Hi everyone, I had been doing very well, and AF week and 3 unit week. Then, this past week I got hit with some very bad news on three different fronts. 4 AF days, followed by 6units,then about 9 WITHOUT NAL. Have I done lasting harm? This was the first time in 9 months I had broken the Golden Rule. I just hope no permanent damage has been done.
Best,
Retread

I guess you'll have to let us know. But I bet you'll be okay. Now you know the joy of waking up after an AF evening, you've got your strategies in place and you're motivated to live a healthier life. Think of the nal as a seatbelt. You drove without it and got away with it for a few outings, now buckle up and don't drive without it again.

And to think I had my money on you as a great success story...

It's a set back, but survivable. What you are really doing with NAL is tricking/training your brain that alcohol isn't anything special any more. Of course your brain (and being a brain, -it's not stupid!) takes awhile to be convinced after such a long time and an ocean full of experience with alcohol pre-NAL. Now what you have done is given your brain an excuse to hold out and not completely trust that alcohol really is nothing special. It can be overcome, -but it'll just take more time.

Astute readers will note that I harp constantly about failure to take the pill and/or follow the protocol. It is the #1 reason that TSM does not work (no surprise).

So the important question Retread really isn't if you can over come a lapse. The important question is why, at the first sign of adversity, you threw all your hard work and progress out the window. Maybe it's a one time deal and lesson learned. But perhaps it is a harbinger of things to come. Forewarned is forearmed. A message for all to heed.

Retread - I am so sorry that you had bad news. My honest opinion is that it might take you back a few steps but I do not think it will cause lasting damage - it is like feeding a dog scraps from the table - if you NEVER feed it, it will come to accept it - but do it once and it will think there might just be a chance - soooo, I think you just have to be extra vigilant against it happening again - and hey you are human - we all make mistakes. Try not to beat yourself up over it and just move forward from here - oh and I DO think of you as a success story!!

Hugs, Maggie x

I think you already showed yourself nothing's permanent. Just carry on.
Steve.

Retread, I guess you know the answer to your question yourself. Of course it is no good drinking without the Nal.
But now since it happened, it's no use of beating yourself up about it. Just continue with the TSM as if nothing happened. Do not start thinking 'I blew this, so I continue my alcoholic life' just because of one mistake.

We do this for the long run. And yes, sometimes life is a bitch and treats us badly. But alcohol is not helping anything. It might distract you for a little wile, but it does not solve anything. We all know this. Thats why we are here.

So, heads up. Continue with TSM. Think about your health, your future and the cure.

Just don't do it again.

Thanks everyone. Clarion, I'm not a success story yet; however I'm not a permanent failure either. I did learn from the mistake. Guilt and remorse not only from drinking, but from violating the Golden Rule. Anxiety is only exacerbated when I drink, and I am drinking less and less over the last few months. Am I happy that last week was a 30 unit week with 3 AF days when the prior week was 7AF days? Of course not. Today is Sunday and the beginning of a new week. A week that I intend to be AF. Mid October will be a year for me. I fully intend to be cured. As always, best to everyone especially Maggie and UKB who have given me tremendous support. There was a major flaw in my strategy that might help someone else. I would often leave my NAL at home believing I would never drink without it. I now know that I'm still quite vulnerable so NAL will always be with me.
Retread

I risk being branded a heretic but I will give my viewpoint.

After quite some time with TSM, I will sometimes not take it before drinking one or two beverages, or elect not to take it to avoid the side effects.

I have had no resumption of previous problem drinking, no drinking to inebriation, and no issues. I also reduced the dose to 12.5 mg as that works just as well, with minimal sleepiness etc.

For me at least, the bulk of fixing my issue with alcohol was to change my mindset, and the naltrexone helped get me there.

Anyways, I doubt that will be a setback for you, it sounds like you're pretty aware of what you're doing and don't want to go back to where you were.

Retread: I think that with your track record, although the mishap doesn't help, it won't do lasting damage ASSUMING that you get back on the program and follow the Golden Rule from now on. Just let it go. XOXO Newlife