I Craved Alcohol Every Day for 10 Years: How I Finally Got Free

Struggling with alcohol cravings is a battle many face in silence. The constant pull towards alcohol can feel like an unending war with oneself, a cycle I knew all too well. It was an all-too-familiar narrative: the end of a long day calling for a glass of wine, which then turned into two, three...and you get the picture. This cycle was not just a habit; it was a physiological craving that seemed almost unbreakable.

However, amidst numerous attempts and strategies to curb this craving, nothing seemed to work and oddly enough, my cravings for alcohol seemed to be getting worse.

Until one day in 2017, I stumbled upon the treatment that would forever changed my life: Naltrexone and the Sinclair Method. This treatment not only helped me manage my cravings but fundamentally changed my relationship with alcohol.

I want to share how it worked for me, and why it might be the beacon of hope for others facing similar struggles, including you.

Understanding the Alcohol Deprivation Effect

Before diving into the method that changed everything for me, it's crucial to understand the Alcohol Deprivation Effect (ADE). ADE is a phenomenon where abstaining from alcohol for a period, voluntarily or not, leads to an increased craving for alcohol. This is not merely about wanting what you can't have; it's deeply rooted in our brain's reward system. When alcohol is consumed, it releases endorphins and dopamine, creating a sense of pleasure and reward. Over time, the brain associates alcohol with these positive feelings, creating a cycle of craving and consumption. Once alcohol is removed, the brain craves these endorphin boosts even more, leading to intensified cravings. This cycle was my reality, a reality that felt almost impossible to break free from until I discovered the Sinclair Method.

Check out David's experience with ADE 👇

The Sinclair Method: A Game Changer

The Sinclair Method is a treatment for alcohol addiction that uses the medication Naltrexone to change how the brain reacts to alcohol. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, which means it blocks opioid receptors in the brain. When these receptors are blocked, the brain doesn't release endorphins in response to alcohol consumption. Without this endorphin release, the reward cycle is interrupted, gradually reducing the brain's association of alcohol with pleasure and reward.

Implementing the Sinclair Method involved taking Naltrexone about an hour before any drinking session. Initially, the idea of drinking alcohol to reduce alcohol cravings seemed counterintuitive. However, the principle behind this method is not immediate abstinence but to rewire the brain's response to alcohol, a process known as pharmacological extinction.

 Hear from Dr David Sinclair Method on how his method works for treating alcohol use disorder 👇

My Journey to Regaining Control

The journey wasn't overnight. It required consistency and a commitment to following the method precisely. Over time, I began to notice a shift. The intense cravings that once dictated my days started to diminish. I could have a drink and not feel the compulsion to have another. The Sinclair Method provided a way to experience alcohol without the overwhelming need to consume more.

This method effectively eliminated the Alcohol Deprivation Effect for me. By not abstaining entirely but instead drinking in a controlled manner with Naltrexone, my brain gradually stopped associating alcohol with the intense reward it once did. This break in association meant that over time, the cravings reduced, and the pull of alcohol grew weaker.

How Long Does It Taking for Naltrexone to Remove Alcohol Cravings?

I wanted to share this 60 second video clip where I briefly summarize my thoughts on how long this takes – based on my own personal experience, and as a coach to people using this method since 2018.

Gaining Back Control

The most significant outcome of this journey was regaining control over alcohol. It wasn't about never touching alcohol again but having the freedom to choose not to. The Sinclair Method gave me back that choice, a choice that ADE had taken away. It's a method grounded in neuroscience, offering a tangible solution to those of us who have felt at the mercy of our cravings.

A Beacon of Hope

My experience with Naltrexone and the Sinclair Method has been transformative. 🙌

It's important to note that while this method worked for me, everyone's journey with alcohol dependence is unique. However, for anyone struggling with alcohol cravings and feeling trapped by the cycle of the Alcohol Deprivation Effect, this method could be a beacon of hope. It offers a science-based approach to not just manage cravings but potentially eliminate them, giving you back control over alcohol and, by extension, your life.

The Sinclair Method isn't just about reducing alcohol consumption; it's about breaking free from the cycle of alcohol craving and deprivation. It's about empowerment and finding a path to a healthier relationship with alcohol. For anyone on this challenging journey, know that there are effective treatments available, and with the right approach, it's possible to regain control.

Medical Disclaimer: This content is not for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a healthcare professional for any medical concerns. Do not ignore or delay seeking medical advice based on what you read here.