I am here because I want and need help and guidance. My 31 year old son is alcohol dependant. I hope I am helping him, but many would say I am an enabler. I do know the difference, sometimes it is difficult… but I do know the difference. My son has been through several rehabs and they were all unsuccessful. I have come to the conclusion that he is not going to give up alcohol “cold turkey.” He says he wants to stop, but I honestly do not think he can or he is ready to stop. I found the book “The Cure for Alcoholism” (I have read them all). This one really made sense to me. I read it and discussed it with him and he wants to try it. Of course abstinence has been so drilled in our heads, I feel like I am living in the bazaar0 world telling him to drink, but take Naltrexone one hour before he drinks. He does have a prescription from his doctor for Naltrexone (5 months) but of course the doctor wants him to be abstinent while taking it. He really wants to do this but he wants me to help him. He is also taking an antidepressant (Cymbalta 120 mg a day). Is this safe?

Hello and welcome.

First of all, you are dealing with an issue that we have all dealt with here: it seems that telling someone who has an alcohol problem that it's acceptable to continue drinking is wildly irresponsible. However, in light the indisputable success of TSM, IT IS NOT. If you know your son is going to drink and that he is not ready for abstinence, then, IMO, to continue to permit it without insisting that he do so while taking naltrexone -- a known, viable cure -- is a tremendous disservice to your son. This method works -- at least 80% of the subjects of the studies have been cured and the number would be higher if they always took the naltrexone one hour before drinking. The VAST majority of members on this board are seeing dramatic improvement and more and more members are declaring themselves "cured" on a daily basis. Look at the "Official Cured" thread for their names and links to their profiles here. http://www.thesinclairmethod.net/commun ... ?f=7&t=610 Also, many of us experience far more control and far less irresponsible behavior almost immediately after starting TSM. I absolutely applaud you for finding the book and finding this site. I truly believe you have just, at minimum, saved your son immeasurable misery, and at best, you have just saved his life.

The book "The Cure for Alcoholism" includes a section about who should not take naltrexone. People taking anti-depressants are not on the list, but please review that section of the book. Naltrexone is a benign drug and is harmless at 50 mg for almost everybody and the few exceptions include those with liver damage and are outlined further in the book. I would give you the specific passage but my copy of the book is out on loan. Also, please refer to the lengthy thread, "The Benzo Bunch" for the personal experiences of folks who are using naltrexone concurrently with psychiatric meds, here: http://www.thesinclairmethod.net/commun ... ?f=7&t=439 I'm not sure if your son's drug is a benzo or not, but this thread might be useful to you anyway.

Welcome! And please ask any questions that you may have. The answers to most of them should be on this board.

Nick

I have been taking Paxil daily throughout my TSM treatment with no adverse effects.

Bob

I just have to add that it is very important that your son follows the rule to take Naltrexone an hour before drinking. It is the only way to see progress and I am not sure how you will be able to make sure that he always does this but it is the only way to success. I wish the best for both of you.

Good point, Potato. If he's a daily drinker mom can watch him take the nal every morning like a vitamin pill. 50 mg will work for 24 hours so mom could verify this fairly easily, assuming she sees him daily.

Welcome from me also

You are supporting your son tremendously, and it's wonderful that you've found TSM and the forum here.

It sounds like TSM may be exactly what he needs - just take the tablets, and carry on drinking until the natural desire to drink reduces or is eliminated completely! And of course, once he stops drinking so much the anti-depressants will likely do the job they are meant to be doing much better.

Wishing you all the best

8

What a great Mom. You didn't mention how long your son has been drinking excessively. But do take comfort in the fact that our younger members here seem to get results more quickly. Believe your son when he says he wants to stop drinking. No one enjoys being a slave to alcohol. You both must be so demoralized after several attempts at rehab. TSM must sound too good to be true. But as you have learned from Dr. Eskapa's book and from this board is that it works. The people on this board who have the support of family are fortunate indeed. Most of us dare no share our "bazaaro" method with others.

Please ask your son to vist the board and introduce himself. Best wishes to you and yours as you begin the joourney.

I just wanted to thank everyone who responded to my question. I am trying to get my son to join in as well for support. He does not particularly care for the computer. I do see my son every day. As he is unemployed, I have told him that I will help him with his rent if he takes the NAL in front of me and is able to function the next day in order to find employment. I know this sounds like a little much.... but unfortunately the illness of alcoholism kind of robs the individual of honesty. (This has been so for our relationship... I do not pretend to know about others). Anyway, I am glad I found this site. Thanks again.

It sounds like you might be more ready to help your son than he is ready to help himself. If that's the case, it's good that you have some leverage with him in order to make sure that he takes the naltrexone one hour before drinking. He will almost certainly thank you for it in the end. From what I see here, I think you are a great mom.

My best,

Nick