FAQ
What's the Sinclair Method success rate?
Studies show that 78% of patients that undergo Sinclair Method treatment reach their goal of substantially reduced alcohol intake or complete abstinence within 9 months. Many will reach a level of comfortable controlled drinking in 4 to 6 months. An approximate 10% non-compliance rate with the naltrexone dosing protocol has been documented which will impede success. As such, by strictly complying with the dosing protocol, chances for success are boosted 10% producing a near 90% success rate. That's why we focus on Sinclair Method compliance in our Module One video course you'll get when you sign up.
Do I have to abstain from drinking before I start?
No, you begin treatment right away.
What's it like to drink with naltrexone in my system?
Reports vary but most won't notice much of a difference when drinking with naltrexone in their system.
Are there side effects from taking naltrexone?
The vast majority of patients will not experience any side effects from naltrexone, some will experience mild to moderate side effects that usually go away after a short period, and a few will experience more adverse side effects. Our providers assist each patient as-needed with a number of strategies to lessen or eliminate side effects should they occur, including the use of simple OTC remedies and in some cases prescribing other medications.
Do we offer groups, a forum or therapy sessions?
While we no longer host our own Discord group, we are big fans of community and support groups and fortunately there are plenty that have popped up specifically around the Sinclair Method, several of which you can find on Facebook. There are also many others that follow a more traditional approach that are not necessarily centered on medication-assisted treatment. Many people prefer their recovery path to be private and personal without attendance or participation in groups. Others find groups very helpful. And, some will seek out a therapist to talk through issues related to overcoming excess drinking.
Our program is focused on the individual and structured so that group meetings or therapy aren't required to succeed. But, we do collaborate with recovery groups (free and paid) and therapists in all states we service and if you'd like a referral let us know.
Is there a minimum period of enrollment? When can I cancel or pause my account?
There is no minimum period and you can cancel or pause any time to stop recurring payments. Canceling or pausing will prevent access to our platform and we recommend at least 4 months of consecutive treatment. We also recommend pausing so that you may resume access in the future, such as when you switch to maintenance use of naltrexone and only need to reach out to your provider on occasion for reassessments and medication refills. You may leave your account paused for as long as you'd like and unpause it any time. Please note that by canceling you'll need to set up a new account and may be subject to new pricing. To cancel, pause or unpause your account, email us at support@alcure.me and we'll get you squared away promptly.
What happens when I reach my goal and only need a maintenance supply of naltrexone for occasional use?
That's when you'll pause your account. When to switch to maintenance use of naltrexone under Sinclair Method treatment is a decision for you and your Alcure medical provider. Maintenance use involves periodic reassessment by your Alcure provider before receiving a new e-prescription and will vary with each client. Once you reach the maintenance phase, you'll pause recurring payments and schedule occasional one-time visits with your Alcure provider as-needed. The cost of a one-time visit is equal to one monthly payment. Reach us at support@alcure.me when you and your Alcure provider are ready to make the switch to maintenance use of naltrexone and we'll pause your account.
Once I get my stuff under control do I have to keep taking naltrexone?
Only when you drink. By always following the dosing protocol relapse is avoided.
What are the benefits of video chat access to my Alcure provider?
Rapport, trust, and ultimately better care. When addressing a condition like alcohol use disorder, developing rapport and trust with your provider is important for delivering superior care and getting the best results. We're not an online kiosk dispensing medication using pre-written scripts and templates sent over text. Key communication signals are lost when texting and it doesn't compare to high-quality video chat with your provider. Usually, the initial and a few follow-up video chats establish that rapport and trust with your Alcure provider, and then communication can shift more to text or email.
Do I have to request refills of naltrexone?
Yes, reach out to your Alcure provider when you're down to about 10 days' worth of naltrexone to allow lead time. Sometimes your provider may refill a greater number of tablets over prior prescriptions depending upon your progress and overall situation. Always reach out well in advance before you're completely out, though.
Can I get reimbursed from my medical insurance?
Yes, even though we are an out-of-network provider we'll send you a "superbill" each month if you elect to use insurance. A superbill is a detailed receipt identifying the billing codes used by insurance companies to process payments for the type of treatment we provide. We cannot guarantee reimbursement and you may wish to consult your insurance company first for eligibility. Ask us for an example superbill to run by your insurance company in advance. Keep in mind that using insurance can trigger a premium increase later and can also impact an application, renewal, or premium amount for life insurance.
Can I get reimbursed from my employer?
Yes, many employers have an Employee Assistance Program that will provide employees facing alcohol use disorder with treatment at no cost. If you are employed and experiencing an excess drinking issue, tell your employer that you're interested in the Alcure program and ask your employer about how its Employee Assistance Program can be used to cover the cost of our program.
Will anyone find out about my enrollment or use of naltrexone, such as an insurance company?
Some clients are concerned that once they sign up for use of naltrexone their health insurance company will find out about it and increase premiums or, in the case of life insurance, deny an application, deny renewal or increase premiums. Alcure doesn't report any client's enrollment to anyone unless requested to by the client or if legally required.
On occasion the pharmacy a client chooses to fill their naltrexone prescription will report that prescription to one or more central computer databases accessible by insurance companies, and unfortunately that's not something over which we have control.
That doesn't usually happen, but if you have any concern the solution is to call the pharmacy you plan to use first and ask the pharmacist in charge whether it will report a prescription for naltrexone. If so, you can easily select another pharmacy that won't. It's just a matter one or two calls and your Alcure provider will e-prescribe naltrexone to the pharmacy you choose.
What if I have a surgery or procedure coming up and I'm taking naltrexone?
Often a doctor performing a surgery or procedure will anticipate using an opioid-based pain medication to alleviate any pain associated with the surgery or procedure. Opioid-based pain medications will not work if you have naltrexone in your system.
Your doctor may recommend avoiding naltrexone for three days before the surgery or procedure, with the expectation the naltrexone will be eliminated from your system by the third day and the doctor will then feel comfortable using an opioid-based medication if he or she elects to do so.
Patients facing surgeries or procedures should advise their doctor of the last time naltrexone was taken, as that can influence the choice of opioid-based pain medication the doctor may use.
Be sure to advise your doctor well in advance of your naltrexone use so he or she can be equipped with all relevant information to best manage any pain safely as it pertains to your specific health history and the surgery or procedure you're facing.
I see Alcure M Tab and FM in my Google search, what's that?
We have zero affiliation with that company.
And if I have other questions?
Email us at support@alcure.me.