Learn · Online alcohol treatment
The Sinclair Method — using naltrexone to drink less over time
The Sinclair Method uses naltrexone to slowly turn down alcohol cravings — while you keep living your life. Here's how it works, with clinician guidance.
Free to check if you qualify — no payment until you start care.
Why it works
- NNT 12for oral naltrexone to prevent one person's return to heavy drinking, in pooled trialssource
- 25%reduction in heavy drinking days with monthly injectable naltrexone vs. placebo, in the pivotal trialsource
- 27.9Mpeople ages 12+ in the U.S. had alcohol use disorder in the past yearsource
Starts at
$99first review
No insurance needed. Free to check if you qualify.
Figures are general research findings, not individual results. A licensed clinician decides what's right for you.
What is the Sinclair Method?
The Sinclair Method (TSM) is an approach that uses naltrexone taken about an hour before drinking. By blocking alcohol's reward each time, the brain gradually 'unlearns' the craving — a process called pharmacological extinction. It was developed by Dr. John David Sinclair.
Does the Sinclair Method work?
TSM is built on naltrexone, which is FDA-approved and well-studied for reducing heavy drinking. Response varies by person, and it works best with clinician guidance and consistency. Abstinex clinicians review whether a naltrexone-based plan fits your goals.
Starting the Sinclair Method online
Complete a structured intake from home; a licensed Abstinex clinician reviews your case and, when appropriate, can support a naltrexone-based plan. Nothing is prescribed automatically. Care starts at $99, no insurance required.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I do the Sinclair Method online?
- Yes — Abstinex clinicians in Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado can support a naltrexone-based plan after reviewing your intake, when it's clinically appropriate.
- Do I have to quit drinking to start?
- The Sinclair Method is typically done while still drinking, since the medication is taken before drinking. Your clinician tailors the plan to your goal — moderation or abstinence.
Boundaries you can trust
Safety and privacy first
Abstinex uses privacy-conscious, HIPAA-aligned design. It is not emergency or crisis care — if you are in immediate danger, call 911, or call or text 988. Smart Assist never diagnoses alcohol use disorder or approves medication.
Human review, always
A licensed provider reviews every case — nothing is prescribed automatically.
Privacy-conscious design
HIPAA-aligned safeguards; health information never goes in links or logs.
Safety screening first
Structured screening and triage come before any provider action.
Clear emergency line
Not emergency care. In immediate danger, call 911, or call or text 988.
Important safety information
Abstinex is not emergency care, detox management, or a crisis hotline. Patients experiencing a medical emergency, severe withdrawal symptoms, or immediate safety risk should seek emergency help.