Hello,

I've been following this message board for several weeks now. I'm struggling to control my drinking, and after looking at different therapies I happened upon this one. It's been very difficult for me to get naltrexone. I'm leery about bringing this up with my doctors because I don't have a trusting relationship with them. Maybe that's my fault – I just didn't feel that was the way to go. Looking at online pharmacies I figured out different payment methods that were acceptable, and after trial and error I'm finally getting the naltrexone this week.

I'm very excited but also a little afraid of being that 22% for whom the treatment doesn't work. I have a great job and relationship and I hide the extent of my drinking. It has gotten worse in the last few months after my father recently died and my sister became extremely ill with cancer. I started using it as a way of unwinding. And sometimes I used to make my fun nights even funner because I felt like I deserved to be wild and carefree. But I drink too much and too often. I know that, which is why I'm here. I don't want my life to pass me by while I sit on my couch with boxed wine watching Netflix.

It feels good to introduce myself and share things I can't tell even my family. I'm so glad the message board is up and running after having been shut down. I was upset that I might not be able to share experiences with other members. I'm so happy things are running again.

Welcome Jerry,

I was just as scared (and I think most are); however, I have been told (and I think it says in Sinclair's book) if you have alcoholism in your family tree it is a slam dunk. I have alcoholism on both sides of my family (lucky me) to the point where a few have died from the complications alcoholism, and even though I do not consider myself cured, I am no longer drinking all night long and looking for more.

I am excite for you as well, for this is the best thing you could do for yourself. I believe that as long as you follow the golden rule to a T (take nal, wait one hour, each and every time you drink) you will be successful. Nal isn't a magic pill, but it will take away that 'I need a drink and NOW' feeling and give you more control. You will still be able to get drunk, but it will feel differently, for something will be missing.

A lot of folks here have decided not to get nal from a medical professional, for the same reasons you posted, or they didn't want "alcoholic" on their permanent. Since you ordered nal on line, I wanted to warn you that the Nodict brand has a harder shell and it takes a little longer to get in your system, so it is advised that you wait longer than that hour (90 min. I believe). Starting with 1/2 pill for a few days is suggested, as well as eating a small meal about 30 min before you take the pill (to help with nausea).

If you haven't read the book please do, for it has a lot of valuable information. Also, reading some of the progress pages and posts here can be very helpful.

I can relate to your post, for my family doesn't understand. My habit of drinking was to relieve stress from life and social situations and when my parents started getting ill it escalated. But, once I started drinking 2+ bottles of wine a night, waking up drunk every morning, and not able to be fasting from alcohol for lab tests etc, I knew I needed to do something.

This forum has been a godsend for a lot of us who post and lurk, and I am also very grateful it is back up. It happens from time to time, and since the owner doesn't come here that often we do not understand the reason; however, he did post about a year ago that this website is not going anywhere. He covers the expense, and the maintenance. If for any reason you need additional help (because the forum is down, or counseling) "Options saves lives" is another forum. It is a stricter forum, but very helpful. Some of the moderators are trained alcohol counselors, and have gone through TSM themselves, so they really do understand.

If you have the time, please start a progress page, for it can be helpful.

I hope your nal arrives soon, so you can start this journey soon.

Jaba

Thank you for the kind words, Jaba. I was lurking on this board for quite a while and saw the uncertainty about Nodict. I made sure to get Naltima instead (just in case), even though it meant jumping through extra hoops. I've been up many nights reading different threads on this board about people's experiences. People here are very honest, and that helps me feel less ashamed of my own drinking. I feel prepared but nervous. I just took the pill and am waiting for it to kick in. Journal is out and ready.

How are you managing, Jerry? Seems the board was down for a bit!

Hey J.Z.,

I just wanted to let you know that we have been thinking about you and hope that you have been doing okay with TSM.

There is no shame! It is just the nature of the beast. There is no need to beat yourself up for having a different response to alcohol. Your brain just learned how to drink very well, nothing more. That is how your brain is wired. The only thing you should ever feel guilty about is not taking your nal when you drink or not waiting that hour. And even if that happens, again it is the nature of the beast. There will be a time when one or both of those things might happen, and you just move on. Guilt is a big AA thing. Once you understand Sinclair's theory and realize that you do not have a choice, the guilt, shame, and whatever you are feeling will feel lesser (at least it should help). There should never be any ill feelings of how you were born and your genetics, for you had no choice. Accepting that this is how you are might be difficult, but it should be no more difficult than someone with diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy etc, it is an adjustment period knowing that this pill will help. The pill will not take away the issue, but without that pill life becomes complicated.

I hope you check in soon, for curious minds want to know how things have been,

Jaba

welcome Jerry. TSM really works. it's made a huge difference in my life and many others. i wish you all the best in your journey.

Jerry,

Today is my first day starting TSM. You're situation sounds very similar to mine and I would love to hear how the treatment os working for you and any suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated.


Jimmy