I have an appointment for my boyfriend to see a doctor familiar with the Sinclair Method in a couple days...but as I type this is is so drunk and out of control that I am thinking maybe he needs to just be hospitalized asap. Is there a point where you are just too far gone for TSM and you just need to go to the good old fashioned ER? I just don't want him to hurt himself any more than he already has. Thanks so much.

Hi Nmarie -
I am not the best person to respond here, but your post touched me and I hope someone more experienced will tell you what you need to hear (I'm sure so, as there are many wonderful, educated souls here)...

I cannot identify with a loved one that intoxicated on a regular basis - nor have I been. I can only imagine your worry. Call 911 if you think he is in an extreme situation and you are not sure. Better to err on the side of caution. Does he agree to trying TSM, aware of it, etc? I hope he appreciates your love and care for him during this low point...I feel like I am talking like a band-aid right now & you are in a dire straight of a situation...

Hope other friends here chime in and you get some comfort and hope. YES - this method can work for him! Welcome, good luck & keep us posted!

nmarie,

I will relay a story that I heard when I was first told about TSM. This person has been abstinent for over 3 years now since using TSM to gain his sobriety. He chooses not to drink now due to the pain and suffering that alcohol had caused him for so long. This person was a 24/7 fall down drunk, as he put it. He tried everything....but it was TSM that got him to where he is at now. He also told me he used alot of self help therapy, CBT-Cognitive Behavorial Therapy (I think thats what its called) during this process which he believes sped things up for him. He didnt tell me how long he followed TSM to cure, but however long it was, it worked.

I guess the point Im trying to make is, no its not too late, extinction works at every level, and there has been alot of discussion about how long it will take to stamp "cured" on ones forehead depending upon how much thier habit has been reinforced. (how strong thier habit is) Human brains are human brains, and the alcoholic brain is the alcoholic brain, drugs and alcohol affect them the same. So if Naltrexone works for 8000 then Im sure it will work for him too.

Good luck marie, he must really be a great guy for you to care and go out of your way for him like you do. Just believe that TSM will work for him and you.

PS I still havent heard back from the person that introduced me to TSM. I invited him to join the board or at the very least allow me to post his story.

BTW: not sure if your comfortable with this, but...many people are looking for doctors that are familiar with TSM or will prescribe naltrexone...they seem rare and hard to come by...would you mind eventually posting this doctor for others to maybe use, if they are in the same area?

nmarie, so sorry to hear things are rough.

I'm no expert and only offer my opinion, but TSM is not a 'quick fix' as you know, so if have real concerns about the short-term it might be better to seek medical help.

I don't know if it helps at all but I got myself into pretty serious trouble physically with alcohol (combined with some other health problems) earlier this year. I was interested in TSM but couldn't find any doctors to consult on it. Without anyone to help me, I was resigned to waiting for an inpatient detox that I'd already requested. Unfortunately I got so bad that I was in and out of hospital in the few weeks before the arranged detox. I think the hospitals would have detoxed me themselves, but because they knew I was on the waiting list for a specialist unit they just patched me up and shipped me back out.

In the end I was so thankful for the detox, uncomfortable though it was, and a 13 week abstinence program I went on because I really needed to rebuild my health. I was in too bad a condition to start TSM right then, I know it.

Anyway, I hope you get more advice here, and perhaps from greater experts than me. If you'd like any more information from me please feel free to PM me. (I'm in England btw)

Maybe you could also contact the doctor you are seeing for TSM, explain briefly what a bad way your boyfriend is in, and see what he thinks?

TSM will work for anyone, regardless of "how far gone." That being said, safety is first and foremost. Do whatever you have to do to make sure he's safe. TSM will always be an option once he's dried out.

All my best to you and good luck.

Everyone,

Thank you for all your kind and helpful words. My BF saw a doctor today who has used TSM with several patients, and he received a Revia prescription. She was very encouraging and said that he was a great candidate. I think the first dose has got him feeling like he's on a crazy trip, but from what I understand that will pass. I am so happy that we finally have some hope for a normal life in the future. I'll post the info for the doctor in the doctors forum...she was really great and understanding. Thanks everyone, and I will keep you updated on his progress.

That is such encouraging news on *all* fronts. Now if only doctors could prescribe "patience pills" to help us with that part! Seriously, three cheers for all three of you: bf, doc, and you.

nmarie,
I'm delighted you've got the script and have a doctor well in the know .
It's very good news . it's not certain the response but in all probability the effect of NAl will be to break his drinking down to a lower level ,, especially for the honeymoon period . ALot of people experience a substantial reduction of 20 /30 percent from the first weeks on . And that is only the begining . Good luck for you both .

Hi nmarie...

I'm new to posting and hope to start TSM later this week, but have been following the boards for months. I don't have any advice or wisdom, but just wanted to say I was touched by how you are so supportive of your BF when it has been such a horrible time for you both. You deserve a huge blue ribbon for your care and concern for him, and I have huge hopes for all of us to have happy healthy lives after using TSM.

Sending good thoughts your way...

Amy

nmarie,

It is so uplifting to hear a story like yours. Kudos for supporting your BF, and how wonderful to have found a doctor who 'gets it' about TSM. Hopefully more doctors will begin to take notice that the facts speak for themselves, and it's pointless to argue about something that works. Congratulations to you both, and best wishes on the journey - we'll all be here cheering for you!