I was ill for about two weeks, maybe a little more. I had some kind of really nasty flu that gave me an extremely sore throat and inflamed gums. My Dr had a name for the inflamed gums but I can't remember what it was. All I can say is that it is EXTREMELY painful. I could hardly even drink water.

My Dr put me on percocet for about a week of this. Obviously I had to stop taking Nal during this time frame as Nal and Percocet (an opiate based pain med) just don't go together. Interestingly, the first percocet tablet I took after stopping Nal for a couple days knocked me on my butt big time. Apparently, my opiate receptors were very sensitive at the time.

I can't help but to think that this illness and the course of pain medication had an effect on my progress with TSM. Prior to this, I was making pretty good progress, then backslide after getting well.

NOTE: I had stopped taking Nal a good 2 days before I started taking the percocet. This was not an emergency situation -- my Dr knew I was taking Nal and made sure I didn't mix drugs in a dangerous way. I carry an Emergency Medical Identification card in my wallet that is attached to my drivers license that says I'm taking Nal. I have also talked to my wife about Nal and that if I do get into an accident to inform the medical people not to give me opiate pain meds.

Q

WTE,

Thank you!!! I've not participated in the forums here as much lately because I've been very busy with work, but I have been reading threads when I can and keeping up. I am encouraged to see so many new sinclarians joining us.

You are all on my thoughts and I'll get back to posting soon!

Best to all my Sinclair Method friends,

Q

Q thanks so much for the reply. I may be needing some dental work done and I was worried because I would just prefer not to get my dentist involved in this process.

Q update in original post.

Hi ~Q thanks for updating. I too have been sliding backwards a bit but I have a few good days each week that I concentrate on, not the overall levels...

It's frustrating, but I think some of our addictive wiring just takes longer to cut. Hope you are experiencing some good days as well.

Yes, this is very much a roller-coaster experience for most of us. I think you should have written 'onward and downward' as, fortunately, it's still overall a downward decrease in consumption when looking back at the whole picture. That's why I so appreciate the signature lines. None of us have gone back to pre-Sinclair levels of drinking after 11-12 weeks, so far as I can tell.

Week 16 update in original post

Agreed -- we also don't have the added incentive of 'checking in' with a doctor...we just take our medicine and drink and there is nothing but support here if our levels don't drop. I would imagine if I were part of a study I might try a bit more...I also think if I were doing this with the aid of an addiction speciality who may be watching over me closely for progress, that I would be trying a bit more as well.

You'll get there ~Q - thanks for posting your progress even though it's not exactly where you want it to be. It will turn around.

I also agree. Simply because we are not craving does not me we don't drink. Most of us came into this game, non addicted. We got drunk for the childish recreational reasons. But that abuse led to addiction and what was once fun became murder.

I am pushing that we try to control our drinking to some extent but once we feel like we are going to lose control, then drink on Naltrexone. That gradually became my pattern and I think there is some science behind it. But that is my two cents and your milage may differ.

Update in OP