oh WOW - that sounds awful. in fact, i think it FEELS awful. i had a night like that two weeks ago. i didn't drink THAT much and felt really sick to my stomach. never threw up, just dry heaving! UUUGGGGHHHHHH!

good luck with the 3 drink limit - that would be awesome!

-pepper

I could really relate to this, I remember being very disappointed when I realised that stopping drinking (as was my case at the time) was not the solution to my problems, I realised that my drinking was only a symptom of my problems. On the positive side though, the fact that you are getting you're drinking under control does give you the feeling (I hope) that you have some control over whats happening in your life, and it will also give you the clarity of mind and the emotional and physical energy you need to deal with all the crap you have to deal with right now. If you continued to drink heavily in your current situation, things could get a whole lot worse!! But that's not going to happen

Thanks Curi for the encouragement. I am actually feeling really positive these days, and I've got two pieces of good news! One, is that I've been called in for a second interview for an advising dean position at my old university, and they seem to have LOVED my first interview. It's not my dream job, but enh, I need a job, it would be interesting and pays enough. Secondly, I just learned that I am going to be published!!! Wooot!! A translation of mine (of a French poem) is going to be published in a journal by a major university press. I'm pretty damn stoked, don't mind if I brag a little
Did a little bit of celebratory drinking last night (about 7 units), but nothing out of control. I am milllldly hungover but nothing that will prevent me from enjoying my saturday. I would have felt better if I had capped the evening at 4-5 units but it's not the end of the world and I was having fun. And the vomiting didn't happen, which was exciting, and I think that's why I kept drinking also. Eventually, if I learn exactly how much I can drink without the vomiting happening then I won't be tempted to overdo it, I think.
I'd really like to stay under 20 units for the week, however, so that means AF sunday (not a problem) and 2-3 drinks tonight (a bit of a challenge but I think I can do it!)
EL

Congrats on the publication! That is SO cool! You should be bragging! Good to see you are feeling upbeat these days EL, life is turning around for you. Best of luck with the interview, maybe not your dream job but it will help pay the bills.

Nal-on
K:)

Hi El,

I've just caught up on the past two weeks - sounds like things are finally getting better.

Good luck with the second interview - I really hope it goes well.

Regarding the puking - have you tried 25mg and then 25mg 1 hour later (with the first drink)?

One other option might be a different brand or source for Nal if possible.

I bought some El Cheapo Nal online from India and it was definitely more bitter than the Nal prescribed by my GP (manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb).

Take care - it sounds like life in the sun isn't too bad after all.

Andy.

Congratulations, Ms. Electra on your poem being published!!!!

It's a pretty accomplished bunch of folks on this forum!

Best to you as you dazzle 'em on your second interview!

Go get 'em tiger,

Ketchikan1

Thanks guys! Second interview went really well - I should know within two weeks if I got the job. I'm feeling really positive about it and keeping my fingers crossed.
As for weekly recap time - ALSO great news!!! Under 20 for this week, coming in at 18.5 units, EVEN with going out a bit more than usual due to a friend being in town. No puking this week - I've been sticking to 25 mg for the time being, although I think I will try Andy's suggestion to take two 25mg doses. I feel that with 25mg I don't get any nasty side effects, BUT I am not 100% covered. It's fine for most drinking situations, but in an especially triggering situation I know I can blow through the 25mg (and not really the 50, at least not massively). As I'm on the small side (5'4" and normal weight) I'm guessing the correct dosage for me is probably somewhere between 25 and 50, but I can't really be bothered to quarter pills every day, so I'm going to try Andy's suggestion and otherwise alternate between 25/50 for low risk/high risk drinking situations.
I looked over some of my monthly charts and see a definite improvement - but honestly the numbers kind of disappointed me. The change I feel MENTALLY is much, much greater than the story the numbers tell. I feel as though the occasions when I still get drunk and/or marginally out of control are now the exception, not the rule. Most of the time I either don't drink or drink moderately. It seems like right now I'm at about 1, maybe 2 occasions a month when I drink more than I set out to and get a hangover. Although this is not the end of the world I would still like to get rid of that!
So on I nal

Nal On indeed!

Don't forget that between your PhD award and now you've probably been the most prolific poster on the board... possibly even topping Minni-Nick.

So your time was spent supporting and helping everyone on the board.

Fingers crossed for the Vice-Dean appointment,

Andy

Hi EL

Good to hear you are so positive and congratulations on the publication, lower units and (fingers crossed) possible new job!! You have been a frequent poster and thank you for all your support so far. Keep up the good work.

Cheers
Sticky

I learned a valuable lesson last night, which confirmed what I had been thinking. I took 25 mg of nal and went to my friend's engagement party. I was looking forward to letting loose, dancing, chatting, and yes, drinking. I purposefully did not take 50mg because I was afraid it would make me vomit, as I was likely going to have more than one or two drinks. On 25mg I did not feel nauseous at all, had a great time...and 10 drinks lol. 25 mg clearly just doesn't not cover me as well as 50mg. In this particular instance, it's ok - I budgeted this in as "a big night out" and am happy to nurse my (not horrible) hangover in front of the tv watching movies on a Saturday. But this has got to be a very special rare occasion kind of thing, as my body just cannot.handle.that.much.booze anymore!!!