No! Unlike traditional abstinence-based programs, The Nul Programme allows you to continue drinking while gradually reducing your alcohol consumption. Over time, your brain reconfigures its reward pathways, making alcohol less compelling.

The medication prescribed is either Naltrexone or Nalmefene. They are both opioid antagonists that block the endorphin response alcohol typically produces in the brain. This reduces the rewarding effects of drinking, helping you break free from habitual patterns over time. As the brain stops associating alcohol with pleasure or relief, the urge to drink weakens. This is the foundation of the Sinclair Method®, which underpins Nul’s treatment programmes.

Sinclair,John - clinical studies, 2001

Opioid antagonists like naltrexone and nalmefene block the endorphin response that alcohol usually provides. This interrupts the reinforcement cycle and retrains your brain to lose interest in alcohol.

Naltrexone and nalmefene aren’t new – both have been licensed and in use for many years.

In the UK, Naltrexone was licensed in the 1980s for (1) relapse prevention in opioid-dependent individuals and (2) relapse prevention in formerly alcohol-dependent people. Whilst Nalmefene was licensed in 2013 for the reduction of alcohol consumption in adults, it is specifically licensed for those with alcohol dependence (who do not have physical withdrawal symptoms) and who also have a high-risk drinking level.

However, both medications have also been proven to be an effective way to reduce alcohol consumption in adults, including those who may not have "alcohol dependence" and a "high risk” drinking level, and they are commonly prescribed for this use.

When used as part of The Sinclair Method – where the medication is taken before drinking to reduce cravings over time – both drugs are prescribed “off-label.” This means they’re being used differently from their original licensed indications, but the approach is supported by clinical evidence and prescribed under medical supervision.

People who:
-> Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to become pregnant.
-> Are under 18 years of age.
-> Use opioid medications and/or substances and are unable or unwilling to stop.
-> Have pancreatic, liver or kidney problems
.-> Are allergic to the medications or their ingredients.
-> Are dependent on alcohol and experience physical withdrawal symptoms.
-> Require alcohol detoxification.
-> In addition to these, some groups, including those with significant mental health considerations, will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Many people report that alcohol feels less satisfying while on Naltrexone or Nalmefene. This is a sign that the extinction effect is working-the reward loop that was so entrenched in your neural pathways is slowly breaking down.

The effect on physical cravings is usually noticeable almost immediately after taking the medication, but the emotional and psychological shifts take longer. Some people begin noticing changes within weeks, while others may take several months. Like when trying to make any big life changes, consistency and patience are key.

Most NHS services currently focus on abstinence-based treatment programmes, which is why GPs don’t usually suggest Naltrexone or Nalmefene for people who want to reduce rather than stop drinking. Private services like Nul offer evidence-based alternatives such as The Sinclair Method for those seeking a more flexible approach.

You may notice signs of extinction, such as:
✔ Drinking less frequently or consuming smaller amounts
✔ Forgetting to drink or leaving drinks unfinished
✔ Feeling indifferent toward alcohol

Our healthcare partner is Blueco Healthcare, a CQC registered online doctor service. Medicines are delivered by Blueco Healthcare. For more information, registration numbers, and contact details, click here.

The clinicians managing your treatment are pharmacist independent prescribers with training in alcohol reduction

It’s important for every healthcare professional, including your GP, to have a complete understanding of any medications you are taking or have taken in the past. 

With your consent, the clinician will write to your GP to inform them about the medication prescribed for you. This is so that they can update your primary health record, which is relied upon by many healthcare professionals, including emergency healthcare professionals.

If you don’t want your GP to be contacted, the clinician will discuss this with you to understand your reasoning. They’ll then use this rationale to determine whether or not it is safe to prescribe you the medication without letting your GP know. This decision is solely at their discretion and they may determine that they cannot prescribe to you in this instance.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Few cases of side effects of seeing, hearing or sensing things that are not there or feeling detached from oneself have been reported. However, the frequency of these side effects cannot be estimated from the available data. The side effects reported with Selincro were mainly mild or moderate, occurred at the beginning of treatment and lasted for a few hours to a few days. If you continue treatment with Selincro, or start again after a break in treatment, you will probably not have side effects. In some cases, it may be difficult for you to distinguish side effects from the symptoms you may feel when you reduce your alcohol consumption.

Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- feeling sick 
- dizziness 
- inability to sleep 
- headache

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) 
- loss of appetite 
- difficulty sleeping, confusion, feeling restless, reduced sex drive 
- drowsiness, body twitches, feeling less alert, peculiar sensation in the skin like pins and needles, reduced sense of touch
 - racing heart, a sensation of a rapid, forceful, or irregular beating of the heart
 - vomiting, dry mouth, diarrhoea 
- excessive sweating
- muscle spasms 
- feeling of exhaustion, weakness, discomfort or uneasiness, feeling strange - weight loss 

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) 
- seeing, hearing or sensing things that are not there
- feeling detached from oneself 

Other side effects (cannot be estimated from the available data) 
- visual impairment (mostly transient)
- swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat 
- hives 
- itching 
- rash 
- redness of skin 
- muscle pain 
- prolonged erection (priapism) 

Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via: 

Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. 

By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Before drinking? Take it as soon as you remember and wait at least 1-2 hours as directed before drinking.

After drinking has started? Take it as soon as possible, but note that the extinction effect may be weaker. Try to never skip your dose entirely.

Yes! Many people find that taking your medication with food helps minimize nausea.

Yes. Not everyone wants to quit entirely, and abstinence is not a requirement for participation in the programme. You’ll take your medication 1–2 hours as directed before drinking, which, over time, helps reduce cravings and the compulsion to drink.

If you need an extra prescription sooner due to travel, losing your medication, or using more than anticipated, contact us at hello@choosenul.com. Depending on the nature of your request, you may need to speak with a clinician to authorise this.

You can contact our medical partner Blueco Healthcare directly any time between 10 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday, on 0333 034 2438 (ext. 3).

Alternatively, you can email us at hello@choosenul.com and we will arrange for a clinician or pharmacist to support you.

To ensure medicines are delivered to you safely and securely, you must sign for your parcel when it is delivered.

The medication is sent using Royal Mail Tracked 24 & Signed For, which requires a signature upon delivery. Here’s what you can expect if you're not home when they try to deliver:

Royal Mail will leave a “Something for You” card after the first delivery attempt.
‍
They will automatically attempt redelivery the next working day, free of charge

Alternatively, you can use the tracking number from your dispatch email to rearrange delivery online. You have the option to:
‍
- Redeliver to your home
- Redirect to another local address (within your postcode area)
- Or deliver to a Post Office® branch for you to collect at your convenience. To collect from your local Post Office, you’ll need the missed-delivery card and original ID that matches the name on the parcel (e.g., passport, driving licence, or bank card)

Royal Mail holds parcels for up to 18 calendar days before returning them to the pharmacy, so it's important to act within that timeframe

For full details and to arrange redelivery, you can visit the official Royal Mail guidance here: https://www.royalmail.com/receiving-mail/redelivery

Once your LFT test or medication has been dispatched, we’re unable to change the delivery address.

If you’ve recently moved or need to update your address, please email us at hello@choosenul.com as soon as possible. We’ll be happy to update your information on our system to ensure your next order is sent to the correct address.

As the pharmacy supplying your medication is based in England, they can only ship medications to addresses within the UK. This is because they must take great precautions when shipping medications.

If you are travelling abroad for an extended period of time and need additional medication to take with you, it may be possible to get an additional prescription or supply before you leave. Please ensure that you contact us well in advance, giving enough time for a consultation and for the delivery of your medication.

You can contact our customer support team by contacting hello@choosenul.com. We will submit a request to the clinician for you. The prescriber will likely need to contact you directly to discuss your needs further.

