Thanks and congrats Ava! I think it's really helpful for people to see that some ups and downs are totally normal in this process and a spike doesn't necessarily mean that "it's stopped working"...

Ava,

It is good to hear that others are having ups and downs. I'm a little over six weeks into this program and so far I've found that my consumption initially spiked a bit and now it has leveled off and even dropped a bit, although I still want to drink every day and I still think about it constantly. You are the second person that I've come across that felt in control of your drinking after being on the medication for over a year. That seems like a long way off, but the truth of the matter is that I have been drinking far longer than that. If it takes a year to have that monkey off my back then so be it!

Hi JMS, I have been on Nal prcticing TSM for 7 months, not a year. I experienced some spikes during the process and feeling like this method wouldn't work. And it did! Just stick with it! I wish you the best!:-)

Hi Ava, I was wondering if you are sticking with the 50mgs of Nal or did you go back down to 25? I am of a similar build, have had some really bad SE's, and am currently taking 25mgs. I've been contemplating taking 50, but can't seem to drudge up the courage. From your posts, it sounds like 25 did the trick. Did you ever find yourself trying to drink through the Nal? So happy to hear your "cure" and hope that you continue to pipe in here once in a while...Keek

Wow! It's been a year, so I thought I would give an update. I went to my doctor a few days ago for a med refill appointment. My doctor was under the impression I was taking Naltrexone daily and abstaining because those were the instructions he had given me. However, this last visit I decided to be honnest with him and tell him I had been practicing TSM. I told him it has changed my life and was working for me. His reponse was "well, whatever works!" and gave me a refill. He also told me he would be looking into TSM. I feel so lucky to have such an understanding and open minded doctor. My doctor is in the Bothell/ Mill creek WA area. If anyone lives around that area and is looking for a doctor to help them along with TSM PM me and I will let you know the name of my doctor.
TSM is still working for me. There are times when my drinking increases a bit, but it always drops back down. I feel healthy and happy with my life. My relationship with alcohol is a non issue these days. If anything alcohol is getting less and less appealing. I am taking 50mg anything less I could tell wasn't fully covering me.


I hope you all find a way to your cure/ control!

That's fantastic news. Thank you for coming back and posting an update. it's always good to hear from someone who's made it.



...I'm so looking forward to be able to posting that myself one day.

Congrats,
Ruth.