Getting My Life Back: The Sinclair Method for Alcohol Use Disorder
Due to the sensitive nature of this post, the author, an ABG Community member has chosen to remain anonymous, sharing this perspective in the hopes that it can be helpful to other community members looking for support.
Author: Guest Contributor
I’m a wine devotee who has worked for a wine importer and wholesaler for the past 18 years. I’ve been extremely fortunate to experience many great bottles, as well as touring wine regions and visiting top producers around the globe. Wine was my vocation and my hobby. I talked about it, read about it, obtained certifications, and continue to have a vast circle of “wine friends,” including customers, salespeople, and others in the business.
For most of my career I had a healthy curiosity about wine. It was never my desire to get drunk, but to experience wine and all its rich rewards. Yet for the last few years I could feel I was getting in too deep. Hangovers became a regular occurrence. The Uber era arrived, and it eliminated the self-regulating discipline of knowing I had to drive home. One day it dawned on me that what started out as a journey of curiosity and learning had turned into what might commonly be referred to as “a drinking problem.”
When I realized I had passed the point of no return, I investigated options. Alcoholics Anonymous and the whole 12-step universe seemed to be the predominant path to take. But after witnessing the experience of others in those programs, that approach seemed unlikely to work for me.
In my research I came across a TEDx London presentation by actress Claudia Christian. Claudia describes discovering The Sinclair Method (TSM) to address her alcohol abuse disorder, which had grown out of control. In her multi-year battle she tried many methods until she came upon TSM. Hearing her describe the science aspect of it spoke to me in a way abstinence-based methods did not. I felt it could work for me, so I immediately called my primary care physician and began the process.
To explain the method, I’ll borrow this text from Claudia’s non-profit C Three Foundation, which is dedicated to educating medical professionals and the public about TSM:
The Sinclair Method (TSM) is a research based, medication-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder that targets the brain's reward system through the process of pharmacological extinction, resulting in the reduction of heavy drinking and addictive cravings. An opioid antagonist such as naltrexone is taken one hour before planned drinking. It acts to block the endorphins (or pleasure chemical) released by the brain, which is at the core of the physical addiction. Over time, the brain “unlearns” its response to alcohol.
I saw a drastic reduction in the days after I first started. Over time, there were days that I had nothing to drink, and then other times where I might have a glass or two (a significant reduction from just a few weeks before). Naltrexone doesn’t block the euphoric effects of alcohol, but it prevents endorphins from reinforcing pleasure in your brain. It blocks the primary way humans develop this addiction, essentially freeing the user to concentrate on the areas where behavior modification might make a difference.
Over time, the volume I drank continued to lessen. At about month four, I knew I could get to the point where I no longer drank alcohol, but that it would truly be my choice whether I wanted to stop completely or enjoy wine in moderation.
For me, the total process took about six months. Keep in mind that you must drink while using the method to get results. The Pavlovian concept of extinction (the other half of his “salivating dogs/reward” experiment) means the brain is unlearning its response to alcohol (the addiction) the same way it learned it to begin with.
TSM is not a product of some luxury rehab center, celebrity doctor or pharmaceutical company. There is no major profit windfall to be raked in by touting this method. Spreading the news has come down to people like Claudia and her C Three Foundation partner Jenny Williamson spending quite a bit of time and resources to increase awareness about this proven solution that saves lives.
As one might expect, without a multi-million-dollar marketing budget supporting it, there tends to be a lot of misinformation about a different method to combat this age-old issue. Naltrexone is not habit-forming; it is not replacement therapy; it is not “the pill that makes you sick if you drink”; it is not expensive; and you don’t have to take it for the rest of your life. It is not “cheating” or somehow skirting responsibility. Followed properly, TSM has a 78% long-term success rate, making it one of the most reliable methods for treating alcohol abuse disorder.
It has now been two years since I’ve had any alcoholic beverages. This is my choice. If I want a glass of wine, I can simply take a naltrexone pill one hour before I plan on having that drink (or to taste and spit). The rest of the time, I don’t take naltrexone; it is only used to specifically block the endorphins released when ingesting alcohol. Extinction of the addiction is the key difference with TSM. I can choose to drink in moderation, or not at all.
Today, I have my life back. TSM gave me the tools to deal directly with the core problem. If you or anyone you know is struggling with even the suspicion that you are drinking too much, you owe it to yourself to research TSM and discuss it with your doctor. There’s no marketing company out there shaping a message, but there are science-based facts and real-life successes that are too important to be ignored.
For more information, please consult the following resources:
Claudia Christian, “How I Overcame Alcoholism” TEDx/London Business School https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EghiY_s2ts
C Three Foundation https://cthreefoundation.org/
Questions and Answers for Medical Professionals
https://cthreefoundation.org/resources/for-your-doctor
Disclaimer:
The information provided herewith is not intended to replace medical advice and is not designed to diagnose, treat or support any medical issues. Please seek a qualified medical practitioner to inquire whether TSM is suitable for your needs.
What We're Reading:
Here's what has piqued our interest this week in the world of wine and mindfulness.