If your order is damaged, lost, or you’ve received incorrect items, please contact us at hello@choosenul.com.

You are charged monthly on a fixed date. This date is determined by the day you made your very first subscription payment. For example, if you joined on the 10th, your billing date will remain the 10th of every month thereafter.

If you’re travelling and need to receive your next month’s medication in advance, just get in touch with us at hello@choosenul.com as early as possible. We’ll help arrange an earlier clinical review to ensure you're covered while you’re away.

Once approved, we’ll coordinate the delivery and any necessary steps to ensure you have your medication in time for your trip.

If you need to pause, skip, or reschedule a delivery-for example, due to travel or personal circumstances-just email us at hello@choosenul.com as early as possible.

‍Initial Term: To ensure the best clinical outcomes and program consistency, we are unable to pause or skip deliveries during your first 3 months.

If you're thinking about ending your Nul treatment programme, we encourage you to reach out first so we can understand your reasons and make sure you're fully supported. 

Email hello@choosenul.com and we’ll arrange a time to speak with a member of our team. Sometimes, a conversation can help clarify whether cancellation is the best step or if there are other ways we can support you.

Use the SMART goal framework:
✔ Specific: "I’ll reduce my drinking by one drink per week."
✔ Measurable: Use your log to track progress.
✔ Achievable: Set goals that are realistic.
✔ Relevant: Align with your personal motivation for change.
✔ Timeline-Based: Check in with yourself every 30 days.

Keeping a drink log or journal is one of the most effective ways to monitor your progress. Note the following after each drinking session:

- Number of drinks consumed
- Timing and setting
- Mood, cravings, and any side effects
- Small wins (e.g., choosing a non-alcoholic drink, feeling less urge to drink)

- Pause and assess: Ask yourself why you want a drink.
- Use the HALT method: Are you Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired? Address these needs first.
- Delay the decision: If you still want to drink, set a timer for 15–30 minutes before deciding.
- Engage in an alternative activity: Try exercise, journaling, or connecting with a friend.

The Nul Programme is a gradual process. Some people notice changes within weeks, while others take several months to see significant reductions in cravings. Patience and consistency are key!

Every week, we gather to create a safe space where you can simply listen, ask questions if you wish, and feel supported on your journey. 

Our weekly sessions aren’t about putting you on the spot — they’re about giving you a supportive space to:

✅ Ask questions about your journey
✅ Learn from others’ questions and challenges
✅ Hear practical tips, real-life examples & coaching insights
✅ Strengthen your practice with TSM protocols

Whether you’ve only just started your journey or you’ve been with us for a while, these sessions are here to give you a dedicated learning space each week.

You don’t have to share anything unless you want to. Many people simply join to listen, reflect, and take away tools that help them stay consistent.

And if it feels more comfortable, you’re welcome to join anonymously, without showing your camera, or even without using your real name. This is your space to learn at your own pace.

Each week is shaped by your needs — sometimes we focus on specific examples, other times it’s an open Q&A.

In 1:1 sessions, you’ll work closely with your therapist using Internal Family Systems (IFS) and somatic awareness to explore the parts of you that use alcohol and beyond this how you feel in your own skin in different aspects of your life. Together, you’ll learn to meet those parts with curiosity and compassion, uncover the unmet needs beneath the behaviour, and reconnect with your inner Self – the calm, confident and grounded presence at the core of your being. Individual therapy allows for tailored support that complements the group work.

Group sessions offer a powerful space for shared healing, reflection, and community. You’ll participate in guided IFS-based processes, body awareness practices, and group discussions that help you explore your relationship with yourself and with alcohol in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Listening to others’ experiences can illuminate your own inner world and help dissolve shame. Each group is facilitated by experienced therapists who ensure emotional safety, confidentiality, and compassionate witnessing for all members.

Not at all. There’s no 12-step structure, no labels, and no forced abstinence. Our therapy is trauma-informed, non-judgemental, and tailored to your unique relationship with alcohol and emotional history.