I just started TSM 2 days ago after reading Dr. Eskapa's book. I am excited about this method and hope to do whatever it takes to make it work. I heve 2 questions that may have already been answered but would appreciate some insight:
1. The book mentions an approach to maximize the effect of naltrexone by doing positive things (endorphine producing things) while not using naltrexone. I play tennis every day, does this interfere with the success rate? In the book, Ch 12 Richard is told not to hike while on naltrexone and only do active thinks on non-drinking days. What about sex?? Can someone shed some light on this?

2. I am 6ft 5in tall and weigh 250 lbs. I am taking 50 mg of naltrexone. Should I try a higher dosage due to my weight?

What a great site. I am glad I found you guys!

Hi there Flaco, (not quite flaco actually!!
My personal experience has been that you should just proceed with life as normal and not worry about doing positive things. I have not seen any decrease in my enjoyment of exercise, sex, food, whatnot, either on nal or the next day. Many people on the board have had the same experience as me.
As for the dosage...I think 50mg is the only dose that has been thoroughly tested. Start with that and give it several weeks. If you really feel like it is not enough then you can try 75mg. I think you only start being in dangerous territory around 300mg, so no worries about overdosing. IT's just that you might get more side effects without getting more benefits.
good luck and keep us posted!

Thanks! What are your thoughts on record-keeping. I notice many posts have units consumed per week, some have craving measures and AF (alcohol-free?) days. Does this help? I am not much of a record-keeper or goal setter and hope I will see results in the form of reduced cravings and conmsumption in about 4 months. Comments?

Keeping track of units is really helpful, I find. I don't routinely track AF days because they're not generally a problem for me (more of a binge drinker) or cravings. You'll likely see a decrease in cravings and consumption immediately after starting nal, only to see it spike back up. Within four months you may or may not have reached significant progress. For some people TSM takes more than a year. 9 months might be a better estimate.

Hi Flaco and welcome to the forum. Are you in Florida? Is that what the "Fla" in your username stands for? I'm from Sarasota which is why I am inquiring.

I agree with Electra about the dosage-- try 50 mgs. at first. I track everything on a hanging calendar. Unit intake and AF days. I am in my 28th week and it has been a bumpy ride. Very unpredictable, that is.

How old are you and how long have you been drinking alcoholically?

It takes much longer for most people than Dr. Eskapa's book predicts. Three months is pretty far fetched especially if you are a long time boozer.

Glad you found this site! It had helped me tremendously!

I am encouraging you to read the entire threads of those on "The Cured" list. That was very helpful to me.

Again welcome! I think a better username for you would be BorisBecker given your love of tennis and your physique. Just saying......

Good luck,

Ketchikan1

Hi ketchikan1 I am in Florida, on the east coast but Flaco was my nickname in college. I have been drinking about 2 bottles of vodka a week for about 3 or 4 years now (amazingly my liver function is excellent) but once I start I can't stop and I hate that. I hate the feeling of needing to dring, the craving and the control it has over me. I have alcoholism in my genes but always thought I would be able to control it.
I was seraching on the web for something on alcohol craving and I came across TSM and I am very happy I did. I hope I am not among the 20% that can't be helped, though.
I'll read the Cured postings. Good tip!