All,

This begins my progress reports. I have been lurking and learning for a few weeks now, and am now looking forward to contributing.

Wort's Story: I became single about three years ago, and with no one to fuss at me, I apparently became all too accustomed to drinking every night. I rarely drank to excess, but had zero AF days during this time. In late January I decided to not drink for a while and thus discovered my craving. I began to research alcohol addiction on the internet, and found TSM. I ordered Eskapa's book from Amazon, made an appointment with my GP, and began to read here and on MWO. When the book arrived I read it carefully, and took it with me to my appointment. Thankfully, my doctor was familiar with TSM, and gave me a 12 month script for NAL.

I started TSM two weeks ago; no nausua but an annoying dry mouth and a bit of nervous sadness. The honeymoon lasted six days; during this time, alcohol was tasteless and my desire to drink was reduced. In the second week, some of the taste returned, as did my urge to drink. So far this week, taste is almost back to normal, and consumption is down: 5u yesterday and maybe about that tonight.

I worry about other endorphin-supported behaviors; I have no AF days, so it will be impossible to avoid some extinction. This will be a good motivation to achieve AF/NF days ASAP.

I have a minor challenge looming; I went to the dentist last week who discovered an abscessed wisdom tooth. No pain yet, but she wanted to extract right away. I made an appointment the first week in March; perhaps by then I can make it AF for 72 hours. I'm not sure I want to endure this without pain medication. If AF is too hard, I will just drink without NAL. Sigh.

I very much value the information available here. The Eskapa book is a bit too upbeat, perhaps giving the idea that 80% of folks are cured in three months or so. From what I read here, I am hopeful of noticeable results in 6-8 months, and will not be discouraged if it takes longer. This is a fantastic site, and you "regulars" are fantastic folks. I am impressed with those that continue to hang in there, and especially with those that have achieved success yet continue to offer support and encouragement to those that have not.

-wort

welcome wort to a ever growing family on this board and glad you not just lurking out there anymore. Great news about your doc and the 12 mo. supply of Nal, most people here aren't so lucky but let's hope as time goes by that the word will get out and more and more docs will be a help instead of a hindrance.

I can't answer your question about what to do about your wisdom teeth but stopping Nal and still drink is not good at all. I'd talk to your doc on what to do before I'd do what you suggested, especially if you said he's familiar with TSM. There are other drugs out there to take the pain away that will work while taking Nal. Hopefully someone else will jump in on this board who knows more about this than myself.

Good luck, glad you're here
corkit

Thanks Corkit.

My third week continues to disappoint. Units are still substantially up over pre-TSM. I've seen this described here before. A rat who is conditioned to press a lever for a reward will press it frantically once the rewared is removed. I'm banging on that lever real hard right now.

My days are mostly gloomy, nervous, hungover and depressed. The only good news I receive comes from perusing through the weekly's of those that have found sucess.

This is hard, but I think it will get easier.

-wort

Keep with it wort. I'm banging on that same lever right now, but I'm not going to give up. How long ya been drinking? I'm guessing more than a few years, right? I figure, what's another few months. If you told me that this method took 3 years but would work, I'd still do it. It's not like I've made any other improvements in the past 3 years...

For me, I focus on the idea that there might be a cure, and that keeps me positive. Hopefully you can counter-act some of the frustrations and gloom with that idea too.

Well said, Tex, I agree entirely.

The fact you had a honeymoon and other side effects is a good indicator of success. It does get very frustrating when your numbers return to pre-TSM levels, which we have described as the "extinction burst." Know that this is typical and be patient. Are you noticing that you are a "better drunk" or are more controlled when you drink on naltrexone? That helped me quite a bit with my frustration, as did fewer hangovers and no more blackouts. As for your tooth, there are non-opiate based pain medications that are available that should work for you but check with your dentist. A few days of drinking without the nal is not a good idea but it wouldn't be the end of the world if you had no choice -- you could and would recover from the lapse, assuming that naltrexone is going to work for you anyway.

Good luck and my best to you. TSM does work significantly, for the vast majority who try it. And you are right about the book being too rosy: expect 6-8 months for marked improvement, not 3-4, especially if you are a long-term drinker.

Take care,

Nick

Big welcome to both of you. I've taken a lot of comfort in the fact that though I've had some pretty nasty
binges since starting, I remember them all and I've lost the fear of getting in to fights or being an
asshole... it just hasn't happened. I've actually gone from drinking only at home out of fear to drinking in public
again. That's a huge improvement, even without time enough for full extinction to kick in. I'll take it.

-Ned

Thanks BigT. I think we started about the same time, so let's pay attention to each other. I've been drinking daily for about three years, and honestly had the idea that I could quit if I wanted to. As soon as I tried I realized it was hopeless. Thank Goodnes for TSM. Maybe we'll wear that lever out by the time we turn this around.

Ned: I have read over your weekly's -- very interesting. I am learning more about Baclofen, but will hang in there with TSM for some extinction if possible. I came to terms with my problem the third week in Dec 09, about the time you started.

Nick: you are on the Cured List so you are an inspiration. Thanks for contributing even after you are cured. I am looking over the weekly's of everyone on that list. There is a lot to learn.

Today was good. I only had 5u last night and felt very focused and alert today.

-wort

I'm at the end to the first month of TSM. Progress is slow. -wort.

Keep reading the weekly updates of the cured list: many of us were drinking way too much months in before seeing a big improvement. It's hard, but try to stay positive. Best of luck to you.

Hey Wort - as the others have said don't get discouraged...even tho it is hard not to, as we think popping a Nal will work wonders. Well, it does, but the wonders usually don't show on the surface. My cure snuck up on me out of nowhere. One day I thought hey why don't I try a little will power - what can it hurt (I'm really really really weak and actually have almost NO will power!) and by golly the TSM had worked behind the scenes and I was ready even tho I didn't know it.

We've got friends coming any minute for brunch so I took my Nal. I really don't feel like drinking but I don't want to be a poop - we fast every day in Lent except Sunday so we'll all be treating ourselves today - and a glass of the ole red in company of good friends won't hurt! But boy there was many a day when I would have continued to drink until I got drunk and obnoxious and full of shame next day - no more!! So Wort, keep up the good work - things are happening!!!