Yeah that's great that you and your husband are together on this. You can be your own in house support group. I hope the best for both of you.

Well, we drink too much together so might as well do this together. Actually, this could be the answer to our bad problem. We tried to quit altogether many, many times because we always drink too much. We could go for several days or weeks (rarely weeks), and then one of us would crack and persuade the other to drink too. And, usually always too much. It turned into such a habit, such an addiction. We are miserably unhappy. I came across this book about a year ago and sent it to my sister in law who is in worse shape than us, but she never read it.
I remembered the book a few months ago and tried to get a Rx from my regular doctor and she wouldn't give it to me. Then a few days ago I went to a new gynecologist and told her what I wanted to with the Naltrexone and she said that it couldn't hurt and gave me the Rx!!!
So, now I feel hopeful again - it seems too good to be true. I don't even feel like drinking tonight!

Welcome, Susie!!! It sounds like you (and your husband) are off to a good start with the Nal! I was super sleepy the first two nights I took it, but then it went away!

You're so lucky to have your husband's support... there are a good many of us here who are doing this completely alone or with minimal support. I told my husband I was going to do this, I sent him several articles and a copy of the book via email, but I have no idea if he even looked at any of it. he was hyper skeptical of the process (or of me being able to change in the first place... he hasn't asked me even once how it's going or how I'm feeling, so I'm glad for you that not only does your spouse support you, but is also participating in the "adventure."

Keep posting! We're here for you!

Friday nite, nite 3 - again had one bottle of wine. Almost didn't finish it, but there was just one little glass left so I did. Didn't get any buzz whatsoever, but it didn't bother me.
I guess I have been drinking for so long just because of habit or craving. I started drinking and then couldn't stop, and then the next day I started again. And I would drink horrible stuff just to get a buzz like Hard Lemonade (cheap but 8% alc.). On weekends, my husband usually takes a long nap and I would go and walk the dog but first get a couple of hard lemonades to make the walk more enjoyable.
Well, today is Saturday and I don't think I will be doing the hard lemonade, no desire. Maybe I will have a couple tonight. Is it normal for the craving to go away so soon? I am 55 and have been drinking daily for a couple of years and before that binge drinking and going to AA. I have had a problem since I took my first drink in my teens.

Susie - everyone reacts a little different to NAL but I have read several people on this forum have had great results right away. Of course, you have probably already heard or read about the honeymoon period. But if not, a lot of people have great results right away and then after a few weeks start increasing their intake, but usually not as high as pre-NAL. Others will be able to fill you about it.

But in the mean time enjoy your honeymoon!

Tonight we both took a pill at 4:30 p.m. Went to grocery store for dinner and bought a six pack of beer and a bottle of wine. Both us get very sleepy and tired after taking the pill. Also, we get very irritable. We babysat for our grandson who was really irritable also. All in all, not a great night. Made pizza for dinner but we weren't even hungry, guess that is another side effect.
I seem to be able to work through the s.e. but hubby can't. He went to bed at 9:00 even though he really wanted to watch the Cubs game! He only had a little more than 1/2 of the wine bottle. I had 3 beers and the rest of the wine.
This is remarkable, because on a regular Saturday night we would drink at least double this amount. But, my husband cannot stand the side effect of tiredness. He said he will rather quit for good. I told him that that is his choice, but I know from past experience that he can't quit for good. Neither of us can on our own. We have tried so many times. He told me that he would take the nal if he ever drank again. Remains to be seen.
I asked him to read the TSM book. He said I could just give him the highlights, which I have done, but I don't think this is enough. I don't think he really understands...
So, I am doing this alone now, for myself. If he wants to join me, fine, but I am done trying to do this together. We drank together, but (and I think I have known this all along) cannot quit together.
Sorry for the rambling, but I need to write it down.

Susie,

I am glad you are posting your progress and how your husband is responding, for everyone is different, but we do have to do this for ourselves. It sounds like you have the right frame of mind. The side effects will go away if your husband is willing to endure them. I will feel tired at times and other times I do not. Some people get wired on nal. and cannot sleep well at all. But like all side effects they do dissipate with time.

I hope to read more of your progress, and maybe once your husband see your progress he might be willing to endure the side effects.

I wish you luck and I hope you keep posting,

Jaba

Was nauseous this morning, and sleepy all day. Went to brunch and then took a nap. Just took 1/2 Nal. since I have 3 beers left and will probably want to drink them. Will try to go AF tomorrow. Am enjoying reading all the posts and am hoping this sleepiness and nausea will pass. I'm sure it will get better. At least I can't act on the spur of the moment anymore, which is a blessing. I used to be just driving and decide to stop and get something, and then drink it in the car. Lucky I haven't got stopped, it is so stupid!

Susie,

It sounds like you might have had a slight nal. over, or you may need to cut back to a 1/4 a pill if it happens to often. Some people have found the side effects to harsh and have either slowly increased the dose or have stayed at 1/4 of a dose for it works for them.

I know what you mean about the spur of the moment thing, and I have been lucky as well...and actually I have woken up drunk to the point I could have gotten a DUI...I think when it comes to drinking all common sense walks out the door! We strive to do better now!

Keep posting,

Jaba

Can't blame him, really. How many promises do we alcoholics make to ourselves and others, only to break them? He's already been through enough that you're likely lucky he is still there. He isn't going to invest in any of your latest adventures, -it's just too painful. Also, Susie's husband is in the same boat as the rest of us, so really no comparison to your "normal" husband.

Do him and yourself a favor. Actions speak louder than words. Take your pill, be good, avoid the topic. When you get well, he will notice, -but not right away. he won't trust it. When he finally asks you abut it, -that means he wants to trust it*. That's when you tell him you have to take the pill for the rest of your life. You're in it together as a team and he needs to know. It will also be time to tell him how wonderful he was to stick it out with you through all the lean years. Then you give him a surprise involving something he (or both ofyou) always wanted to do but couldn't because of your drinking.

*If you get well and he still never asks you, -you've lost him and you'll have your work cut out to get him back.