I'm very excited about this.... Especially because I have my initial appointment with Dr. Mark Willenbring of Alltyr Clinic on Thursday... he's one of the people they interviewed for this fascinating piece of addiction and "evidence based" treatment!

http://www.radiolab.org/story/addiction/

MinneMom

thanks MM - well worth a listen

That was very informative and raised many questions for me. It also helped to clarify some issues I may be having while taking Nal- 1) Who am I without alcohol? what do I fill that void with; 2) The reasons I drank are still present in my life and I still want a time out occasionally. It's nice that the problem of the urge is gone, but other anxiety remains. I miss the buzz that gave me the time out. I want a new drug I guess.

Bridgetbones -

Yes, as one "drills down" it's very common to find that there's an underlying issue(s) that led to drinking in the first place. A health professional might be a powerful ally on your journey to freedom.

Do you have the right to expect that you could be healthy and happy without alcohol?

Of course you do.

Keep on rockin' in the free world.

Van Morrison had this to say on the subject:

Don't Go To Nightclubs Anymore"

Don't get around much anymore
The smoke has driven me out the door
All night I used to walk the floor
Don't go to nightclubs anymore

Don't see my old friend Mose
I don't run into Mr. Clive
I cut out all that off the wall jive
I don't go to nightclubs no more

I'm not a legend in my own mind
Don't need juice to unwind
And don't have no need to pretend
Ain't got no huckleberry friend

Alcohol was too big a price
Listen I just said no dice
When it comes to the men and the mice
Don't go to nightclubs anymore

Don't go to nightclubs no more
Don't go to nightclubs no more
Don't go to nightclubs no more, I'm such a bore
Don't go to nightclubs no more

On a personal note, I found many things to replace the "joy" of alcohol, and couldn't be happier about it.

Give it time ...

Ha ha Guapo!! I love Van Morrison!! xoxo Newlife

great song! I think most of us have that "legend in my own mind" thing following us to some extent, no matter how humble we think we are. coming home from the nightclubs sober is kind of a rush for me now....

Guapo - loved that song !

And Bridget - I so agree with you on filling the void - it took me a long time to get my head around that one.... and I am only just sorting it now - after a year! It is hard after AL is such a huge part of my our lives to just stop it and not notice the elephant in the room! You will get there - give it time. We didn't get to here overnight and it is not going to go away overnight - hang in there.

MM - thanks for the link - I have not listened to it yet but am going to try to later today!

Hugs to all, Maggie x