Rich talks with recovery advocate Katie Lain about The Sinclair Method (TSM), a medication-assisted, science-based approach that helps people reduce or end problem drinking without the all-or-nothing pressure to stay abstinent. Katie shares her decade-long struggle with binge drinking, how naltrexone changed her brain’s reward loop, and why TSM can be a discreet, at-home path to control for millions. Listeners will learn how cravings fade, why relapse rates differ from traditional models, and how to combine medication with real-life coping skills. 

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Guest Bio:  

Katie Lain is the founder of Thrive Alcohol Recovery and a leading educator on The Sinclair Method for alcohol use disorder. Sober since 2017 through TSM, she creates evidence-informed content, works with clinicians and researchers (including naltrexone pioneer Dr. Joseph Volpicelli), and helps thousands regain control—without labels, shame, or mandatory abstinence. 

Main Topics: 

·         Katie’s story: daily binge drinking in her 20s, failed quits, and finding TSM in 2017. 

·         How TSM works: take naltrexone 1 hour before drinking; it blunts alcohol’s reward so intake naturally falls over time. 

·         Timelines & side effects: early wins in weeks; most see full results around a year; common, mild early side effects often fade. 

·         Myths & misconceptions: moderation can be possible after dependence when the brain is “re-trained”; naltrexone is non-addictive; TSM can be done discreetly at home. 

·         Comparing models: high relapse after traditional treatment vs. strong outcomes reported with TSM; why adherence (taking the pill before drinking) matters. 

·         Trauma, coping skills, nutrition: meeting the medication halfway with therapy, skills, and health supports. 

·         Success stories: from daily bottles to effortless moderation; unexpected alcohol indifference.  

Resources mentioned: 

·         Thrive Alcohol Recovery – program, free resources, and socials: thrivealcoholre (https://www.thrivealcoholrecovery.com/)

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