This is my second week on TSM. Been a voyeur here, just reading everyone's posts and learning as much as possible. My story is basic.

Started drinking in high school (30 years ago), then REALLY started drinking after high school. Managed to graduate college...don't know exactly how, but it did happen. Married a brutal guy (#1). So, naturally, the drinking got worse. Had 4 kids in the meantime. Quit drinking with every pregnancy (so it can be done if there's a good enough reason, right???). Finally took my kids and ran from the craziness. Still drinking, but more carefully.

Ended up marrying a great man (#2). Never had to work outside the home, so this has made it easier to drink (I don't have to get up early or support myself). Still, I want to be a better person. We had a family tragedy and I started drinking way too much.

Researched the internet. Found MWO. Read about Topa and the side affects. Then hopped over to this site and read about Nal. Studied everything and thought it was worth a shot. Ordered it. Started last week and voila!! I'm in.

Noticed I've become a little obsessive compulsive on the Nal. Anyone else?

I'm diagnosed as manic and OCD, so it's hard to tell if the Nal is contributing to my OCD.

In my opinion, it does seem to increase my OCD by a small amount. Not that it's a bad thing. If we can force our focus on compulsions for positive things, it is helpful. I am trying to do this now.

Bob

Welcome! I'm glad you found us. You'll find lots of info and support here.

Marge1117,

Welcome aboard! I'm in the same boat as bob3d in that I also suffer from OCD. As such, I can't say that naltrexone has changed anything in that respect. However, it's an interesting observation that you have made.

All the best,

V.

Hi Marge (Mira?) - welcome aboard!

I have 3 kids...and yes, it's amazing how you can stop with the pregnancies, isn't it? I used to binge on popsicles instead though...like 3-10 a night instead of my wine. Obviously a little hypoglycemic but I didn't know what that was at the time...

How are the first two weeks going for you?

Hey~

It seems like I start cleaning after I've taken the Nal. Wipe down counters. Clean the fridge. Hose off the sidewalk, etc. Oh, and I lose interest in food too.

I don't wash my hands over and over, or anything like that.

Just get real busy. House looks better.

Thanks for your response.

Marge

Marge,

PLEASE come to my house and clean! I'll make sure I only feed you alcohol (as long as you take your Nal). There are enough messes around here to keep you busy for a LONG time, so bring lots of Nal!

Seriously, I'm glad you're experiencing positive side effects - nice to hear for a change!

Okay~ After ten days, I'm definitely less interested in drinking. Besides the cleaning, the Nal makes me more tired than anything else (must be from all the cleaning!).

I've noticed I still drink in social settings but even then, there's a bit more control. I too love my chardonnay. But I'll drink a little red also. Got a big party to go to Saturday nite, so we'll see what happens there. Last Friday I sipped on only two glasses of wine during a party.

Kris~

You've been doing this a while. How do you feel? Tired?

I read where you aren't supposed to exercise on the days you take the Nal. Can you exercise in the morning if you only drink in the evenings? That's me. But I like to exercise a bit, the only problem is I'm a daily drinker. So then I'm not supposed to exercise? At least not until I start AF days??

Thanks,

Marge (Mira, is a pen name...miracle. Has to do with my 1st daughter.) Long story, but keeps me motivated.

Hi & Welcome. Don't worry about exercising on nal. There is much on this site about that. You will have plenty of opportunity later on to reinforce positive behaviors. Do you have Dr. Eskapa's book? Please do order it and in the meantime there are chapters to read here on this board; check the index. While it's great you've noticed you're drinking last, real and permanent results take around four to six months. You'll find good company here on the journey.