Important: Your medication will also come with a Patient Information Leaflet. Please read this in full before using your medication for the first time.
If you’re ever unsure about anything in this guide, you can reach us at hello@choosenul.com for clarification or support.
Adherence
The practice of following the treatment protocol exactly. In this case, take your prescribed medication one hour before drinking, every time.
Compassionate Curiosity
Noticing your patterns without judgment. Asking yourself what you need and why something happened, rather than shaming yourself.
Cravings
The desire to drink alcohol, which can be physical, emotional or situational. Cravings typically lessen over time with consistent adherence to treatment.
Extinction
A clinical term describing the process of unlearning addictive behaviours. With consistent use of medication before drinking, the brain’s reward association with alcohol weakens.
Naltrexone
A non-addictive medication used to reduce cravings and help break the cycle of alcohol dependence by blocking the brain’s endorphin receptors triggered by alcohol.
Nalmefene
Another approved, non-addictive medication for alcohol reduction. It works similarly to Naltrexone and may be prescribed based on clinical considerations
The Science Behind It
Naltrexone and Nalmefene are opioid receptor antagonists. When taken before drinking, they block the endorphins released by alcohol, which disrupts the reward cycle that reinforces habitual drinking. Over time, this process weakens the brain’s learned association between alcohol and pleasure - a process known as pharmacological extinction, the core principle behind the Sinclair Method that Nul is based on.
Dosage and Compliance
You’ll receive a 28-tablet supply and are instructed to take 1 tablet, 1 hour before any occasion where you expect to drink. This is not a daily medication programme. Nul should be taken only on days you plan to drink or will be exposed to alcohol.
Adherence is crucial. Taking the medication consistently and as prescribed ensures the extinction process works effectively. Skipping doses can delay or reverse your progress.
Why 1 Hour Before?
It takes time for the medication to reach effective levels in your system. That’s why timing is so important; the medication must be active before the first drink to block the reward response.
Medical Guidance
Your clinician will support you in choosing the most appropriate medication (Naltrexone or Nalmefene) based on your needs and health profile. They’ll also check in periodically to make sure the medication is working well and adjust your plan if necessary. Similarly, community support is also available to reinforce your progress and keep you accountable.
Side Effects
Common side effects (nausea, headache, dizziness) are generally mild and temporary. Please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet for a full list of side effects.
To mitigate nausea, try taking your medication with food or having an anti-nausea remedy on hand. If side effects persist, schedule a check-in with a clinician to discuss this further.
If your side effects are severe and you need immediate medical advice, please contact NHS 111. If you need immediate medical attention, please call 999 or visit your local A&E.
The Importance of Adherence
Success with Nul depends on how consistently you follow the programme. That means taking your medication correctly, showing up for check-ins with your clinician, and using the tools provided to help you track your journey
1. You’ll be prescribed Naltrexone or Nalmefene
Nul isn’t a one-size-fits-all programme. You’ll receive 28 tablets per pack, to be taken only on the days you plan to drink. The standard is 1 tablet taken 1 hour before drinking. Your clinician will decide which medication is best for you.
2. You’ll speak with a registered clinician
Nul includes check-ins with professionals trained in alcohol use and reduction. They’ll assess your needs, prescribe appropriately, and support your progress through regular reviews.
3. Therapy is available
If you opt into Nul’s Therapeutic or Holistic programmes, you’ll access one-on-one therapy, group sessions, and guided resources - tools designed to support your long-term goals.
4. You’re not doing this alone
Weekly coach-led support sessions are open to all Nul subscribers. You’ll also receive gentle prompts and journaling reflections to help you notice progress and stay engaged.
5. You define your success
Whether you're aiming to cut back, pause, or figure it out as you go, Nul adapts to your goals. This isn’t about rules. It’s about support that fits real life.
We know this isn’t just about medication. That’s why we provide behavioural tools to supportyour mindset and maintain momentum.
Mindfulness: Stay present. Cravings lose power when you're grounded in the now.
HALT: When cravings hit, ask - Am I Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired? These are common triggers.
Urge Surfing: Visualise the craving like a wave. Let it rise, peak and fall, without giving in.
Language: Say “I’m choosing not to drink tonight” instead of “I can’t.” Framing matters.
Reflect: Track patterns; what works and what doesn't? Reflection builds insight.
Self-Compassion: If you slip, don’t spiral. Pause, reflect and restart.
Nul is about equipping you to build a life where alcohol isn’t in control, whatever that may look like. There is no concrete timeline - your needs may shift, and your goals may evolve, and that’s natural. The most important thing is that you stay engaged, use the tools, and keep learning what works best for you.
If you're wondering whether you meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder (AUD), you're not alone. AUD exists on a spectrum, and many people who seek help don't identify with labels like "alcoholic." Nul is here for anyone wanting to change, without judgment, pressure or shame. Discreet conversations around AUD can be held with our clinicians
Changing your relationship with alcohol is not easy, and the steps you’re taking to bring positive changes to your life are commendable.
You’re choosing clarity, self-trust, and a future on your terms. And you’re not alone.
Welcome to Nul.
