so I'm really discouraged right now. I have been on TSM for a couple weeks. Everything was going great.
then, this Saturday I take my pill (12.5)and hour before I drank and I go absolutely crazy. I binged the last two days, made really bad decisions, humiliated myself, called a bunch of people and started swearing at them etc. its horrible. I can hardly type this right now I feel so horrible.

I don't know what to do. I thought I found something that was going to work for me, but now I don't know.

any thoughts?

it sounds like you may have had an "extinction burst":

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extinction_(psychology)#Extinction_burst

this is the reptilian part of your brain desperately trying to get the old effect from AL, & is by no means uncommon

hang in there, try not to get discouraged, it's all part of the process. it definitely doesn't mean that TSM isn't working for you, in fact it shows that the process *is* working

all the best

-badger

Good call, Badger. I remember a few going through that.
Steve.

carlic, I am so sorry I know that you must feel horrible right now. Most of us have been there, but I am so sorry.

Do NOT GIVE UP!! You have to have patience. For most of us, this takes time to work. I wish it were different, but it just isn't.

Don't beat yourself up, it doesn't help. Just pick yourself up, make any amends you need to, and then put it behind you and MOVE ON!!

The wake does not drive the boat.

XOXO Big hugs from Newlife

Carli - so sorry that you are feeling so bad right now - but I agree with the others - it happens and while it isn't nice you will get through it and just hang in there re the Nal - keep taking it as usual - do not give up at the first obstacle please.

Hugs to you, Maggie x

Carli,

My heart goes out to you. I know you feel that you or the process has failed, but it hasn't.

Even though I am not a doctor, have you tried upping your dose? I know that the side effects are hard on you, but it has been awhile since you have been on 12.5 mg and maybe it's worth a shot or discuss it with a medical professional to see what they think.

You are in my thoughts and prayer,

Jaba

Carli,

I am so sorry. Reading what Badger posted makes so much sense. I know you are disappointed and afraid but hang in there. Every time I have doubts about this working for me, I ask myself what the alternatives are. Since I really can't think of any, I have to persevere, and so do you. I wish I could give you a hug in person, but a cyber hug will have to do.

Dee

Thank you so much everyone for all your support. It means a ton. I will be posting more soon.
I plan to continue on TSM, but might not drink again for a while. At least as long as I can go, but when I do, I plan to take 25 mg of nal.
I was wondering if this would be wise. I was taking 12.5 before and the same day I had my extinction burst.
Hope you are all well.
I am still recovering mentally from all of the demoralizing situations that occurred from that binge, but as they have happened before, I got my strength and integrity back.

I am really glad that you are staying on the Nal Carli - it really is your only option as far as I can see. Eventually it will work - I know it will - but please do not give up.

Hugs, Maggie xx

carlic, I'm very sorry for what you went through. Do realize that you are still just in the first month of what can be a rather long process. Perhaps this unpleasant occurrence can provide you with motivation to actively try to cut back. I recently went through a similar experience where I went on a binge (not as bad as the binges I went on pre-Nal) even after I had been drinking moderately for 2 months and thinking that wouldn't ever happen again. I guess these flare-ups can occur as part of the process and it doesn't mean we won't find long term success with the method.