I pulled some of this from another thread I was on and will add to it here. I am a 47 year old female. In good health and on no other meds other than OTC vitamins and an herbal supplement for menopausal symtoms. Started drinking in late teens and was a regular heavy drinker until my late 30's. Finally got sober through AA and held on for 10 wonderful years, but I was not deep into AA after 3 years. Sobriety just became a lifestyle. Relapsed within days of my 10 year anniversary and I have not been able to quit for the past 3 1/2 years. AA was no longer a preferred option. HARMS helped, but I could not get past 7 days and now I have found TSM! Note that I have gotten into the habit of having about 6 shots of citrus vodka a night (jeez!)

Here is a run-down of my first day of taking Nal:

Took my first drink - a shot of citrus vodka about an hour after taking the Nal (1/4 dose - intend to quickly titrate up to 50mg). Typically, when I take the shot, it gives me this burn that starts in my mouth and follows down my throat and I get a tingle. I took the shot and --nothin-- I felt --nothin-- it was just like drinking a glass of water. Wow! It was really a weird sensation. And soon after I would expect to be preparing for my next one. I walked into the pantry (out of habit to get a shot or a maybe glass of wine instead) and walked out twice without anything. My habit was saying "what the heck" but my mind felt somewhat comfortable without it. I have had no side effects.

A bit later, I still did not have a craving to drink, but I did anyway...having two more drinks before dinner for a total of three. After I ate dinner, I felt very satisfied and decided not to drink any further. You gotta know....THIS NEVER HAPPENS! WHEN I START DRINKING IT IS ON!

Interesting Observations:
* Until I took the Nal, I could intellectually understand what a craving was, but the Nal showed me PHYSICALLY what the relief of the craving FELT like through the absence of it. That was very interesting to not feel that usual sensation that almost immediately makes me start thinking of the next one.
* With the craving factor removed, I realized how much of this is equally habitual and I need to work on that. From a physical stand-point, it would have been fairly easy not had the other two drinks, but I chose to do so, just like I chose to do so by not continuing after three drinks.
* After two drinks, I had to walk downstairs to get the dog. I felt a little off balance and light headed and my mind said "Whoa, you are a bit tipsy, maybe you need to slow down" I had to laugh out loud at this voice in my head because I have no recollection of EVER feeling tipsy. I am sober to drunk at mach 5 and I always feel "in control" (not) until I black out. Just keepin it real!
* I was very, very tired early in the evening, but when I went to bed I could not make myself fall asleep. I honestly laid there with my eyes closed feeling tired and unable to sleep and it was weird, because I felt so relaxed over all. I did not take any sleep aid and by the time I figured I needed one, it was too late. I had to get up at 6am to get the kids off to school. I tossed and turned, sleeping only very briefly, and had terrible battles with hot flashes and night sweats (to me, it is hard to tell what is due to drinking and what is due to menopause because some of the symptoms are the same).
* I woke up without a hangover (yeah buddy!) but I was understandably very tired.

Tonight I have back-to-back meetings from 4:30pm to 10:00pm, so it is going to be a necessary, but grateful AF evening (hopefully).

Thank you for letting me share a lengthy entry. When I first started reading these message boards, it was the detailed experience sharing that I found so helpful. So, I am just trying to do my part as well has have a journal of my experiences.

I am going to enjoy the honeymoon phase for sure and will hope for success as the longer journey continues!

Hikergirl: so, how are you doing?? Newlife