CNJ+ February 2023

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THE SINCL AIR METHOD TO TREAT ALCOHOLISM N early 15 million people in the United States have been suffering from alcoholism, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism in 2019. Treatment for alcoholism, also known as Alcohol Use Dis order, varies greatly. Oftentimes treatment looks like medication, therapy, and different detox methods. Dr. John Sinclair eventually introducedThe Sinclair Method. As opposed to detoxing or quitting cold turkey, this method allows people to still drink and not have to give up alcohol entirely. Rather, patients are prescribed naltrexone in a pill form. When this opiate blocker is taken an hour before someone’s first anticipated drink, the naltrex one blocks endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are responsible for the “reward” feeling people typically experience when drinking. In fact, the medication will actively work to disassociate “alcohol with pleasure,” eventually reducing the overall craving for alcohol. “Detoxification and alcohol deprivation do not stop alcohol craving but in fact increase subsequent alcohol drinking,” Sinclair said. “Research showed that alcohol drinking is a learned behavior.” While the method has a 78% success rate, there are some flaws. For one, if the patient does not take the naltrexone pill at the appropriate time, if at all, they will not be able to control the amount of alcohol they consume. If the patient also takes the pill, but not during a time period where they are still drinking, the method will not be effective. Although usually mild, there are also some side effects from taking naltrexone such as stomach pain, fatigue, and nausea, according to Mayo Clinic. While the pill blocks the sensation of reward in the brain, the effects of being intoxicated are still apparent. Therefore, impairment (when it comes to activities like driving) and experiencing a hangover are still to be expected. Nonetheless, Sinclair said, “We have at our disposal a treatment which has been demonstrated to be safe and effective. It should be used now.” Sources: https://cthreefoundation.org/the-sinclair-method | https://riahealth.com/blog/sinclair-method-alcohol-addiction/ | https://www.briarwooddetox.com/blog/what-is-the-sinclair-method/ https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-facts-and-statistics | https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369250 https://www.originsrecovery.com/the-case-against-the-sinclair-method/ | https://www.sinclairmethod.org/what-is-the-sinclair-method-2/ https://cthreefoundation.org/resources/definitive-statement-by-john-david-sinclair-ph-d | https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/naltrexone-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20068408 BY, NAZLI MOHIDEEN

24 CNJ+ | FORMERLY THE MI LLSTONE T IMES

FEBRUARY 2023