Hi All,
I'm new to Naltrexone. I've been on it for 7 days. I've been a 2-3+ bottle of wine a night girl in the past. My goal was to try the Singular Method; however the weirdest thing happened...my cravings went away when I started Naltrexone, which is weird because Campral did crap for me. Of course, I had to go on Librium for withdrawals, but I didn't want a drink at all.. So I did an experiment tonight. I HAD to try and see what it's like to be on Naltrexone whilst having a drink. I bought a 6 pack of beer (liquor store closed) and I started drinking. After 2 beers, I felt the same warmth and cozy feeling that drinking usually gives me; however I didn't feel 'euphoric' So, I grabbed a 4th and a 5th drink (out of habit, I guess) and I felt a bit more buzzed but at the same time I felt very lucid and in control of myself (weird). That euphoric feeling is gone, which I miss a lot. It's a very odd feeling I have to say. I don't know how to describe it. Guess that's all I had to say. I'd love to hear from others. Thanks for listening.
-Fallgirl

Hi fallgirl welcome to the forum,
I have been having a very similar experience with Naltrexone+drinkng. I'm only into my second week and have definitely noticed that the 'ooohh yeah' feeling has gone. I think this must be what a 'normal' drinker must feel like, which is why they cannot understand it when after all our messed up behaviour on booze we simply cannot stop. I have been drinking normally like I usually would, but I've been able to stay totally in control and not make a dick of myself. Really lucid like you said. I still enjoy the action of drinking but without that euphoric drive to continue all night long. You seem to be disappointed that this is the feeling you are getting? I was stoked that this is the feeling I got as I really want to stop drinking (or at least cut down to a normal controllable level) so without this response I would be feeling a little worried about carrying on drinking.
Can I ask though, are you using The Sinclair Method, ie. taking naltrexone one hour before drinking only, and NOT taking naltrexone if you are not going to be drinking. Or are you using naltrexone every day to attempt to control your cravings?
All I can really say is that it sucks that we must go without that euphoric feeling, but it's that same feeling that has made us alcoholics so I'm more than willing to go without it if it means no more ridiculous behaviour and making a fool of myself...
Great to see you posting here and I really hope you can stick around and share your experiences with us!

Thanks for responding. Maybe I shouldn't have used that header! Eeek! I was just being a bit wistful about the 'euphoric feeling' being gone; however, in hindsight( a couple of hours later), I am so happy the euphoric feeling wasn't t there because I would've gone out and got more alcohol; hence the vicious cycle. I feel content that I stopped drinking earlier than I would've in the past (and honestly I really didn't need that 3th or 4th drink anyway). Gosh, maybe I can finally know what it feels to be a casual drinker again!
In response to our question, I take the medication every morning. After one week, my cravings dramatically reduced and I didn't drink at all (a huge accomplishment). Initially, I was going to take it only when drinking, but since I didn't crave alcohol I just continued with the medication in hopes it'd keep the cravings at bay. I talked to my doctor about this and she's on the same page. If I wait till a craving hits, there's no way in hell I'll take the medication, honestly. I guess everyone's different. I'm a very impulsive drinker and I never know when a craving will hit. So far it's worked for me. I just did a little experiment tonight:)

Ha, no the header is fine! It got my attention.
I know what you mean about going out and getting more alcohol once you run out. The amount of times I've tried to control my drinking in the past by buying a reasonable amount only to end up jumping in a cab and stocking up on more once I'm buzzed.
I was prescribed Naltrexone about 6 years ago for cravings. "Take the pill, don't drink" was the instruction. But it didn't work any better for me than just will power alone. So if you are finding its working to ward off your cravings then that's great news and you're right that is a great accomplishment!
How much have you read on the topics of The Sinclair Method and the concept of 'selective extinction'? I only ask because the selective extinction process will only work if the Naltrexone is taken only to block endorphin receptors when drinking and leaving them unblocked when doing other endorphin releasing activities such as exercise, sex, eating spicy food etc..
You're right, everyone is different, and we all respond differently to medications, that's why this forum is so good. If Naltrexone works for you to not only control cravings thus reduce the amount of times you drink, and also limit your numbers when you do drink then I'd say keep doing what you're doing.
Keep us posted!