I was 15 years old when I realized my father was an alcoholic (whatever that meant). I am now his 46 year old son living in Louisiana. He is 82, healthy, and continues to drink as he did when I was 15. Nothing horrible to report; he was simply the every single day, after-five drinker, until time to go to sleep, which was always around 10 pm. Never violent, but forgetful of anything I might ask of him at night, such as "Can I borrow the car?", which required that I explain to him the next day that he had approved. I remember his thing was to pour that last bourbon and water and put it in the freezer. The next day at dusk it would be the first drink in his hand, a giddy look on his face as it melted to a drinkable state.

I come from an upper middle class family, had many friends, worked hard and partied hard. An interesting book I recently read, the Easy Way To Stop Drinking, by Allen Carr, made me recall so many early memories of drinking, such as how horrible the first sip was and how society truly glorifies and promotes what is essentially a toxic poison. We are conditioned to drink. The book didn't stop the drinking, but it did ring a few bells for me.

Over time, I realized that not only was my father an alcoholic, but so was my grandfather (and probably my great grandfather). I have come to behave in exactly the same manner as my father, the everyday, after 5 drinker, never violent, just drink myself to bed. My beverage of choice is red wine, but a bottle of Crown sits in the cabinet. My problem is as much genetics as learned behavior. I otherwise have a great life, I simply must unlearn the habitual manner in which I spend my evenings drinking and enjoying the effects of alcohol.

After months of research and study, I truly believe I am nearing discovery the solution and it lies within the people and experiences I have found on this website, reading these posts. I have yet to take my first dose of Nal, but am in the process of finding a physician that will prescribe it.

Wish me luck...

Welcome cap, and good luck too. This site is a gold mine of information as well as a place of considerable encouragement, and sometimes, comfort.

Congratulations on reaching the point where you realize that it's time to break the pattern. I think you'll probably find that natrexone will be an invaluable tool to help you unlearn your addiction. When you get your script, take 25 mg on a full stomach the first few times, to minimize side effects like nausea, which are temporary. Also, if you have read the book, forget about three to four months leading to an inevitable cure. Instead, you can expect gradual control over your habit over a very rocky and non-linear path to a better life.

My best to you and welcome to the board.

Nick

Welcome cap to the board and we're so glad you found us. Your story sounds to much like my own background and probably a majority of the rest of the folks here. Now with tsm we all can start to look forward to the future and we don't have to dwell on the past anymore.

corkit

A BIG Welcome!

I am very happy to see you here. Im sure you've already found some members whos stories relate to you. Your posts here will be extremely important for others that come after you and for those who are already here.

In time, whether 3-4 months or well over a year, youll look back on the day you started TSM and say "thats where my life changed forever."

I look forward to your progress, please keep us informed. So glad you found us.

hap

i am a red red wine drinker too.