Thank you for that BGH. I think (and I may be way off base) that Chance was referring to having some sort of a support network--which is important to have whether you have a drinking problem or not. Pre-TSM, when I finally found an AA group I could stomach on a weekly basis it was because it was a small group with people I felt I connected with (no coincidence it was the least dogmatic religious group I'd been able to find). There were many homosexuals, transvestites, and just had more of a "liberal feel". But ultimately it was still the same old AA crap I'd previously experienced. It's a shame that I didn't get more members' phone numbers because I think some of the group members would have been thrilled to learn about TSM. I'd like to think if I ever started an AA group (in an alternate universe) it would be the most open and accepting group ever. Sort of like I still consider myself to be a catholic and I enjoy attending mass, but am also pro-choice, pro gay marriage, respect the views of Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Wiccan, etc., and I suspect the current pope has many evil tendencies--but I'm still a Catholic & they are stuck with me!
Since I've started TSM this site has been my primary support network-I heart you all!

GBH, I'm not a huge advocate AA but it has helped a lot of people with their alcoholism. I don't want to make disparaging remarks about AA. I've been to quite a few meeting and I got a lot by hearing members share their stories. By attending meetings I no longer felt alone in my struggle. The 12 step stuff and belief in a higher power weren't for me, however. Like I said in my previous post, while the goal may be singular (sobriety) there are many different paths to get there. For some it's AA. For me it looks like Nal.

Even though the method doesn't require a support group or therapy, I personally get a lot out of group meetings and message board like this one. Like when I quit smoking, I realized that the physical addiction was only 10% of the problem. For me it was the mental addiction that was the hardest thing to break.

I'm really glad I found this board and look forward to contributing where I can.

-Chance

Hi everyone,

It's only been 12 days since I started on Nal. The nausea has passed and I feel great. I know it's still really early but what I've experienced thus far is nothing short of a miracle. I control how much I drink and when. I leave drinks half drunk all the time now. I don't bother with shots. I feel that I've gotten my life and my self respect back. I just hope that this trend continues.

Although I'm not religious, I thank God that I found Naltrexone and this board! I hope the best is yet to come.

Chance

In all charity, because of the contents of some of the above posts, specifically St.Jude's comments about the Catholic Church, I feel I must respond here.

This is not, however, the place to respond to each of the points stated by St.Jude about her 'beliefs' as a 'catholic.' I simple want to correct an impression some may have that her beliefs are what Catholics hold.

"Sort of like I still consider myself to be a catholic and I enjoy attending mass, but am also pro-choice, pro gay marriage, respect the views of Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Wiccan, etc., and I suspect the current pope has many evil tendencies--but I'm still a Catholic & they are stuck with me!"

St.Jude states that "I enjoy attending mass" but perhaps others may not know that at Mass Catholics state in the third part of the Apostle's Creed: "I believe in the Catholic Church." So what does that mean to St.Jude? To me it means literally that when the Church teaches something I'm to believe in it.

I can only suggest that St.Jude and anyone else who is interested get a copy of The Catechism of the Catholic Church. Here you will find a list of the 'rules' but also a clear, thorough, well sourced explanation of WHY the Church teaches as she does, why she has ALWAYS taught what she does, and why she MUST continue to teach these things.

God Bless you all. This is my last post. Good luck to St.Jude, Chance, and all others who are so brave as to launch out into the deep and save themselves from slavery to alcohol. BGH

BGH-I'll respond in more detail to the PM you sent me, but I wanted to apologize if I offended anyone else with my off the cuff (and slightly tongue in cheek) comments. In retrospect it was a poor choice of analogy and I know it's best to keep religion and politics out of these types of things. Having said that, I do own a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and I attended Catholic grammar school. I belong to an amazing church with a wonderful priest whom I met while volunteering at a homeless shelter, and because of him I started attending weekly mass again. I believe in the teachings of Jesus as they relate to universal love, acceptance, forgiveness, and helping others. I do not judge others as sinners, and I think it's very sad that numerous wars, deaths, torture, and other acts of abuse have been carried out in the name of organized religion(s) over centuries of civilization
Just as I don't think anyone should tell me how my recovery should go, I also don't think anyone should tell me how to embrace my religion and I respect your right to do the same. Please don't stay away from the forum on my account; as I stated earlier, religious and political discussions are best saved for lively dinner parties.

Wow! What's up with this??? You guys.... Don't bicker, everyone is allowed their freedom to speak. Let's respect one another. If someone is pissed off & doesn't want to continue with a forum that has served them well then it's just as well for all of us not to have that kind of negativity on board. We deserve the support & MOST of us really appreciate what our Sinclair friends have done & said to lift ALL!!! our spirits. Even the ones that are cured! Be thankful, not hateful in your critisim of other people. Burns me up!!
St. Jude... You go man!!

Haven't updated in awhile so I thought I'd share my experiences over the past few weeks. As many of you know, I am a binge drinker. I'd wait for the weekend so I could drink myself into a stupor. Talk about zero productivity weekends.

Well, my taste for alcohol gradually came back after the initial distaste from my first dose of Nal. So far my experience is quite different than what I expected. First of all, I haven't drank to excess to the point that I've been hungover since taking Nal. This always used to be a problem for me when I binge drank. Constant hangovers and further "hair of the dog," drinking. My mind still wants to drink, but I can't tell you how many glasses of wine, and beer have been left without so much a sip. I think I'm wasting just as much alcohol as I'm drinking. I no longer do shots with my friends, and it fact I find the idea of shots kind of dumb.

Now for the interesting part. I am drinking more often. Four to five nights a week now. Not much, maybe two or three drinks a night. I think I'm drinking more frequently now because I can. Previously, if I drank I would get drunk. End of story. Now, I have a few drinks then read and go to bed. I finally know what it's like to be a "casual" drinker.

The changes for me are dramatic. I'm a little concerned that the results are too good to be true but so far so good. I feel that I've gotten my life back. I now can wake up early Saturday morning and go to the farmer's market, or stay out late with my friends without worrying that I'll get hammered.

I want to thank Nal, this board, and everyone on it for, if not saving my life, giving me my life back. I was about to hit rock bottom and then this happened. I know this may sound funny but I feel truly blessed.

-Chance

Chance, that's amazing! You've only been doing TSM for a few weeks too. Be careful though, my drinking increased after my first couple weeks and looks like it is finally now starting to settle down again. I was a binge drinker too and now I'm an almost everyday drinker. Hopefully this won't happen to you but be wary of the possible bumpy ride ahead of you.

Wow, Chance, yours seem to be among the swiftest responses to Nal. Practically effortlessly and down to at 10-15 units/week in just three weeks - that is quite something. Keep it up!

Hi Chance! I am really happy for you Keep up the positive attitude! Looks like your almost there. Good for you!!
JANE