Hello,

I just started TSM a few weeks ago after my Pdoc reluctantly agreed to prescribe me the naltrexone. My knowledge from science classes and the data presented in the book very much helped me with my case. I guess my question pertains to the nature of my drinking when I started TSM.
I have been abstaining on and off for almost two years now with the occasional binge. When I started naltrexone, I began the first week with 3 drinking days with about 6-8 units on each day. Before this, however, I was not drinking but I knew that my addiction was just waiting for a vulnerable time in my life.
In total (in units/week) I am drinking more than I had been for a while, however when I drink I do not do so to the point of blacking out. It's a little bit more than the moderate amount but its not anything like it used to be.
I'm just a little concerned that I am drinking more now that I have naltrexone.
Not really sure if that was a clear cut question or not...but I would like to introduce myself to the community

I'm not on nal, but a lot of people have big spikes at first. Some of it is giving yourself permission to drink. Some of it is just the roller coaster ride of TSM. If you go to the weekly progress area and look at people's graphs, you'll see a lot of ups and downs, but the main trend is in the downward direction.

Just keep taking your nal before you drink, and read a lot on these forums. You'll get there.

Hey ebass! Welcome to TSM.com!

I think the short answer to your question would be don't sweat it but try not to go overboard. Keep reading, you'll find a lot of real life experiences here that really add to what is in the book.

Hi ebass81 welcome to this board. I understand about wondering if you're drinking more than you did before starting tsm that was my first question but when I really thought about it I never really kept track of my drinking before tsm. Now that I'm writing down everything I drink I'm amazed on how much I must have been drinking before. Hang in there do tsm the way you should and try to keep a level head and keep living like you did before, the Nal will do what it's suppose to do whether you help it or not.

keep posting
corkit

Welcome to the board.

Many of us drink more after starting naltrexone. Part of the reason is that your body is seeking to obtain the endorphin rush it used to get when drinking pre-TSM. The naltrexone blocks the endorphin rush and your body reacts by trying to drink more in order to obtain the rush. The rush and the blockage of the rush occur on a subconscious level, btw. Once your body realizes the endorphin rush isn't coming back, your drinking levels should drop.

The bottom line is that a spike in drinking is not uncommon on TSM. It won't last. Just stick to the rule, naltrexone one hour before drinking.

Good luck.

Thanks for the input. I'll just make sure not to get discouraged and always take naltrexone before drinking.