I've been on nal for less than a week and my drinking has seemed to increase. I think it's because I'm giving myself permission to drink. I haven't felt my cravings diminish any. I know it might take a long time but I'm so impatient.

Last night I drank 48 ounces of 8% al beer. Normally this wouldnt get me too drunk but I blacked out. I don't think I did anything crazy while blacked out but I'm still disturbed that I blacked out on so little. I've been reading about other board members whose black outs stopped while on nal but I seem not to be one of them. Another side effect that I seem to be having is that I wake up with the back of my throat and sinuses extremely dry and irritated. Has anyone else experienced this?

Tambo

Hi Tambo,

My blackouts definitely did NOT stop in the early weeks, and I think I had several when I spiked around week 11 and 12. And I did the same as you at first - I felt like I drank even more than usual, because I had a "license" to do so.

All part of the process. Just keep doing what you would without Nal, always be safe, and try not to feel too guilty about those out of control times. I truly believe this works, but it takes powering through more rough drinking sessions and subsequent painful hangovers. Just keep taking your Nal, always an hour before you drink.

Good luck!

YG

yep. all of this looks normal. don't drive, take nal, drink. and remember it can take way longer than 3-4 months for many of us. I know you probably already saw me post that but I'm really glad minneapolisnick made such a point of telling me that at the beginning, otherwise I might not have enjoyed the sussecc I'm seeing now.

So I've been on nal for exactly one week now. Just wanted to share my experiences.

Cons:
- I'm drinking more than normal, but only because I'm giving myself permission to do so.
- More sleepiness and general tiredness.
- Some minor nausea occasionally.
- I black out more easily
- No decrease in cravings yet.

Pros:
- I get drunk on less alcohol.
- I actually stop drinking before I pass out or run out of alcohol.
- I still enjoy drinking so I won't have compliance issues taking nal.
- When I black out, instead of doing something crazy, I go to bed instead.
- I don't feel depressed the day after drinking (I theorize this is because my opioid receptors were not overstimulated while I drank so they are not understimulated when I'm getting sober).

This is the first time I've seen that stated.

I think you may be right. I've had less anxiety day after drinking which could be from drinking less,....but the theory you present sounds very good. Welcome Tambo and good luck. Lean on us here. We're here for you. My Best, Jim

States that it was a Joe quote but it was Tambo actually. Don't understand how to use these special functions>

I agree with joe's statement . interesting theory. because I haven't had a panic attack since starting TSM, even on those few mornings after a heavy drinking night. interesting Tambo

I wonder if less anxiety could also be from giving yourself permission, instead of that endless cycle of guilt and remorse. At least drinking with Nal, you can hope that (even if you drink too much) you are subconsciously changing your patterns in the long term.

Could be those receptors too though, that makes sense. Kind of like when people get super depressed after doing ecstacy, because they had a huge rush of seratonin during, then depleted seratonin afterwards.

I don't think it's just a mental reaction (pre NAL I'd already mentally given myself permission to drink ridiculous amounts daily without remorse, in other words I'd given up). Since starting the NAL I've noticed a marked decrease i how I feel in the morning. My first two days were rough, felt like crap getting up I think because I started with 50 mg dose instead of 2 days of 25 mg. But Thursday night I drank 15 units, just a few shy of normal, and I jumped out of bed Friday morning 7am with a spring in my step and a song in my heart. I really feel like something has changed at a biochemical/neurophysiological level in me (but then again, what do I know?). Anticipating many more interesting times & ups and downs ahead--as one of the veterans told me: strap your seatbelt you're in for the rollercoaster ride of your life

Tambo,

After my initial honeymoon, I definitely gave myself permission to go for broke, but like you, I went to bed instead. I have always had an amazing capacity to stay awake and continue drinking long after my hubby's gone to bed. It is also such a bizarre thing to wake up and realize I still have wine left in the bottle. Maybe you skipped over the initial honeymoon and you're a couple of weeks ahead I've also had a couple of blackouts which surprised me but as long as you can keep yourself safe, you should be OK.

I'm glad you've joined us and look forward to hearing about your progress!! Take care, BTDT