My psychiatrist prescribed Naltrexone as a daily dose to support abstinence. I wasn't sure about using it that way so I thought I would try the Sinclair method. I'd had it for a week because I was afraid to take it as I was on vacation. Well I ended up maintenance drinking and sneaking drinks all week. Not what I wanted for sure. I'm unemployed and going through a divorce but have several good job prospects. I know if I can get my drinking under control my life will improve immeasurably. I have been sober for several periods and felt great but lately I think my self-medication has gone way too far.

Anyway, I took naltrexone yesterday (I had been drinking daily up until). I hung out with a friend and had a glass and a half of wine and actually left the second glass without finishing it! I don't think I've ever done that. I did notice I was getting sleepy but worse I got very sick to my stomach like I was going to throw up. It takes incredible amounts of alcohol to make me actually puke so this was a rare occurrence. Felt sick all night and today I'm waking up tired, headachy and still nauseated. I haven't been eating much or drinking much water so that could have something to do with it? Anyway, I loved the way the Nal worked but I'm really scared to try it again. Anybody else worked through something like this?

Thank you!

If you're like most people, you should really take Nal with food and water to reduce the side-effects -- however, if you're like most problem drinkers, you like to drink on an empty stomach. It's a common dilemma on this site. Anyway, remind yourself that TSM is a tool to help YOU quit drinking. You're active, not passive, in this process.

AnnaC,
I felt the same way you did when first starting the Nal. I starting taking 50 mg. but cut it down to 25 mg. and that seemed to help. I felt nauseated in AM and made sure I at least ate some toast. I also went through the tired phase and waking with awful headaches. I would say it lasted about a month but got better. After about 2 wks. on the 25 mg., I went back up to 50 and all seems ok now. Barry's advice is very good about eating before you drink and also make sure you hydrate.

My units are going down gradually. My biggest achievement seems to be being able to stop after I start drinking. In the past I would start and not finish until I went to bed.

Hang in there, it takes time and your "active" participation (as Barry said).

LindaM

Thank you both. Well the aversion therapy is working as I can't even imagine having a drink it's been close to 48 hours and I still have a headache and upset stomach. Though much better. I will try the 25mg and won't drink until I can "stomach" it. I'm more of a binge drinker so that should be ok for a few days at least.