Hey Ya'll,

I started taking 50 mg of naltrexone in early February. I experienced the "honeymoon period" referred to on this board where I completely lost interest in drinking for about a week. I've been taking naltrexone for 2.5 months and I average 6-7 beers/drinks/units a night. While this is manageable (not terribly hungover, still can make it to work, no blackouts) I would like to know anyone else's experience in the months after the honeymoon. Before taking naltrexone I was a pretty advanced alcoholic, 10-12 drinks 5-6 days a week (60 units). I read on the FAQ board that the length of time to reach the cure will vary. Is there anyone on the board who has been taking naltrexone for 6 or more months and who is still drinking almost every day and more than 2 or 3 drinks a day? In other words, is there anyone who has been taking naltrexone for 6 months or longer and who is still drinking alcoholically?

Thanks so much,

John

P.S. I always follow the one hour rule, sometimes 45-50 minutes but never sooner than that

John, the standard advice here is to really "go for it" at this point and starting having alcohol free days -- if you're having single AF days, go for double; if double, go for triple. This is a way to test how far along you actually are. You could just be drinking the 6-pack out of habit, or out of fear of spending an evening without booze (e.g. fear of insomnia, fear of shakes, etc...). Remember, YOU are drinking the six pack, it's not magically pouring into your mouth. Pull from your strength (and the power of Nal, which has likely already done a lot of work) to defeat both the habit and the fear. There's no other way to put the final nail in the coffin of your drinking.

I've learned that the difference between being a daily binger and a complete abstainer is quite subtle. (This sentence may seem absurd or confusing, but it's the best way I can describe it.)

I'd also mention that 2.5 months isn't that long in TSM terms. Plenty of people here took longer than that to reach safe drinking levels. Or, to answer the question directly . . .



Yes, there are some.

Barry's advice is good, though. Even if you don't manage multiple no-alcohol days, you can gauge how far you've come by how much the struggle has eased.