Glad to find this forum. Thanks to whomever set it up.

I started the SM about 3 days ago. Thus far, I've only taken 25mg naltrexone. The effect of this dosage on me seems relatively stong. I've gone from 6-8 US units/day to 2-3, with little urge to have more. Abstinince at this stage seems very doable. Craving has really dropped. In these initial days, naltrexone has been an incredible relief as I'm not constanting thinking about popping open a beer. It's made it much easier to concentrate on work, my significant-other, etc. I'm glad to read about the setbacks many feel a few weeks into the SM. I'll try not to be discouraged when they hit me. I'm thinking of sticking to 25mg as long as it seems to have this much effect. Anyone else use this dosage?

I still surprise myself how fast I can down a beer once I open it (couple minutes tops?). But it's very comforting to see that same 6 pack in the fridge I bought days ago.

My drinking just sort of got away from me I guess. About 10 years ago, I fell into this habit of killing a couple of beers when I got home from work. That seemed stable for 5 years or so, but then the amount climbed to 7-8 every single day - often starting at 10am in the morning. I'm what you'd call a "sipper" - these are spread out fairly evenly over the entire day. I'm sure I smell like beer all the time (not good). I could tell the units/day figure was going nowhere but up, and the craving I had at 10am was pretty scrary (very strong).
James

Hi James & welcome!

I'm glad you are having reductions right away -- it helps to view this as a little preview of what you will feel like in 4 months. Most of us have a honeymoon (which you are aware of)...your drinking levels will likely change but what a great start you are having.

I would go up to 50mg - why not? If you aren't experiencing adverse side affects, that's the recommended dosage. Any less and you may risk it taking longer to work long term.. up to you.

Glad you found us - keep us posted!

Welcome James! Glad you're starting off with a big drop in beer consumption -- really motivating, isn't it? Regarding the 25mg versus 50mg dose -- I've discovered the lower dosage works just as well with my drinking pattern (daily, evening beer drinker, consumed over a period of no more than 6 hours), and 25mg also reduces the side effects (mostly unpleasant tiredness and back of the head buzzing sensation) I experienced at 50mg. I did some medical journal research recently where I stumbled across a couple of peer-reviewed articles regarding the "Duration of Occupancy of Opiate Receptors by Naltrexone" for various dosages. According the the study, 25mg provides a complete blockade for at least 12 hours -- so if you're not experiencing major cravings 12 hours after you take the pill -- and you don't spread your drinking over more than 12 consecutive hours each day -- there doesn't appear to be any reason why 50mg would work any better than 25mg for purposes of endorphin-blocking per TSM. I suppose you could continue taking 25mg daily before drinking until you feel like your cravings merit full-day protection against the endorphin-effects of alcohol. Just my two cents -- I'm not claiming to be an expert or a doctor, but this is what I've experienced, and it appears to be supported by the research.

The dose of 50 mg is important; it is not based on body weight but rather on the dosage needed to provide a complete blockade of the brain's opioid receptors. Sinclair's research is based on subjects receiving 50 mg. In the first few days you will notice even a partial blockade but for the brain "re-wiring" or de-addiction to take place over several months it is necessary to have a coplete blockade. Very few of us have side effects when we move up to 50 mg.

Welcome, James!

You are to be commended for recognizing the progressive nature of alcoholism before major problems came knocking.

I think you will find this to be an interesting journey. I certainly have and am so excited about the subtle changes I am noticing. I have been taking nal since the 4th of April. The first day was the worst, the second day the next to worse and the thought of increasing to 50 mgs was not what I really wanted to do - but I did and it was truly a non-event as the few side effects (fatigue, minor indigestion) seemed to lesson and with time, disappear. I have no side effects now other than remembering my dreams. I also find it to be so exciting to be "in control" of my drinking. Used to be, every drink was 2 oz of vodka. It was pretty quick that I was satisfied with 1.5 oz. The "lust" as someone referred to it has greatly abated and I still get to enjoy my drinks but with much less guilt! I am getting my act together!

Wishing you all the best! We have great, great folks on here who understand what we are all going through and will be here to give you a hand when you need one. bb

Welcome BetterDays!

I agree with Lena about the Naltrexone dosage. Perhaps a lower amount will work, but that's not been proven. I certainly wouldn't want to jeopardize positive results because of not following TSM to the letter. Dr. Eskapa's book contains the rules that we know will work, and I wouldn't want to mess with that. However, it's your choice, and whatever you decide, we'll be here to cheer you on. Best wishes!

Lena is correct.

I think another good reason to take 50mg Nal is that since Nal's half-life in the blood stream is 4 hours, that's 4 hours of addition protection that you will receive. I think that is also important.

You and I have the same drinking pattern (daily, evening beer drinker, consumed over a period of no more than 6 hours). I have experimented with 100mg Nal and noticed no difference over 50mg Nal. But 25mg Nal may not be providing that complete opiate receptor blockade at the end of your 6 hour drinking regimen; 50mg certainly will.

Bob

I am currently going through a period of unpleasant dreams (which I believe to be related to the naltrexone) but there is no way that I am going to give up on the Sinclair Method; I have too much to lose.

Anyway, James, a big welcome to you!

BTW, it is my understanding that this forum was set up by N101CS and lena.

Best wishes on your journey.

V.

The dream stuff ends. It did for me. I went through that. It all normalizes itself in the end. There is nothing to worry about if your a healthy normal person. I have gone through all kinds of wierd stages in my Sinclair journey and I am happy and waaay healthier than before.

Potato,

Many thanks for your comment above - it is very reassuring. As I have no wish to hijack James' thread, I'll elaborate on this subject when I update 'Virgil's Progress' later this week.

V.