How Loved Ones Can Support Someone on TSM: A Success Story

When someone chooses The Sinclair Method (TSM) as their path to overcoming alcohol use disorder (AUD), it can be a shift not only for them but also for their loved ones. Whether you're a spouse, family member, or friend, you might wonder how best to support them—especially if your understanding of alcohol recovery has been shaped by abstinence-based approaches like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

To gain a real-world perspective, we spoke with Bruce, whose wife, Jane, has been on TSM for over a year. He shares what it was like to see her struggle, his initial concerns, and how TSM changed both of their lives.

🔊 You can listen to the full interview above, or watch it on the Thrive Alcohol Recovery YouTube channel.

Recognizing the Problem & The Need for Change

Bruce first noticed a shift in Jane’s drinking habits in 2017. “We both used to go out and drink socially, but over time, she started drinking alone, in secret, and destructively,” he recalls. “I didn’t realize what was happening at first—I would come home from work, and she had been in bed all day.”

What troubled Bruce most wasn’t just the drinking but the secrecy. “I just wanted honesty. I knew something was wrong, but I didn’t know it was alcohol at first.”

Learning About The Sinclair Method

Like many loved ones, Bruce initially thought AA or complete abstinence was the only option. “I thought, ‘If you have a drinking problem, you either quit drinking or you don’t get better. That’s just how it works, right?’”

Then Jane discovered The Sinclair Method and the medication naltrexone. They watched One Little Pill, a documentary by Claudia Christian explaining the science behind TSM. “That documentary changed my entire perspective. It made so much sense,” Bruce says. “And the fact that she was excited to try it—that was huge.”

Addressing Common Concerns: “But They’re Still Drinking?”

A major challenge for many loved ones is accepting that TSM allows the person to continue drinking while on medication. Bruce admitted he initially struggled with this concept. “It took me a while to understand that this wasn’t just an excuse to keep drinking. The key difference is that drinking no longer controlled her. The secretive, destructive drinking—those days were gone.”

This is a common hesitation for family members who associate drinking with lack of control. But with TSM, drinking becomes a more conscious, controlled choice. Seeing the real-life impact helped Bruce trust the process.

The Changes He Noticed

Over time, Bruce saw significant improvements in Jane’s life:

• No more binge-drinking episodes

• No more waking up sick or hungover

• Alcohol left in the fridge—something unimaginable before

• More energy for hobbies, exercise, and creative pursuits

“For Jane, drinking no longer meant throwing away the rest of her day,” Bruce explains. “That was a huge shift.”

Supporting a Loved One on TSM: Practical Tips

If you have a loved one on The Sinclair Method, here’s how you can support them effectively:

1. Educate Yourself – Learn how TSM and naltrexone work by reading credible resources or watching One Little Pill. Understanding the science helps ease doubts.

2. Avoid Ultimatums – Pressuring someone into an abstinence-only approach can increase stress and resistance. Bruce recalls, “Before TSM, Jane tried AA, but the stress of it made her drink even more.”

3. Encourage Open Communication – Let them know they don’t have to hide their struggles. “I told Jane, ‘Please don’t keep this from me. I want to help.’ That changed everything.”

4. Respect Their Process – TSM is gradual. Celebrate progress, and be patient through setbacks.

5. Support Their Well-Being – Encourage new hobbies and coping strategies. “Jane became more active, which helped her recovery.”

6. Reflect on Your Own Relationship with Alcohol – Bruce started questioning his own drinking. “Even though I don’t have AUD, I started drinking less just by becoming more aware.”

Final Thoughts

Supporting a loved one through The Sinclair Method requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to rethink traditional recovery models. Bruce’s experience illustrates that while TSM looks different from abstinence-based approaches, it can be life-changing.

As Bruce says, “TSM changed so much for us—it’s been amazing. I just hope more people learn about it and give it a chance.”

If you’re supporting someone on TSM and want to connect with others who understand, consider joining a support community or learning more about the method. Recovery isn’t just for the person drinking—it’s a journey for loved ones too.