Hello folks -- here are my daily results for week three -- I'm feeling more "normal" with each passing day! Now that I've been taking Naltrexone daily for three weeks, I can definitely confirm that it's lowered my tolerance to the "depressive" aspects of alcohol (I get tired and loopy with way less alcohol), while simultaneously decreasing the stimulatory effects that were so enticing. Consequently, I feel more inebriated (but not more energetic) after a couple of beers -- which results in no desire to drink more. This is definitely a good thing for me -- as it puts me within striking distance of moderate alcohol consumption and provides a clear and positive picture of what a future without "beer thoughts" may be like. Stay tuned for week four -- maybe that's when I'll experience a day when I truly don't want to have a beer!

1-Apr 3.0
2-Apr 3.1
3-Apr 4.3
4-Apr 1.4
5-Apr 3.8
6-Apr 2.4
7-Apr 3.7
Week 2 Total 21.7
% redux from pre-NAL 48.37%

Great results! Thanks for sharing! I love hearing early progress stories. They do happen!

Thanks for the update Netty- fantastic progress!

Another week's gone by and I'm headed into the 5th. Last week my consumption didn't change much from the previous week (averaging about 3 beers/day), but I have no problem with that -- especially since I was immersed in social situations (semi-annual family reunion) which is a major drinking trigger for me -- and would typically result in my drinking excessively to relax and enjoy myself. I'm happy to report that all previous side effects have disappeared. Still haven't felt like having an AF day yet, but I figure it's going to happen one these days!

Here are this week's stats:

8-Apr 2.7
9-Apr 2.7
10-Apr 3.7
11-Apr 3.7
12-Apr 2.7
13-Apr 2.2
14-Apr 3.5
Week 4 21.2
% redux 49.48%
from pre-nal

Week 5 (US units*) results are in. Still haven't had an AF day yet, but my steadily declining numbers are still encouraging.

Pre-Nal 42
15-Apr 2.5
16-Apr 2.6
17-Apr 1.6
18-Apr 2.9
19-Apr 3.3
20-Apr 2.3
21-Apr 2.7
Total 17.9
% redux 57.49%

*.6 oz (or 14g) alcohol per unit

Netty - your progress is awesome, good for you!

I wouldn't worry too much about AF days...it looks like you are gaining control which is the main thing. The way I look at it is I actually had more AF days before I started, but now, every night I drink is another notch in my 'extinction' belt. The first month I was pretty dedicated to NOT havng AF days. I may go AF for a bit starting tonight just because my body is getting tired, but I don't think we should force it in the first month or so. The AF should just start happening painlessly I think..so give it time.

Congrats again on week 5.

HP1 -- thanks for the encouraging words! My husband and I are really looking forward to that first AF day. It'll be a watershed event for this daily drinker!

Not a great week -- no change from last week (not quite 1 beer up). I'm a bit disappointed that I'm headed into week 7 and still can't accomplish an AF day. Maybe next week I'll exercise a wee bit of will power and make it happen for at least one day.

Here are the daily stats from a compulsive drink tracker:

22-Apr 1.6
23-Apr 2.8
24-Apr 2.7
25-Apr 2.0
26-Apr 4.0
27-Apr 1.9
28-Apr 3.7
Week 6 18.7
% redux 55.42%

Week 7 is a bit early in the 4 to 6 month regimen we are going through. Don't force an AF unless it is absolutely necessary. It will come naturally.

Bob

I'm not so sure about "naturally" allowing the AF process to kick in. I'm starting to think if I don't use my head (aka will-power) at all, I can pretty much guarantee "naturally" will be "naturally" deferred "indefinitely". I intend to apply will power this coming week -- at least one day WILL be AF.