Question 1

What is the Nul alcohol reduction programme?

Accepted Answer

Unlike abstinence models – like Alcoholics Anonymous – the Nul alcohol reduction programme does not require total abstinence. Instead, it’s about reducing or stopping alcohol consumption based on personal preference.

Question 2

What medication does Nul use?

Accepted Answer

Our programme is based on the use of Naltrexone, to be taken according to The Sinclair Method. Naltrexone is a prescription-only medication, approved by NICE for use in the UK1. It is proven safe, effective, and non-addictive2.

Question 3

How does alcohol medication work?

Accepted Answer

Naltrexone is an “opioid receptor antagonist”, which means it blocks the endorphins produced by the brain. Every time you drink, your brain balances out alcohol’s depressant effects by producing endorphins. That’s the “rush” you feel. Taken an hour or two before drinking, Naltrexone dulls the cravings for that rush. Over time, your brain rewires itself: you “unlearn” the relationship between drinking and pleasure.

Question 4

What is The Sinclair Method?

Accepted Answer

The Sinclair Method is an approach of how to take alcohol reduction medication. It was developed by Dr John Sinclair over several decades of research. It involves only taking Naltrexone 1-2 hours before drinking alcohol. By removing the chemical rush that comes from alcohol, The Sinclair Method gradually rewires the brain, removing your craving to drink. The nervous system mechanism it uses is called “extinction” – meaning that the cravings for alcohol are eradicated over time.

Question 5

What are the success rates of The Sinclair Method?

Accepted Answer

In studies, 78% of individuals experience a meaningful decrease in their drinking levels with the Sinclair Method when they adhere to the protocol.