Hi all,

I like the community spirit and support on this site, and will do all that I can to promote it. I work in the public eye, and own a Message Board forum with 2,500+ members in a niche market. While I don't want to go entirely public with my personal story to that market (as yet), I have posted information on the site regarding The Sinclair Method, and Naltrexone. While that thread hasn't received a lot of replies, there certainly have been many, many views - so I'm confident that at least some of my members who have addictions - or have family/friends suffering from addiction - are beginning to get the information they need to put this method to the test.

My own story is common: alcoholic dad, step-dad, and mother. I drank heavily as a teen and into my early twenties, and was able to 'white-knuckle' quit when my children started coming along. Remained sober for 20 years. Then eight years ago my twin died mysteriously (there's another story. . .), and I began drinking to deal with the trauma. Within a couple of years I was up to a bottle of wine daily. The stress of being on the road in the public eye a lot, building a new home, dealing with a long-term but truly unworkable marriage. . .all were excuses to 'zone out' on wine at the end of every day. This past year, I moved up to drinking two bottles of wine, nearly every day.

I've tried AA, but it just wasn't for me. I could never believe that all these people -many whom I know to be caring, sensitive, compassionate, intelligent - were alcoholics simply because they were morally degenerate and needed to own up to their flaws and weaknesses. Then I suffered a back injury, and foolishly was taking medications while drinking. It made me literally suicidal, and one night I called my AA sponsor in desperation, afraid I would not make it until morning without doing myself in. She refused to come help me, because I'd been drinking! I called another AA 'friend,' who gave me the same response. I ended up calling a good friend who was NOT involved with the Program, and TG she came and brought me to stay at her house until I got the meds/alcohol out of my system and had my head back on straight. That was the LAST time I ever tried AA.

But the last two years have been a nightmare. My very successful business failed because of a bad contract with a predatory company; I finally put an end to my abusive 30+ year marriage; dealt with a crooked building contractor. . .and the list goes on. My one constant source of comfort? The bottle, of course!

I hate having my life controlled by alcohol. While most people would call me a 'functional' alcoholic, I know that my thinking is not nearly as sharp as it used to be. I feel shaky and confused through nearly half the day. My ability to make good decisions is hindered, and my productiveness is cut by at least half. I tried the Topa program, with the hypno CD'S and supplements - but it made me feel teary and depressed, and did nothing to lessen my compulsion to drink. So I gave it up.

I was thrilled three weeks ago to discover the Eskapa book! I ordered it, and the Naltrexone, right off the bat. I've been taking Nal for about 10 days. I'm finding that I'm drinking at least 1/3 less already, but that what I drink goes to my head faster. (Cheap drunk!) My S.O. is also on it, and experiencing less craving.

I'm truly confident, for the very first time, that this will be MY 'way out,' and I'm looking forward to sharing the journey with others. If this does work as I think it will, I will literally devote the rest of my days to spreading the word on this treatment for addiction. (As well as info on Low Dose Naltrexone.)

Hi G4M -
Your drinking patterns are very similar to my own. I enjoyed your posts on MWO and glad you are over here. I understand your mornings after (as we all do - but the 2 bottles a day - or almost the whole of one of those big ones...that is me.)

I find every excuse in the course of everyday living to drink: it was a good/bad day, I am having this or that for dinner, mmm wouldn't a martini be good right now for a change?? But what it boils down to is "oh what the hell - this is what I do" and boredom/habit/entertaining myself. Everything is better w/ wine! LOL Except the morning after...and knowing no one you are working with is as hung over as you are. (Do they notice my blood-shot eyes? Do they wonder why I hesitate trying to gather my thoughts? Do they think it's weird I can't recall the simplest facts from last week?) I can fake it pretty good, but I, too, am in an active, on the go, gotta keep ahead, keep thinking, keep talking, take action profession. Not in the public eye - but certainly in front of young people who I influence. I need to be sharp and many times I am not.

This week was different. My comsumption was down, not only due to the fact I was busy...but just some imperceptible slow down. I liked it. I felt it. I was not hung over at all this week. I had weird & crazy dreams and slept erratically, but woke up feeling better than I did certainly last week!! I like it, hope it continues, gets even better, and I am hopeful.

But now want to find the instructions on how to log our drinking progress...

Hi hout,

Yes, your patterns and experience sound nearly identical to my own. One of the mainstays of my profession is writing - and these days I have a hell of a time finding the right words. It never used to be like that. My sister (also a drinker) thinks it's funny that she always has to ask if I remember making this plan, or extending such-and-such an invitation. I just find it awkward and embarrassing, and can't wait until I am back in control of all my faculties!

How long have you been on Naltrexone? I'm hopeful, as I see a slight but real decrease in my craving after a little less than two weeks.