I just got my vivitrol injection (naltrexone once a month injection) today. As I learn about the Sinclair method, I'm concerned that the way I drink it might be difficult for it to take effect because I don't drink one drink at a time. I start off with about a quarter glass (large glass) of vodka then fill the remainder with soda, down that and generally progress quickly to 50/50 because once I start to get plastered I can handle the bad taste from the larger vodka ratio. I continue drinking until I pass out every time, usually a fifth does the trick. Anyone else here drink in the manner and have success? My wife works out of town on weekends so I usually abstain until Monday. This gives me a couple days to prepare a strategy. Come Monday night, if the shot doesn't change anything, I'll continue my nightmarish pattern. The doctor encouraged abstinence, but now that I have learned about the Sinclair method ... I'm confused because it sounds like I'm supposed to continue with getting plastered .... that I should drink Monday night? If I do, because of the way I load up with the vodka, it will be guaranteed I will get drunk and pass out as usual. Any similar type of drinker that can offer some helpful advice?

One thing I was surprised was that my liver was actually in good enough shape to get the injection. I thought it likely that I had cirrhosis already.

As far as terminology, since I drink Monday through Friday and skip Saturday and Sunday, I guess that would still qualify me as a "daily drinker" and not a "binge drinker"?

Anyway, that is my story. Thanks in advance to anyone that offers some constructive advice.

I think a lot of people here can relate to "drinking until I pass out." There's a certain amount of pleasure in passing out into a coma-like sleep. I would suggest that you try NOT to drink until you pass out. I know TSM says to "drink as you normally would," but there would be no curative value in drinking at those levels versus something more moderate (ie drinking 20 drinks won't be better than drinking 10 in terms of extinction). Regarding Vivitrol, injections are only recommended for the first month or so of TSM. I suppose you could reach some form of extinction with an implant, but TSM proper requires the pill form taken one hour before drinking. "The Cure for Alcoholism" does say that implants can be helpful during the first stage of TSM, though.

Fighting with the wife gave me a strong craving to drink. I cleared the way for alone time tonight with a fifth of vodka. I couldn't get through the first glass. And going to sleep sober, unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope this is the real deal, time will tell but this certainly seems that I experienced the honeymoon effect.