I haven't posted for a very long time but wanted to share what finally worked for me. I took Nal for a year and initially saw progress, but I just kept taking the pill and drinking as heavily as always. Toward the end of that year I was haphazard about taking Nal prior to drinking sometimes not a full hour before and other times not at all. I had given up hope and figured I would just be an alcoholic and that was that. My life became very difficult; I was hiding my drinking and my entire day revolved around alcohol; recovering from the night before, planning on how to get my alcohol for that night, anxious about getting my first drink and than drinking until blackout. I would awake the next day trying to piece the previous night together and start all over. It was awful and on Christmas Day I hit my bottom. I won't go into all the ugly details but I had reached the point where it was seriously effecting my marriage, children and I felt hopeless. In a drunken mess I begged my family to do something and I entered inpatient treatment within days. It was a strange and wonderful experience. When I checked into treatment I did not know it was based on 12 step recovery and if I had known would of probably resisted or look for an alternative treatment.
I detoxed fairly quickly with the help of liazipram and spent the next 28 days learning all about my disease and recovery. I never had a craving for alcohol while in treatment but didn't know how I would do in the real world when I got out. The idea of never drinking again was overwhelming and the saying "one day at a time" was a necessary mantra.
Today I have been alcohol free for 74 days; I feel wonderful. I have lost weight, my skin looks great, people comment on how bright my eyes are, I awake refreshed and feeling great every morning and my head is getting clearer everyday. I have no desires for alcohol.
I do believe the Nal helped me get into recovery and thru it easier than my other treatment buddies; I have stayed in touch with many of them and they are struggling with sobriety. I have used Nal in some high trigger situations and have felt no desire to drink. Last nights experience is what prompted me to come back to this forum and report. I went out to a casino with some very heavy drinking friends. I took a Nal an hour prior to going. I was worried how I would feel being in this environment with these friends. I had NO desire to drink, had a great time, drove my husband home as he had 3 drinks and fell asleep like a baby. I could never of imagined this scenario back in my drinking days.
What I believe cured me? A multiple approach that used Nal for cravings, education and treatment, attending AA and working the steps and asking my higher power for help. As a non religious person that was difficult to accept until I tried it and was amazed at what started to happen in my life.
For some all they need is Nal+ 1 hour + drink + time and they are cured. I required additional methods but I am confident the Nal helped take the edge off and gives me extra support when needed.
I am not sharing my story to preach about AA or therapy but simply to reach out to this who feel Nal alone is not working well enough-don't lose hope. Keep searching until you find your cure. I am a happily recovering alcoholic- with the emphasis on Happy!

Thank you for posting your story and sharing what it took to gain sobriety. It is helpful to many of us.

Congratulations on your success! I have thought about taking NAL to curb with cravings when I am ambivalent about drinking. I will try that now seeing as it seems to have helped you.

Bluehen, it doens't matter how you got there - but you're CURED!!!! YAY!!! so glad to hear this. I agree with you that nal probably made things easier, and I hope your sobriety continues to be easy. Thanks for checking in!