A Smarter Way to Regain Control Over Drinking
Based on the Sinclair Method
The Drink Less Method does not try to teach total abstinence. To totally Quit drinking altogether after following the method would be a great outcome, but we are aiming to help those who would like to cut right back on their weekday drinking occasions, whilst still enjoying themselves at the weekend.
We base our method on the Sinclair Method – a system that isn’t about punishment or guilt – it’s about rewiring the brain’s response to alcohol through science and consistency. For many people, this approach has turned drinking from a compulsion into a choice, offering real freedom and balance in everyday life.
Before Using the Drink Less Method
Drinking -> Endorphins -> Reward -> Cravings
After Using the Drink Less Method
Drinking -> Medication Blocks Endorphins -> No Reward -> Cravings Reduce
Start. Go Slow
Those who could benefit from The Drink Less Method are social drinkers who:
- Recognise they are drinking more than they should
- Experience cravings or loss of control
- Want to reduce their alcohol use safely before it escalates further
The Sinclair Method was originally researched for people who were alcohol dependent. They were individuals who had lost control over their alcohol use, often drinking daily or in large quantities, and who struggled to stop or cut down despite serious personal or health consequences.
Building on this success, we have worked with our clinicians to devise a method that recommends lower dosages of any medication used – ideal for people drinking more than they should, but not those who are dependent as they require additional assistance to stop drinking safely.
The method allows for a more gentle introduction and fewer side effects.
Although side effects are usually mild (such as nausea, fatigue, or stomach discomfort) when first taking naltrexone, by starting with a very low dose, building up slowly over a week and generally sticking to half the dose used in The Sinclair Method, this makes the treatment more comfortable and improves long-term adherence.
Those with a smaller body size or lower alcohol consumption may find these lower doses more manageable.
The Drink Less Method is most effective for people who still want to drink but want to regain control — it’s a tool for moderation and recovery, not necessarily total abstinence.
Our “start low, go slow” approach encourages early confidence and people are more likely to continue treatment if they experience fewer side effects early on.
The Drink Less Method Pricing
Starter Pack
Staring point for all
- Beginner’s Package
- Full online consultation
- 30 low dose 4.5mg tablets
- 30 medium dose 25mg tablets
- Full instructions
- Free delivery
Repeat Pack
Standard ongoing package
- Ongoing package
- Repeat online consultation
- 30 medium dose 25mg tablets
- Full instructions
- Free delivery
- Only take on drinking days
Maximum Pack
For those needing a stronger dose
- Maximum dosage pack
- Repeat online consultation
- 60 pack of 25mg tablets
- Full instructions
- Free delivery
- Only take on drinking days
How to Start the Drink Less Method
Starting the Drink Less Method could not be easier. To asses your suitability for the program, we initially take you through an online consultation. This takes just a couple of minutes.
If you are suitable for the approach, our clinicians and pharmacists will prescribe you with a Drink Less Starter pack. This will provide you with
- Detailed information covering the Drink Less Method
- Low dose naltrexone (4.5mg) tablets for a 10 day period, (with a schedule to increase dosage gradually)
- A follow-on course of medium-strength naltrexone (25mg) lasting one month
Chart Your Drink Less Progress
FIRST STAGE (up to 10 days)
- Download the NHS ‘Drink Free Days‘ app
- Start on a low dose of Naltrexone (4.5mg)
- Take prescribed amount one hour prior to drinking time
- Check for Side Effects
- Dosage increased over first 10 days until minimum standard dose is reached
- Drinking rewards start to reduce
SECOND STAGE (2 – 6 weeks)
- Continue to chart progress on ‘Drink Free Days’
- Minimum standard daily dose of Naltrexone (25mg)
- Dosage may be increased to a maximum 50mg if needed
- Cravings should reduce & weaken
- Benefits of alcohol reduction should show
THIRD STAGE (6-12 weeks)
- Improved habits & routines develop
- Dosage may be increased to a maximum of 50mg Naltrexone if needed
- The desire to have a drink reduces
- Still able to enjoy a drink by skipping medication
Key Step: Read Our ‘Drink Free Days’ Review & Download
- Review: Try Dry App
The ‘Try Dry’ app is from the Alcohol Change UK team behind the concept of ‘Dry January’ but works all year round to help you to monitor and cut back on your drinking. It is rated highly 4.7/5 on the App Store, where comments emphasise the benefits of helping the user to focus. There are… Read more: Review: Try Dry App
