Hi - New here. I am a daily drinker, tried AA and therapy looking for help and wasn't able to convert either approach into sobriety. I would categorize myself as someone who is functional but dependent on alcohol, and have been since about 1990. Over the past year, I have seen a psychiatrist for issues related to depression, anxiety, and alcohol, who has repeatedly suggested Naltrexone. I've been resistant, but I think I'm finally ready to try later this week. Any advice would be appreciated.

My sole exposure to the Sinclair Method has been through debates on other websites, and my psych never referenced it. Any suggestions? I gather notion is to continue drinking as previously and let nature take its course as Nal interferes with the pleasure receptors that had previously been taken up by alcohol. Are there people here how attempted to stop drinking at the same time they started taking Nal? What result?

Thanks

Welcome Groucho and glad you found this site. The best way to answer your questions is for you to buy the book "Cure for Alcoholism" by Dr Eskapa and know exactly how Naltrexone works on the brain while you continue to drink.

Good luck, don't be a stranger here we would like to get to know you

corkit

Hello Groucho
There are some pretty good studies out there that might help answer your question. Interestingly, most of the studies done with Naltrexone required prior abstinence. Below is a link with a summary of many Nal studies. Here is an excerpt:

Naltrexone does not appear to exert an influence compared with
placebo on maintaining abstinence or in postponing the first drink in
those patients who cannot avoid alcohol. However, there is clear and
consistent evidence that naltrexone is significantly beneficial in helping
those patients who cannot remain abstinent to reduce their drinking
behaviors. They drink less often and in lower quantities, avoiding
full-blown relapse.

http://www.dpt.samhsa.gov/pdf/NTXWPFinalPDF.pdf



Best of luck.

Welcome Groucho - to echo corkit - BUY THE BOOK! It gives you all you need to know and then much of what we are talking about here makes more sense. There is no point in trying to "quit" drinking when doing TSM as the cure works while drinking the way you normally do. If your health is in danger due to the amounts you are drinking then that is a different issue altogether but it sounds like you drink like me, functioning. I drink daily but not to blacking out or even getting drunk the majority of the time - just have to drink everyday.

On another note - a Doctor actually suggested Nal - that's great! I just hope he/she understands how it actually works. Most Dr's prescribe it and tell you not to drink but it can't work that way.

Welcome and best of luck.

That's a pretty good description of me. One of my problems with AA was each time I drank I felt like I was back to square one, or worse.

I don't have my appointment until Thursday, but in past appointments he's said that it's role is to take away the euphoria associated with the first few drinks, and interrupt the cycle that leads to the next several. I would love to reach a point of abstinence, but I don't seem to be able to do it on willpower alone or AA. Wish me luck. I will keep in touch.

Well, if you decide TSM is for you, you will not have to worry about that problem. As long as you take your pill according to the method, you are taking a step forward. Well, he is almost right about the cycle. Yes, it takes away the "euphoria" of the first drink, but it won't likely be perceptible on any conscious level, and it takes many cycles for it to have a lasting effect.

We look forward to hearing your progress.

Welcome Groucho -
Awesome you have a DR that is recommending this drug & sounds like familiar w/ the science behind TSM. I hope it works for you like it has the vast majority on here. Will keep my fingers crossed and keep us informed of your progress!

I highly recommend this treatment -- it works for the vast majority who try it. Naltrexone works by blocking the endorphin rush that occurs from drinking but this is not the same as "blocking euphoria." The endorphin rush happens at a subconscious level and is NOT perceptible. Almost all of us still get a buzz while drinking on naltrexone, although the experience is altered somewhat. You will probably have more clarity and more control.

I echo what others have said: get the book and read it. In the meantime you can read excerpts from the book on this site.

Welcome and good luck.

Everyone had filled in the blanks so all I can say is that you follow the advise. What is the key is that the issue of will power does not play a role here. Just take the pill and live as before. The rest will happen naturally - or not.

Since I have not seen a follow up post, I guess your toes got chilled. We often post for help during the lows and stay clear on the ups. We will be here. Give it a try.

Groucho

Nice to see you over here..good luck my friend..hope you get good results