Good morning, readers. I would appreciate insights from Dr. E. or anyone else on this subject.

I drink every night. As I described in my introductory post, I've used "engineering controls" to contain my drinking for several years. In other words, I purchase only what I wish to drink for each night -- exactly three units of Cabernet Sauvignon. If more alcohol is around, I will consume all of it, or as much of it as I can before passing out. Not good. Purchasing only three units ensures that I don't pass out and don't suffer a hangover.

Since starting Naltrexone two weeks ago, I am torn about whether I should continue to adhere to my three-drinks-in-the-house rule, or go ahead and let my craving rule.

As an experiment, I have purchased entire 750 ml bottles of wine a couple of times in the last few weeks, and almost invariably finish the bottle. Last night, I tried a higher alcohol drink (Alize, 16%), nearly finished the bottle (passed out just short of the finish line), and am paying for it today.

So, clearly, I am nowhere near out of the woods yet. If booze is around, I will drink it and suffer the consequences.

I would prefer to reinstate my engineering controls (three drinks a night max) to avoid the hangovers. Will doing so interfere with my extinction progress?

Thanks!

I think you should drink as you normally do - if that means the 3-in-the-house way of doing it, just continue that. Especially if you'll get out of control with lots of booze in the house - why put yourself in that position? It doesn't make sense to me that you would increase your drinking just because you are taking naltrexone.

I know myself that if my husband would cooperate we would not have any booze in the house unless we bought a bottle of wine for a special dinner or somesuch. I find it VERY difficult to have AF days even though I consider myself "cured" of my obsession, simply because the house is full of wine all the time (and yes, I resent the heck out of my husband for not helping me, but that's another story!!)

Think of it this way: every drink you have while you have naltexone in your system is an extinguishing experience but there is no reason to load your body up with booze to do it.

Hi Lady. I agree with BGH. I admire your idea of buying only the little bottles of wine one day at a time. I should try it! However, I still would probably pour another glass or two if my husband had big bottles sitting around the house.

I agree with BGH: Just drink as you normally do. On the other hand, if just being around alcohol is a trigger, you will have to extinguish it at some point. That trigger probably will resolve itself in time. Eskapa told someone here that there's no harm in controlling your intake as long as the cravings are manageable. So as long as you're not getting in the car to go for more after you're already drinking, it sounds like you have a plan.

Let us know how you're doing.

Yes I also agree with BGH, you are still taking your nal one hour before you drink and as such you are extinguishing your triggers, I don't consider it will be of any benefit to you if you were to continue drinking until you pass out just because you are now doing TSM.

Good luck!