Hi Everyone!

I found this site after seeing the documentary One Little Pill. In December of 2014 I applied to be in research study for naltrexone. The experience has been nothing short of miraculous. I have responded extremely well to the medication aside from developing an addiction to peanut M&M's (I never had a sweet tooth before and now I crave sugar).

So here is my situation and query. The research study calls for me to take naltrexone once a day - every day. I realize TSM calls for the one 50 mg pill one hour only before drinking - but I am going on 2 weeks alcohol free. I do not plan to stay abstinent, but I am enjoying the clarity of sobriety while my body heals from 2 decades of heavy alcohol use. My concern is that taking naltrexone every day while AF may not be the best treatment medium to long term. I'm not sure what the impact will be. While the study is great (free medication, free counseling, I actually get paid, etc.) - I'm willing to drop out and follow TSM to the letter if my long term treatment opportunity is better.

Am I at risk taking the nal every day?

Thanks,

B.B.

It's not optimal, in that you probably won't rewire your brain as quickly as you would with the contrast, but it won't do you any harm to take nal and then not drink. The harm comes from drinking alcohol without nal; nal without the alcohol is more pointless than harmful.

I guess my only concern is that life on nal 24/7 might be rather joyless, which would lead to temptation to ditch it altogether in order to enjoy life again. How long does the study last?

I would say that if you agreed to be a guinea pig you should remain a guinea pig

Seriously though, when you agree to participate in research you take on an responsibility to the science, and for that reason you should stay compliant with the research protocol. You got the free medication, counselling, and you got paid, so I think that amounts to an ethical obligation. Do what you can to validate the research and provide sound data, and keep in mind how it will help people with alcohol use disorder.

Have you asked the researchers if you can transition to Nal free when you're AF?

I intend to stay in the study unless it's not in my best interest beyond the study.

I do have the option to stay on nal after the 16 weeks.

Again, my concern is that staying AF AND taking the nal daily is not only less than ideal but setting me up for failure long term.

Thanks.

Bb

If you don't have to take the nal when you're AF then I wouldn't. It won't necessarily set you up for failure, but it limits your ability to reinforce good behavior. By way of example I have been AF and nal free since Superbowl Sunday and in that time I have done a hot yoga workout, had a professional massage, and worked out at the gym three times. It feels great especially working out for today and yesterday. I'm actually starting to think it takes longer for Nal to really clear your system than the quoted 24 hours. Today especially I felt the "rush" from exercising. Anyway I think Eskapa is right in his book when he says it's important to indulge in healthy pleasure when you are nal free. I think it's an integral part of TSM.

I think it might be good for you. You might get to see what current addiction your feeding.