Hi Everyone,
I have been receiving conflicting information regarding Bezo's and NAL. Dr. Escapa seems to be saying that Xanax and other Benzo's will inhibit or prevent extinction. There are other studies that show that NAL blocks the Benzo's as well. Does anyone have any info on this? I'm on long acting Xanax ER twice a day, and have been observing the Golden Rule for about 11 months. I had been making a great deal of progress, however when I read the post from Dr. Escapa I have all but given up. Does anyone know the "real deal"?
Regards,
Retread

From the bits I've read and my own thinking is that benzos do not interact with nal nor vice versa, it's because benzos are (a) habit forming and (b) could prevent mindfulness which also plays a part in TSM ie realising you don't need that next drink, whereas with benzos you might not be as alert as without them.

I am going to search an academic database to see if I can find anything on this topic, so far only found a paper containing anxiety, benzos, spiders and nal. What a combination!

I've found a study which compared the effect taking naltrexone had on benzodiazapene, they found that taking naltrexon (NTX) delayed time to peak concentration of the benzo, and they also said this in their introduction Furthermore, benzodiazepine intoxication has effects on mood and psychomotor performance that are similar to alcohol intoxication (Swift et al 1998)

1 study concluded diazepam (which is a benzo) may not be suitable for control of agitation (due to withdrawl from opiods as a result of taking NTX) in drug addicts. Another study found that whilst a benzo increased hedonistic tendencies (liking sugar) in rats, use of naltrexone blocked this effect. I think eating sugar releases endorphins much like alcohol does.

I've found a study which compared the effect taking naltrexone had on benzodiazapene, they found that taking naltrexon (NTX) delayed time to peak concentration of the benzo, and they also said this in their introduction Furthermore, benzodiazepine intoxication has effects on mood and psychomotor performance that are similar to alcohol intoxication (Swift et al 1998)

1 study concluded diazepam (which is a benzo) may not be suitable for control of agitation (due to withdrawl from opiods as a result of taking NTX) in drug addicts. Another study found that whilst a benzo increased hedonistic tendencies (liking sugar) in rats, use of naltrexone blocked this effect. I think eating sugar releases endorphins much like alcohol does.

I know that one person's experience isn't a study or scientific or anything, retread, but I do know this about the diazapem that I took after starting nal..........I probably took it six or eight times, 1/2 a pill if I felt I could't sleep, which I had also been doing occasionally pre-nal. The diazapem still worked in the same way for me (helping to relax and sleep soundly) on the nal as off it. What I do not know is whether it had any negative effects on my chances of success with TSM.

Newlife

Hi UKB and Newlife, while I'm about as high tech as carbon paper, I'm taking UKB's comments to mean Benzo's should NOT prevent extinction. Am I correct in my interpretation?
Thanks,
Retread

I don't think it would prevent extinction however I do wonder if it would hinder the mindfullness which enables the person to break old patterns and realise they no longer need to drink so much.

Since Dr. Eskapa made the announcement here that he is answering questions on the Options Save lives forum, how about asking this there. I think it would be wonderful to get a professional opinion.

retread I think that Deena's suggestion is a good one and certainly couldn't hurt. newline

Retread,

I would email JoAnn directly if you do not want to post on the Options Saves Lives forum. They are there to help, and they have medical support (which we don't). They are really good about answering post very promptly.

,

That cracked me up! I feel the same way for my phone is a palm pre (a smaller palm pilot), I just don't get technology at times!

Jaba