In this episode it centers around a coaching call with a Thrive member who had been using the Sinclair Method (TSM) for three years but struggled to see meaningful progress. The individual was a daily drinker for 40 years prior to starting TSM and had been compliant with taking naltrexone (referred to as “nrex Zone” or “elrex Zone” in the transcript), yet did not experience alcohol-free days or significant change in their drinking habits. Eventually, they stopped the treatment but later restarted with a new mindset that led to better results. The core message is that success with the Sinclair Method requires more than just medication compliance; a fundamental mindset shift and intentional lifestyle changes are crucial. Specifically, having regular alcohol-free days and building new coping strategies and pleasures outside of alcohol play a vital role in achieving “extinction” — a state of indifference to alcohol where cravings are diminished, and drinking becomes a true choice rather than a compulsion.

The speaker highlights that many people on TSM remain stuck because, although they follow the protocol, they are not internally ready to change their relationship with alcohol. Often, alcohol is deeply intertwined with identity, habits, and emotional coping. Without confronting these beliefs and fears, and without consistent alcohol-free days to retrain the brain, progress stalls. The Sinclair Method’s effectiveness hinges on “meeting the medication halfway,” meaning that alongside taking naltrexone, individuals must actively cultivate new rewarding behaviors and coping mechanisms to replace alcohol. Over time, this rewiring helps the brain reduce the motivation to drink and ultimately achieve a balanced, controlled relationship with alcohol.

About Katie Lain

Katie Lain struggled with alcohol use disorder for nearly ten years until she stumbled upon The Sinclair Method. She couldn’t believe how effective the treatment was as it truly allowed her to become a moderate “normal drinker” – yet somehow, most people hadn’t even heard about it before. Katie Lain’s personal success with The Sinclair Method has inspired her to be a lifelong advocate for this method. Today, Katie is "accidentally" alcohol-free as she unexpectedly lost interest in drinking, thanks to this treatment. Now she advocates for and supports others through this wildly effective (yet unknown) treatment for alcohol use disorder. 

*Links*

https://www.thrivealcoholrecovery.com/

https://tiktok.com/@thrivealcoholrecovery

https://youtube.com/@thrivealcoholrecovery/

https://www.instagram.com/thrivealcoholrecovery/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivewiththesinclairmethod

https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrive-alcohol-recovery/

https://twitter.com/thrivewithtsm/