Why Wine Has Fallen Behind in the No- and Low-ABV Category – Millie Milliken for VinePair.com
Has wine missed the low alcohol / no alcohol boat for consumers? Millie Milliken considers the possibilities.
How the Hottest Company in Jigsaws Handled Covid-Fueled Growth Bloomberg.com (possible paywall)
The pandemic boosted sales but cost Piecework Puzzles its manufacturer. The company found a new one in China in time to save the holiday season.
How a group of wine lovers hatched a plan to diversify their industry, one bottle at a time – Cori Brown for LA Times.com
Their plan was to raise college scholarship funds to support BIPOC students who want careers in wine, and to do it through a Black-culture-centric wine club. Cori Brown has the story.
Q&A: Lettie Teague, wine columnist, The Wall Street Journal – Felicity Carter for Harpers.co.uk
One of the world’s most influential wine writers is also one of the least visible. Felicity Carter catches up with the multi-talented critic behind the WSJ paywall
Interview: Open That Bottle Night with Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher – Natalie Maclean.com
Canadian writer Natalie Maclean sits down with the creators of Open that Bottle Night, traditionally celebrated on the last Saturday of February.
This Week's Reminder:
Keep these short meditations and inspirations bookmarked for when you need them.
This 5-Minute Guided Meditation is a Love Letter Waiting to be Sent – Mindful.org
For the lovebirds in community, Nate Klemp and Kaley Klemp guide you through a visualization practice to bring a sense of gratitude to your relationship and reconnect with your partner.
Meet the Community!
Here we meet some of the talented folks who make our community and profession so dynamic.
Amanda Wittstrom Higgins, EVP, Ancient Peaks Winery and President, Dream Big Darling (Paso Robles, USA)
Years in the Industry:
I officially began in the industry in 2006 when we launched Ancient Peaks Winery in the Paso Robles AVA, although my love for agriculture and farming has been there for as long as I can remember. I am a fourth generation native to the Paso Robles region and I am so proud to represent not only our small community but the agriculture industry as a whole. Seeing our company grow from very small to a nationally distributed winery has been an incredible process and I am so thankful for all the experience that I’ve received.
After the birth of my daughter in 2015, my passion for paying it forward in our industry was ignited. In essence, this was when Dream Big Darling was born. Paving the way for other women who want to advance themselves, and creating a culture for giving back, have been some of the most rewarding and important aspects of my life.
My Top Three Challenges to Wellness:
Motherhood: Being a mother is one of the most rewarding and also one of the most challenging aspects to wellness. It’s so easy to prioritize the wellness of your children and put yourself on the back burner.
Loving my work: I LOVE work. Sometimes I almost think it’s weird! When I have extra time, I’m almost always doing something related to work or the industry. I think it's hard for others to understand.
Computers: Being tethered to our computers these days makes it hard to be naturally active. That's why we have a “crush it” corner in our office equipped with an exercise bike, free weights, bands, kettle bell and jump ropes.
How I Keep It Together to Stay Well:
Daily journaling is really important, since it’s a way for me to put things in perspective and find clarity.
Walking conference calls and a fantastic work family makes work feel like free time. We dream together, laugh together, create together and kick ass together.
Having forgiveness when things don’t go perfectly.
Being flexible and being ready to find the good in every situation.
Dedicated time for education. Lately I have joined a tasting group with my dear friend in Hawaii and I am also part of Master the World’s monthly education.
Finally, riding my horse as much as I can, having an amazing husband and family and being part of something bigger than myself and my company, Dream Big Darling.
What Inspires Me
Work: Being in an industry that changes with each vintage allows for constant learning and innovation.
Family: Seeing the wonder in my children’s eyes as they learn and grow, as well as my husband who is one of the best dad’s on earth.
Giving Back: Being surrounded by others who are passionate about life, their profession, the industry and the future generations that will follow.
Outdoors: Being outside and riding my horse with my five year old daughter. There is something about nature and animals that warms my heart.
A Quote I Love:
“If you never try anything, you will NEVER do anything wrong.” (author unknown)
You can connect with Amanda on Instagram @amandawittstromhiggins @ancientpeaks and @dreambigdarling_org or online at www.ancientpeaks.com and www.dreambigdarling.org
Let's Get Connected!
Sharing Events from our Global ABG Community.
Open that Bottle Night - global!
Saturday February 27, 2021
For more than two decades, wine authors Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher have advocated that the last Saturday in February is “Open That Bottle Night” (OTBN), an evening to open that special bottle and celebrate wine and friendship. Follow along on social channels at #OTBN
Engaging the Senses: An Exploration of Flavor and Sound
March 25, 2020 5pm PT | 8pm ET
Join wine pro Devin Parr and Toronto Symphony Orchestra musicians Clare Semes and Kelly Zimba -- AKA Sonority Sisters – online, as they pair beautiful wines with beautiful music. This 90-minute tasting and music session will invite you to indulge in a total sensory experience that is a feast for the eyes, nose, mouth and ears. Tickets in link.
Have an event that our ABG community would love? Email to events@abalancedglass.com for consideration.
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The offerings are a small list of high quality items that we have road-tested and reviewed, and hope they help support your self-care, while staying hydrated, safe, and stylish! << Check it out here >>
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