Hi Maxie,

So you are a competitive runner? You must be in good shape and have the strength to fight this beast

Since your early posts, does your husband now know about the real struggle that you have? Would it help if he spoke to a few people on the 'cured' list to ensure he really understands what is expected of him?

I've just caught up with your story.. so where did you go between November and March? Sometimes we post when we are happy and feeling positive, but I feel it's important to put your thoughts down when feeling down and crappy too... that way you'll get even more support from this group.

Finally, what happened with AA and your great 'sponsor'? Are you still going? I've been to 2 group therapy meetings and all they promote is total abstinence. Every single person in the room is terrified of having one single drink. They are not in control - they are living in fear. Needless to say, they really disapproved of me taking Naltrexone to control my binge drinking. None of them had heard of it. Most seemed to think it was injecting a heroin substitute and told me I was a junkie!

Please keep us updated - I have every confidence you can beat this.

I'll rarely try to give advice, but if you drink every day, try to take 50mg Nal every morning when you wake up. It works for 24 hours, so it might prevent you from deliberately only taking 10mg so you still get the alcohol buzz

Hi Maxie.

I have never heard of anyone being so reluctant to take the pill before drinking. The side effects of naltrexone are fleeting, but you have to take it consistently before the SEs wear off. Also, almost all of us still get a buzz on naltrexone, although a little bit stifled. But a buzz nonetheless. Also, when you re-start, take 25 mg on a full stomach to reduce SEs. There really is only one rule on TSM: take the pill before you drink. That's it. If you don't do that, you are not giving this life-saving treatment a chance to save you from an unhappy life. So, stick to the regimen! And I can understand why you don't want naltrexone in your system 24/7. Start with a half dose and don't go up to 50 mg until your body adapts, IMO. Of course, I'm no doctor and can't give medical advice so please, consult a physician near you because all the studies say take 50 mg. But if it's a choice between 25 mg and none, you are way better off with 25 mg.

My best,

Nick

I take the nal in the morning or with lunch on the days I'm going to drink. That way, I'm still clear-headed and not actively craving alcohol yet, and it's easier to take the pill.
And yes, you can still get a buzz on the nal. Proof in point: I just got wasted last night belting out karaoke
EL

Maxie... are you there? How was the half marathon

Please post a short update and let us all know you are OK.

All my very best and a big hug from England