The Sinclair Method

An Evidence-Based Approach to Reducing Alcohol Use

The Sinclair Method (TSM) is supported by a substantial body of international research examining the use of naltrexone in the treatment of alcohol use disorders.

Naltrexone is a first-line medical treatment for alcohol dependence in Australia and is available by prescription through a general practitioner.

Within the Sinclair Method, naltrexone is taken in a targeted way before drinking, rather than daily. This approach is designed to gradually weaken the learned association between alcohol and reward.

If you’re exploring ways to reduce your drinking without immediate abstinence, The Sinclair Method offers a structured, evidence-based alternative.

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How The Sinclair Method works

Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist, meaning it blocks the brain’s reward response associated with alcohol.

When taken before drinking:

it reduces the pleasurable effects of alcohol;
over time, this leads to reduced cravings;
it helps retrain the brain’s learned association with drinking.

This process is gradual and relies on consistency.

More About Naltrexone

Evidence for the Sinclair Method

Studies associated with Dr J. David Sinclair and colleagues have demonstrated that when naltrexone is used in a targeted way, many individuals experience a significant reduction in alcohol consumption over time.

In one study, approximately 78% of participants achieved either marked reduction in drinking or abstinence (Sinclair et al., Alcohol and Alcoholism, 2001).

More than 100 studies have examined this approach, with evidence indicating that outcomes improve when it is used as part of a structured treatment program.

TSM at The Bluefield Clinic

Medication plus

psychological support

Research indicates that outcomes are strongest when medication is combined with structured psychological support.

Addressing the cognitive, behavioural and emotional drivers of drinking:

enhances the effectiveness of medication;
supports long-term change;
reduces relapse risk.

Combination Therapy

Important considerations

TSM does not require immediate abstinence.
It works progressively over time.
Consistency in timing is essential (typically 1–2 hours before drinking).

Who We Help

Not sure about naltrexone...?

Many people have tried naltrexone without TSM or medication support with varying results.

There are a number of reasons why naltrexone doesn't always meet expectations.

The Sinclair Method at The Bluefield Clinic

Since 2018, The Bluefield Clinic has provided a personalised, psychology-based program to support clients with low to moderate levels of alcohol dependence across Australia using the Sinclair Method.

Our experience shows that combining naltrexone with structured psychological therapy can support meaningful and sustained change. We work collaboratively with prescribing medical practitioners to provide education, counselling and ongoing therapeutic support throughout the process.

Over time, we have developed a detailed understanding of how TSM can be adapted to individual drinking patterns. This allows clients to set the pace of their progress and define their own goals, whether reduction, moderation or abstinence.

Alongside the medication protocol, our program incorporates evidence-based psychological therapies focused on relapse prevention, emotional regulation and behavioural change.

These approaches help clients understand the underlying drivers of drinking and build practical, sustainable coping strategies. This integration of medication and therapy creates the conditions for change — reducing cravings while supporting the deeper psychological work required for long-term recovery.

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Please Note

The information about medication on this site is educational in nature and does not replace medical advice.

Decisions regarding the appropriateness of medication for alcohol-related issues should always be discussed with a qualified medical practitioner.