I am 29 years old. But I feel like I am much older. I have been drinking since I was 14 but really started drinking pretty heavily for the past 5 years. I drink heavily 2-3 days a week - it takes the remainder of the week for me to recouperate. I cannot function well when I drink either. It really kind of amazes me that I cannot stop drinking. I guess I am still in denial. I have been in rehab 3 times now. It just does not work for me. As soon as I am out - I drink. I do not drink everyday but I guess if I could I would. I know I have a problem and I have decided to try TSM. I just got out of rehab and they did all the liver function stuff there. I also have some Naltrexone left over from earlier this year. I was told not to drink while taking it. I just want to make sure I am doing this correctly. I only take the Nal the days I drink correct? Will this work if I only take the Nal + drink 2 or 3 times a week? I hope so. Right now I am feeling pretty hopeless. This is so different from anything I have ever done or been told to do.

Welcome! Here's a link to a post I wrote that explains the nuts & bolts of The Sinclair Method. viewtopic.php?f=5&t=37

Please read it, and some of the introductory materials on the board. It's very important to read Dr. Eskapa's book.

I'm glad you seem to understand that naltrexone does not work as an anti-craving med. You MUST drink while taking it for it to work properly. It sounds like your MD does not understand this; that's unfortunatley quite common. You may want to just ask for a nal refill without a lot of explanation and plan to discuss TSM in the future.

We're happy you're here. If support is what you're after, you've come to the right place!

Hi jackebrown,

I'd just like to echo Lena's words above. You can expect oodles of support here.

So, welcome aboard.

All the best on your Sinclair Method journey!

V.

Welcome from me as well jackebrown!

I would suggest you not mention TSM to your doctor at this point. Too risky, as it might jeopardize your ability to get a steady supply of Nal without other, and often more expensive methods. Just pop a Nal an hour before you drink - EVERY TIME, and you'll be on your way. Best wishes, and we're glad you joined us!

Welcome Jackebrowne ,
Support you'll get here for sure ,and the hard information that Lena directs you too is crucial so you know what's going on .
What you said about rehab not helping and finding abstinence impossible is good to bear in mind as you checkout what Dr Eskapa says , then you'll see why rehab didn't work . So you're really where you need to be as this is a real cure not just treatment .
Good luck with tsm .

Welcome Jackebrown, I loved all your movies.

Rehab didn't work because of the alcohol deprivation effect. It has been shown with rats that once you get them hooked on booze and cut it (abstinence), then re-introduce it, the rats drink more than they did before. Same with humans. The beauty of TSM is that your cravings for booze will not simply be repressed as they are with standard treatment. Your actual craving for a drink gradually reduces while on TSM and ultimately you can take it or leave it. And it works -- of the 180 on this board, a handful say it hasn't done them any good -- the other 99% say they are drinking far less with less cravings and several have said they can now take or leave the booze. It has been proven 80% effective in the studies and it would have been more like 90% if all the subjects stuck with the rule NAL + DRINKING = CURE. Make sure you pop it one hour before drinking and beware of side effects. Nausea is common but goes away after a week -- messed up sleep is common but also subsides. Also, while drinking on nal you'll have more control and fewer hangovers/blackouts. You still get buzzed, but buzzed with more clarity.

Good luck and welcome!

Nick

Hi Jakebrown,
I just started the program almost 4 weeks ago. I think you made a good decision to give it a try. Everyone on this board has been wonderful and I know you will get the support you need here. Progress can be slow and frustrating sometimes (I'm still struggling!), but you can do it.
Welcome!
ABNYC

Thank you to everyone for the support. I am new to all of this and do not have access to the computer as often as I would like. I am kind of fumbling my way around here. I really enjoy reading all the posts. I placed an order for Nalrexone through River Pharmacy.... has anyone ever used them?

Week 1 56 units Cravings 7-8

I have used River. Very reliable and good service (emails updating shipping status and requesting feedback on service ) I thought I'd try alldaychemist next time because Goin4More used them and they are way cheaper.


Just remember to allow plenty of time when you re-order. Right, WTE??

Welcome to the board! I've been out of commission much of the time since a recent lightning strike, so missed your intro. This is a wonderful group of people, and you'll get all the support you want and need.

You will be amazed at how much better you'll feel about yourself a ways into this program - when you finally 'get it' that alcoholism is not a character or moral weakness, and that you're not to blame. While your drinking levels may flunctuate wildly for several months, there will be an overall downward decline in the amount you consume. Just give it some time - a year isn't too long - and always obey the golden rule: take naltrexone one hour before drinking, every time you drink. Period.

I don't even keep a log of my units any more, because I was focusing too much on the numbers, short term. When I looked over the long term, there was a definite decline in my overall drinking (and craving) levels. My behavior when drinking has become that of a 'normal' drinker, even though I still over-indulge. Since I'm confident I'll see the results if I follow the golden rule. . .and I know I'm drinking on average a little less than half of when I started - why keep such detailed track? It didn't work for me. (I still know when a bottle of wine has been opened, and how much I drink from day to day.)

I highly recommend alldaychemist.com for your script. They are reliable, a little faster than River Pharmacy, and a LOT less expensive.

Good luck!