I've been drinking heavily for the past 6 years, 2008 was crazy, liquor everyday, calmed down from that after a hospital visit and detox. Now I drink mostly wine, If I got out I drink cape cods (vodka). When I do drink wine I can easily drink 2 bottles by myself. I've been doing AA, sponsor, 12 steps at the request of my parents. Last week I got a DWI, and was in jail over the weekend detoxing. My mom bailed me out Sunday Night and Monday during the day I got very drunk. She came home from work and knew I was drinking. She asked how to help and I started explaining to her the Sinclair method, that I hated AA and forced abstinence, and she was very open to it. I told her I already ordered NAL from ADC, but it is at customs now. She told me she would take me to her doctor tomorrow (today) to have it prescribed. Needless to say I got the reaction I thought I would get from any 12 step doctor. He wouldn't prescribe anything and told me and my mom I needed to be off all the medications I'm taking (Lexapro, Klonopin). Proceeded to tell my mom the only thing I need in inpatient rehab. AGAIN. I was in inpatient a year ago. Wow, just like the book says, most people will enter back into a program within a year. I'm 25 years old and can make my own decisions regarding my health. I left the doctor's office very discouraged but luckily went and got my job back that I lost due to the DWI so that made my day. I have been AF all day, I am just hoping the Nal comes soon as I don't want to drink without it, I'm ready to start TSM asap. I'm sure many people have had problems getting it prescribed and that's why river and ADC have gained popularity but God, why would a doctor not give an alcoholic an anti-craving med? $70 spent to talk to a doctor for 5 minutes who tells me to go to rehab. BLAH.

Welcome V., Glad to have you hear. as you will find from here a lot of people will agree with you re doctors etc., You are in the right place. Im sure you've got info on TSM and method and know what is ahead of you?

Best of luck

Welcome-- you've made the most important step by deciding to change.

What city are you in? Someone on here can probably recommend a doctor who's open to NAL.

I'm in Corpus Christi TX, ordered from AllDAY a couple weeks ago, and it says on USPS it has arrived in states but customs has it , hopefully it will come through customs. I'm very lucky that my parent's are in support of TSM as i was going to do it behind their back. Like I said, I'm 25 and the only thing my parents want is abstinence, non stop meetings, etc. That was driving me crazy. I've read half of the sinclair book, when I got out of jail Sunday night I flat out told my mom I am done with my sponsor, done with AA, done with meetings. My parents have wasted over $15,000 on treatment in the past year. The one thing that has helped me so far are benzos so I won't drink throughout the day but then when I do drink I get very messed up. I'm hoping TSM will work for me. Fingers crossed, can't wait for the NAL to come in, and if anyone does know any docs in Corpus Christi TX or even San Antonio I am sick and tired of Doctors telling me I can't ever touch another drink or I WILL die, AA is the only way......

Welcome victimless, you're making the right move with TSM and I'm glad you're taking charge of your life. It's wonderful that your parents are supporting you in this and remember we're all here for you as well.


corkit

Hi Victimless and welcome,

I so feel for you,...most people on this board have similar stories. I am coming to my 10th anniversary of my DUI. It was a horrific experience, crashed car (nobody hurt THANK GOD), AA had a 4 year chip, 5 years in,..but understand the "NEVER TOUCH A DROP AGAIN" 3000 pound gorilla. There is an easier softer way and it is TSM. AA will scoff, but hopefully this will work for you and if it doesn't, Baclofen has helped virtually everybody that this doesn't work for...

My understanding and I am no doctor, is that TSM gives us pharmacological extinction which puts our brains in the place it was prior to our first drink. My contention to that, is there is no way to get into a time machine and become 14 again (when I first started drinking). So we have experience to contend with, and habit. So Eskapa's book can give a false sense of security. But that's where this board can literally be the lifeline you need. People that understand EXACTALY what you're going through, and furthermore, aren't going to give you the patronizing AA Schpiel (SP) or comment "How's that working out for you" crap. It makes a drunk wanna go postal at times.....

This board has more intelligence and unselfish love and kindness than anywhere in the world or universe as I know it...well maybe some monks hillside retreat....but how are they helping? they're all holed up in the mountains making bread and chanting....great for them but how does that help us? So I do think this is a divine corner of the internet. Frequented by people from all walks of life. Artists, professionals, regular folk, non regular folk, cyborgs, aliens, I digress,.....my point is,...unlike AA where they tell you to shut up, we tell you to speak up and speak loudly if need be....That's how we're getting better. AND I am 6 months in and damn close (I'm thinking 2-3 months) from cured. I can tell you, I've been a drunk 20+ years and have NEVER had so much control....again, I'm not listing myself as cured,..I'm in a curious spot right now...But will tell you this is the way if you're of the 80%, otherwise I think Baclofen can take care of the other 20%. My best to you my friend and I'm so glad that your parents are supporting you....That is very important...Take care and welcome, Jim Clark

The Nal went through customs at 2:49am last night coming from NY to TX so I should receive it in the next few days. I'll keep everyone updated. I want a drink badly but I want to wait for the Nal.

Good news Victimless, this will probably work for you as it has the vast majority here. And as Jim correctly points out, if it doesn't, there are other pharmacological solutions entirely apart from the hocus pocus cult known as AA.

Back in May '09 when I was at the end of my rope I looked into outpatient treatment. I just about soiled myself when I discovered outpatient treatment -- ie, two AA meetings per week -- would cost me $10,000. I bought the book for $14 and the naltrexone for a few bucks and now I'm cured. You do the math and tell me which is a better deal.

Post often and ask questions. Prepare for nausea the first few doses but it goes away rapidly. Take 25 mg the first time on a full stomach. And prepare to say "good riddance" to the bullshit of AA.

Some people claim it can be helpful for cravings, but I don't think I would call it that....

CAmpral is supposed to do that,..but from what I've been told its no more effective than a placebo....anyone anyone(Ferris Bueller)

Naltrexone has been incorrectly marketed as an anti-craving med. In fact, the package insert incorrectly states that it should be used as such. And it does have a temporary, anti-craving effect for a lot of us -- hence the "honeymoon" phenomenon. But the anti-craving effect is fleeting and all of the studies show it only works with continued drinking.