Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance. While the Sinclair Method has worked wonders for some, it’s certainly what is alcoholism not for everyone.
Medications
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism or Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), is characterized by an inability to control drinking despite adverse effects on health, relationships, and daily functioning. Traditional treatments often require complete abstinence, which can be daunting for many. For example, disulfiram promotes an adverse reaction to alcohol consumption. Some providers prescribe naltrexone for AUD without incorporating other aspects of TSM, like the timing of the medication or the continuation of drinking while extinction takes place. In addition, there are treatment options that don’t use the assistance of medications, such as residential rehab programs, AA, and talk therapy.
What Is Naltrexone?
As a nursing leader, it’s important to be informed about the treatment options for patients. We put together this FAQ to give you a starting point as you delve into the research around addiction so that your staff can deliver informed, compassionate nursing care to those with AUD. In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) identified AUD as a significant public health burden, and included two medications for treating AUD on the Model List of Essential Medicines (EML) for the first time. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) options, like The Sinclair Method, are now considered a standard of care for AUD, yet they’re still underutilized by healthcare providers.
Understanding How TSM Works
- Instead, it highlights the need for treatments that can mitigate the brain’s conditioned responses to alcohol.
- Without those pleasant feelings, the brain eventually stops associating drinking with pleasure.
- However, there isn’t enough evidence to suggest that The Sinclair Method in particular is the best way to prescribe Naltrexone, especially with respect to alcoholism.
Peer support is also proven to help decrease heavy drinking and improve health outcomes.⁵ This can take the form of online alcohol support groups, online communities, and in-person meetings. If you’re looking to achieve abstinence, this approach is not effective. You might benefit from daily naltrexone dosing, or other medication to stop drinking. Regardless of whether you’re pursuing abstinence vs. moderation, some people benefit most from daily routines and medication adherence.
If you are interested in trying the Sinclair Method, start by talking to your doctor. They can discuss your current drinking behavior, medical history, and treatment goals to better determine if the Sinclair Method might be a good fit. Like any other treatment method, the Sinclair Method has advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before you decide if this approach is right for you. Some people may find that it is a flexible and effective way to cut back on drinking. While this approach is less common in the United States, it has become much more widely used in Europe.
- Researchers say evidence does not support abstinence as being the only treatment approach (2).
- In the field of psychology, this approach is also consistent with the behavioral principles that are related to extinction, so it is not only pharmacological but also psychological extinction.
- If you want to quit drinking but don’t know where to start, consider trying Reframe.
- Yes, naltrexone is a prescription medication, and you’ll need to consult a healthcare provider to determine if it’s appropriate for you.
Naltrexone in alcohol dependence.
TSM is a proven and effective way to regain control over drinking, but having the right support is key. We must also keep in mind, too, that these studies narrowly define “success” as a reduction in drinking — so, they measure behavioral correction — rather than taking a more holistic view of what lasting recovery entails. It’s generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol when starting the medication, even though it’s been shown to be safe and effective in people who are still actively drinking. Disulfiram, otherwise known as Antabuse, is the oldest FDA-approved medication for alcohol-use Sinclair method disorder. While naltrexone and acamprosate are the most popular medications for reducing drinking, disulfiram might still be a good option for some of us. Acamprosate is another popular choice for people with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder (AUD).
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