I am an OEF/OIF vet. I was recently diagnosed with PTSD. I have been back for 5 years. I have been coping with alcohol. I do not yet know what my weekly rate is. I am abstinate at the moment. I will be until I get back to see my VA Docs and counselor.
My wife has been worried about my drinking for a while and had bought "The Cure" as something to consider. After my incident she cajoled me into seeking help from the VA and showed me the book. At that time they were really pushing inhouse detox. Wrong, to much like jail to me. They were also pushing AA. I have issues with that also. It has always seemed like to much work to only come out as a failure. You are a failure if you succeed and stay abstinent and if you fall off the wagon you are a failure. Sounded like a lose/lose deal to me. I don't like failure. So here I am. I will be starting after my next visit with the VA Docs. If they won't proscribe then I will find a Doc who will. I will keep you updated on how it goes. Bye for now. Rod

Welcome Rod!

I, as others have, been through many, many recovery methodologies. AA is a cult. Sorry if that's too caustic a statement, but it is in fact a club of people who want to be in a deep well of misery for the remainder of their lives, who use nominal watered-down pseudo-Christianity to endure their self-imposed misery. I'm sorry, but misery is not the way to recovery. Something that has some scientific and/or rational basis to it is the answer. TSM fits that methodology.

As with most journeys that lead to a good outcome, there is a somewhat tough road ahead, mostly in the form of thoughts of "is this thing working?" Patience pays off. You'll notice a difference in several weeks.

Hang in there, buddy!

Bob

Welcome Rod! I am glad you could join us. This is a great group of very supportive people.

Hi Rod - Welcome!

It's great that your wife introduced the book to you, meaning she is open to The Sinclair Method (TSM). Several of us here have had to work this program in secrecy, because it is so controversial - (telling an alcoholic it's OK to drink usually doesn't sit well with most of the medical professionals out there, as well as family members). Having support of loved ones will make a big difference. While I don't like deception, I would suggest you consider NOT telling your doctors about TSM initially. It might hurt your chances of getting a prescription. Naltrexone is approved as a medication to help control cravings for alcohol, so that should be OK with almost any doctor - just leave it at that, without explaining HOW you intend to use it. The doctors will want/expect you to use it with abstinence, but the book proves that doesn't work. The important thing is to get the Nal, so keep that in mind. We're all here to support you, so best of luck and keep posting.

Hi Rod, Welcome. Just a tip. The way I first got my perscription for Nal was by telling my doc it was for craving. He believes that is the best way to take it. Then I just followed the Sinclair method. Later I just kept talking about the method and brought in some literature about it and eventually he said to me " just take it the way you want to if it helps you that is what matters". It may have helped that I was a nurse for 18 years but anyway he trusts me to do whatever. So you may want to ask for it for craving. Best of luck! P.S. A.A. just annoyed the hell out of me for so many reasons it would be a novel.

Hi Rod,

Just wanted to say welcome aboard.

You will have so many questions at the moment and it is great that your wife bought The Cure for Alcoholism. In combination with reading Dr Eskapa's book, you'll find a wealth of information and individuals' experiences on this site. We are also very fortunate to have Dr Eskapa as a member of this community so you can pose questions directly to him if the need arises.

All the best wishes to you on your journey!

V.

Thanks for the encouragement!!! Will let you all know when I get to start TSM. pre @150us a month, presently @ 0us
I still have to figure out how to use spell check.

Rod,

Welcome. For over 20 years, I have tried everything to stop drinking. The problem was is that I just wanted to stop drinking too much. I have been at this for over 4 weeks now and I can tell it is working. For the most part I have been able to leave the bar when I should and twice in the last two weeks I actually LEFT BEER in the glass when I left and is wasn't because I passed out on my bar stool. I have not had a killer hangover in over 4 weeks - some mornings I feel a bit woozy but that's progress. This is a great site with good people with good insight and perspective. Again, welcome and keep us posted.

Naltrexone + Drinking = CURE

Best Regards,
Tom

Pre: 46 – 80+ units
Wk/Units/Craving
1: ...44 .....10
2: .. 40......10 2 AF
3: ...40......9.. 3 AF
4: ...31......9...4 AF
5: ..in progress.

Best to you both, Tom & Rod! My how this community has grown. Love it that so many are not falling off barstools anymore :-)