Health
A Lesser-Known Tactic Could Tame Alcohol Cravings Without Full Abstinence
Health Points
- Binge drinking impacts 15-20% of adults: 4+ drinks in 2 hours for women, 5+ for men; heavy drinking affects 5%: 8+ weekly for women, 15+ for men.
- Naltrexone, approved in 1994 for alcohol use disorder, is taken only before drinks to prevent relapse cycles.
- Cravings often fade in weeks to months; some moderate successfully, others stop entirely, with benefits outweighing side effects for many.
Concerned about drinking too much but not ready to quit? The Sinclair Method uses naltrexone to block alcohol’s rewarding effects, helping curb cravings over time.
This approach involves taking the medication one to two hours before drinking every time, retraining the brain to unlink alcohol from pleasure through pharmacological extinction.
“Naltrexone blocks or dampens the pleasurable response you get from using opioids or drinking alcohol,”
says Dr. John F. Kelly, professor of psychiatry in addiction medicine at Harvard Medical School.
Common side effects like nausea, headache or dizziness may ease; start low at 12-25 mg if needed, up to 50 mg standard dose.
Consult your healthcare provider or telehealth for a prescription and guidance.
Pair with Moderation Management online support for best results.
Ready to drink less and improve your health? Talk to your doctor about trying the Sinclair Method today.