"If I Still Want to Get Drunk, I Can ‘Drink Through’ the Naltrexone" – My Experience with TSM

When I first explained how naltrexone for alcohol use disorder works to a friend, they asked:

"So this medication can make you stop drinking before you get drunk?"

I replied:

"Yes and no. But if I still want to get drunk, I can 'drink through' the naltrexone."

At the time, I didn’t realize how important intention was when drinking on The Sinclair Method (TSM). If my goal was to get drunk—if I was drinking to escape, numb out, or shut off my brain—then naltrexone alone wasn’t enough to stop me.

Before Naltrexone: Drinking to Get Drunk

Before starting TSM, my drinking habits were deeply ingrained. Whether I consciously realized it or not, my goal when I drank was always to get drunk.

I wasn’t someone who had just one or two drinks. I drank to feel the effects, to let go, and to keep going until I was fully intoxicated. Almost daily, for nearly 10 years. 🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷

Even after starting naltrexone for alcohol reduction, I found that my habitual heavy drinking patterns didn't disappear overnight. The medication helped reduce the compulsion, but if I still had the intention of getting drunk, I could easily override the off-switch by drinking more.

Breaking the Habit: Changing My Relationship with Alcohol

Around month seven on TSM, I hit a turning point. I realized that if I truly wanted control over my drinking, I needed to stop viewing alcohol as my go-to escape.

This shift wasn’t easy. Many people on TSM describe this as a mourning period—grieving the loss of alcohol as a coping mechanism. For years, it had been my way to relax, numb stress, and tune out of life.

But I knew I couldn’t keep living that way. I wanted freedom from alcohol use disorder—not just reduced drinking, but actual control over my choices.

How I Shifted My Drinking Mindset on The Sinclair Method

Instead of just relying on naltrexone to change my drinking habits, I took an intentional approach to breaking the cycle:

1️⃣ Pausing Before Drinking – I would ask myself:

• Why do I want to drink right now?
• What need am I trying to meet with alcohol?

2️⃣ Exploring Alternatives – Before pouring a drink, I experimented with other ways to meet that need. Sometimes, this led to an alcohol-free night. Other times, I still drank—but the process helped me start breaking old habits.

3️⃣ Setting Drinking Intentions – Instead of drinking mindlessly, I would:

• Visualize how I wanted the night to go
• Consider what I wanted to do the next day
• Set drink goals and pace myself

4️⃣ Focusing on My ‘Why’ – I kept reminding myself of the costs of heavy drinking and the life-changing benefits of reaching extinction through TSM.

This process was uncomfortable at times, but it was necessary. The only way out was through.

Finding True Freedom with The Sinclair Method

Looking back, I can see that naltrexone didn’t magically fix everything—it was a powerful tool, but I had to put in the effort to rewire my drinking habits.

Through this process, I got to a place where alcohol was no longer something I used to escape. It was something I enjoyed occasionally, in moderation—more like a treat, not a necessity. Eventually, I reached the point where I didn’t want or need to drink at all.

If you’re on The Sinclair Method and struggling with this, you’re not alone. Inside The Alcohol Freedom Program, we offer video courses, exercises, and group support to help you navigate this journey at your own pace, in a judgment-free space.

I hope my story helps you on your path to freedom. And if you need extra support, we’d love to see you inside the program.

Cheers,

Katie Lain
Founder at Thrive & Sinclair Method Success Story