I drink at night, its when I need release and to self medicate....

Started TSM tonight.... Got home at 8:10, tool a NAL (I had planned to take it earlier but forgot), so I waited till 9:15 before pouring a drink.

I generally drink 3 to 4 tumblers a night of KY bourbon. 8-12 shots.

I drank one, slower than normal.

Refilled, half way through got horribly sick to my stomach, likely unrelated, but I did, shaking, blurry eyes, dry heaves, etc. Not as bad as antabuse (or at least as I understand that, I have no personal experience).

Much less effect from alcohol than usual, but I still have a slight buzz and its helping me forget my situation I need to self medicate for.

My biggest fear is facing my underlying issues. I am going to bed.

I have yet to start, but that sounds like great progress in beating the alcohol demon. No pill can kill the underlying needs to drink, but that's to be expected. These things will come up. If you want/need to self-medicate enough, the NAL won't stop you from doing so. You need to want to get off the alcohol crutch. Even if it means being left with these ugly things to confront.

Again, I'm not on NAL yet, but I have the same experience from anti-depressants. No pill can take away dealing with the pain; it can only support your move to face it.

ETA: Even before I ever drank, I fell in love with a Scottish proverb: "they talk of my drinking, but never my thirst."

Welcome Numbers and glad that you have started the Nal - one of the SE's is nausea initially - it is suggested that one takes half a pill for the first few days then goes up to the full one - sorry about the being sick but good that it stopped you drinking - but that isn't quite how Nal is supposed to work and good for you for waiting the hour even though it meant you had to wait to drink - that is so important with Nal!!

Let us know how things go ...

hugs, Maggie x

Welcome Numbers!

I was thinking the same thing as Jackson, you're better off confronting your demons when you're sober or at least nearer to sober. Nal will help you accomplish that.

Counseling and support groups help too, at least they did for me

Good luck and above all, stay compliant with the golden rule.

Welcome Numbers!! The nal can definitely help you and it is a good first step. So can the support of this forum and perhaps counseling. We are all rooting for you. Hugs from Newlife

Thanks everyone.

You know, its amazing, these forums, like this one, where people share, and truly wish to help others. Its a true gift from, and to, humanity.

I have one more appointment to see, they just came in, I'll chime in a little more tonight. And again, thanks for the warm welcome.

Last night was night 2 on TSM. Took NAL at 7, waited till 8 to pour a drink, got 1/2 way through and refilled, got about 1/3 of the way through and crashed HARD, I mean almost impossible to keep awake. Went to bed about 9:30. Usually drink 3 or 4 a night.

Not sure where that came from, but it was good to sleep hard last night, but the fog this morning is discerning. Woke up at 4:30 and half slept until 6 when I rolled out and got moving.

I am also taking Topamax, going to try for today to be an AF day. Will be the first in a long while.

The first few days on NAL can be rough - I had nausea and extreme tiredness. Hang in there! It does get better. Welcome to the forum, like me, I think you'll find the support invaluable.
Best wishes,
Tweed

Numbers - try taking half a tab of the Nal - that helps your body adjust to it .....

hugs, Maggie x

Numbers do be assured that the side effects do lessen with time. If it's causing a problem then taking half a dose for the next few days may help.

Yes the problem often isn't stopping or reducing, the problem is learning to live but TSM helps by letting you slow down over a period of time.