Congratz. Now you get to work on your behaviors and all the other stuff that puts a bottle in your hand. Nals effects are profound, but they only take away the physical cravings. The behaviors and your beliefs about yourself are yours to change.

My biggest one was to think of myself as someone who doesnt drink.

Ah, yes, I remember that first night. It's almost maddening, isn't it? It's a good thing that there's no way to untake a pill, or we'd probably lose a lot of people that first night.

Don't worry too much. Extinction begins immediately, and the second time is easier. Each time is easier than the last. Your job right now is to avoid ditching the nal -- some people get rid of the nal when they realize they'll no longer be getting a buzz. Don't be one of them, okay? Just keep following the protocol, and much sooner than you think you'll be a new person who genuinely doesn't care about the buzz.

With a fairly dramatic first night, you're a good candidate for fast response. Most of us with short cure times felt something radically different the first time.



Not necessarily. I'd think that a third of what you used to drink would be enough to stave off withdrawal.




Just remember that "not feeling the buzz" isn't the same as "safe to drive."

Yay. I'm glad it hit you so hard. Keep us posted.

Robanon...It sounds like you're going to have to endure a few days / weeks of suffering to get past the withdrawals. Your drinking is at high alcoholic level -- insanely dangerous to your body (esp. liver) and really not sustainable for much longer, one way or another. Still, it sounds like Naltrexone will do its part of the bargain. Best of luck to you. I'll be following your progress.

Thanks all for the advice/concern. Naltrexone is a pretty fantastic drug so far - I wish more people knew about it.

Social situation last night - guys night with lots of drinking all around. Took 50mg at 6:00. Cracked a beer at 7, waiting for my ride. Didn't finish it. (Never happened before) drank at a slightly reduced rate at the party, maybe 12 drinks total, and never felt really drunk/buzzed. (With my tolerance, that's about right).

I DID feel a bit of craving for more - as in, I NEED more - at around 11. Took a half dose of nail and that went away pretty quickly. Left (not driving of course) at 1:30, completely lucid, and got home with no desire for a nightcap. Remember going to sleep.

Without nal, last night would have been a blackout for sure.

Woke up naturally feeling better than usual, had a great morning with no hangover. I got irritable around noon - small things were bothering me. Stupid stuff really. But I did a lot to fix/help instead of just bitching, which is an improved pattern.

1.5 hours of vigorous exercise, which felt GREAT. It's been months since I've done that. (The book calls for a washout day before positive programming, but I don't see many washout days in the near future so I figured what the hell?)

Took my nal 20 mins ago, because, Saturday night and all... No real craving, but I will crack a beer in 40 minutes and see if I can have a 'normal' night of drinking. (Normal by standards different than my own . Maybe watch a movie and actually remember it?

As for the w/d's, I have benzo's and a bp cuff from a previous detox on hand just in case I wander into dt land. I'm hopeful for a gradual taper. For the past few months, I've been taking .5 mg clonazepam in the morning and again at lunch, just to keep the sweats/shakes at bay until I start drinking again. A sadly typical routine. Interestingly I didn't feel the need to take my lunchtime dose. My head is clearer today than it's been in... Years?

I'm anticipating a long road, but grateful for the help of Naltrexone.

Thanks all.