems associated with alcoholism, or alcohol dependence, are wide ranging, and can be physical, psychological, and social.
Is rehab a cure for addiction?
There is no definitive cure for addiction. However, rehab can provide patients with the skills needed to successfully manage their addiction and remain sober. Recovery from addiction is never over and patients will need to work on their ability to avoid relapse for the rest of their lives. A high quality addiction rehab programme sets patients up for this process.
Am I an alcoholic? What is the difference between casual drinking and alcohol addiction?
Most people can enjoy a casual night out with friends, have one or two drinks and then stop, and they might not drink again for several days. They enjoy a drink, but they don’t NEED it.
If you feel that you would like to talk to one of our experts and see how we can help you, call us on 0333 444 0434.