Hi all, I have just started out on TSM. I have been a daily drinker for the past 15yrs. My biggest problem was trying to get hold of some Nal. I live in Gibraltar which is a very small place and has a lack of confidentiality so there was no way I was going to go to see my GP. In the end I just walked across the border into Spain and they gave it to me over the counter!!! I'm on day 5 of my 2nd week. 1st week was a little bumpy, the Nal made me feel very sick and gave me stomach cramps but I continued to take it. I drank as I would normally drink, for me its a very strange feeling. The first drink certainly doesn't hit me like it usually does and I haven't felt completely drunk or out of control (so far). I have no idea what my consumption was before TSM but I do know that if I had one bottle of wine I would want another and then what ever else I could get my hands on. Week 1 56 units and 1 AF day, this is unheard of for me unless I was so hungover that I couldn't possibly bring myself to take a drink. Honeymoon period I guess but who cares, I'm happy with that for now. For the first time in many years I feel that I can look forward to a very positive future. Thanks everyone for your posts, it really inspires us newbies

"The honeymoon" is a great indicator that you will have success with the method. Almost no one -- if anyone -- has reported a sharp reduction in numbers and increase in control when starting naltrexone only to later conclude it didn't work for them. Congratulations, you are headed to a much happier life.

My best,

Nick

Welcome, Ricky. You'll get a lot of support here.

What nationality are you? Your English is excellent.

Hi Tambo, I'm English, moved to Spain 5yrs ago and then over to Gibraltar a year ago. Thanks for your words of support Nick, much appreciated. I was a little nervous about posting on here but now I have, I shall continue to let you all know my progress. Fortunately I have a very supportive husband and children who have all read the book and understand how the cure works. Wish I could fast forward 6mths lol. Husband tells me a day at a time, very wise words. It really helps having this community and being able to speak to people who truly understand where I'm at. Many thanks to you all xx

Good luck Ricky. I'm only a month ahead of you and I'll be with you for the whole time. It is 9:45 pm and I took my NAL, but havent drank yet tonight. I am going to in a bit, but progress is being made.


Take care and good luck.

Hi,

Welcome to the board and congratulations on starting the method. Your early reponse looks very promising and don't worry- those side effects will fade soon. I'm really happy to read that you have the support of your husband and your family, this will really help. Your husband is very right....just take one day at a time and before you know it six months will have passed and you will be in total control of your drinking. I remember at the start thinking that I would never be able to wait 6 months and that I would lose patience but as I started to see a little progress this motivated me and the time actually went pretty quickly.

I look forward to reading more about your journey.

Hi all, I'm into my 4th week and so far so good. Had a night out last week with some friends and family and didn't feel like drinking so I had a couple of bottles of water to the amazement of everyone. Short lived though, had some wine and then went onto the Whisky but to be honest didn't drink as much as I normally would. What I found very strange was that my brain seemed to be functioning ok (or so I thought) but I had a bit of a wobble going on in my legs by the end of the evening lol. Woke up with a hangover but remembered everything which is a first for me in a lot of years and I was well behaved. I'm not one for going out much because I hate the guilty feelings the following day, the what did I do, what did I say thing so I tend to drink at home where I feel safe. My husband has noticed a difference in my drinking pattern and I'm happy with the way things are going. I still feel very tired when I take the Nal but the nausea has passed. As far as I'm concerned I have nothing to lose but so much to gain, so I will continue to take the Nal and drink and see what the outcome is. Thank you all for your support.

Week 1 56 units 1 AF
Week 2 47 Units 1 AF
Week 3 47 Units 0 AF

While huge reduction in numbers takes months, almost all of us have increased control when we drink immediately with naltrexone, with few, if any, bouts with stupid behavior, hangovers and blackouts. So, enjoy the increased control during your TSM journey.

Hi Ricky - Welcome. Yes, in the beginning you have to hang onto the little changes. At first all that I noticed was a bit more control and not getting thick tongued. That was so monumental I was happy with that.

Glad to have you here with us.

Hey Ricky. Good job. I know what you mean about brain feeling better. I have had 8 units tonight and it is 11:30pm my time, but I just had a great conversation with my daughter before she went to bed. I am not proud of my units, but the clarity and good behaviour is a huge gain.

All the best.