I could just cry...... I'm not doing very well this week. Although I did manage an AF day two weeks ago, my cravings seem as strong as ever. 7 units last night! Mixing white and red wine, big headache and feeling like crap. The kudzu and the l glutamine don't seem to do much for me. I still look forward to 5:00 so I can drink. Also, I got my DNA results from 23andme.com which gave me the least favorable outcome from taking Naktrexone based on my genealogy. (

Oh, I'm sorry to hear about the genetics testing. However, don't despair...I think that just means you might have to work a little bit harder than some other people. Just rermember what your non-nal alternatives are: alcoholism, or abstinence. Neither one sounds like much fun right? So hang in there and buckle up. It's normal that you're still having cravings.

Thanks EL,

Thats a good way to look at things. Nal vs alcoholism or abstinence. Make your choice. The only one that looks good to me is Nal. I can be patient, and I guess thats really what I need to do. Last night wasn't so bad, 4 glasses of wine, no memory loss. Thanks for your support EL. Keep going you are doing great!

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Hi D,

Thanks for that info. I would like to look into this statistical information. Do you remember what web site you read this on? Thanks for the encouraging news! Have a great weekend...

Best,

Another not so good week ended at 44 units. The concert last night put me way over the top. No black out, no slurry speech, no bad behavior but way too much to drink. Over a period of about 7 hours I drank 3 glasses of wine, 2 pints of beer, and two margaritas. Then believe it or not, when we got home I poured even more tequila and orange liquor trying to make myself a third margarita. Most disturbing to me was that was the first time I ever took a drink to bed with me. Thank goodness I fell asleep and didn't drink much of that last one. Does anyone out there experience this non drunkeness after so many drinks? I mean it's great that I didn't do anything stupid and/or embarrass myself, but the pull to drink more is definitely there. And so much alcohol lends to a fine headache the next morning. I ran out the door this morning and forced myself to walk, to do something, anything to be good to my body. I feel pretty lost in all of this and really appreciate the great support this forum provides. On with week 22. I'm feeling like I should give it until the end of 2011. If I don't see results by that time, and based on the DNA test coming back unfavorable, I'll have to seek another alternative I think. Abstinence may be in order.

Hi Nalwayout,

YOu've been so great to me and other newcomers to TSM, I hate to think of you feeling despondent about your progress. From what I read on your progress thread, Nal IS working for you--you are experiencing real harm reduction in many ways. And week 22 is not so very long a time, is it? Haven't some people plugged away for up to two years before getting to where they wanted and made a decision about abstinence vs. moderation?

The DNA test may be psyching you out, too. (An anti-placebo effect!!)What does this test measure, anyway? Have Dr. Eskapa or Dr. Sinclair weighed in whether the test results definitely relate to nal "not working"?

Hang in there.

Deja

Hey Deja,

I agee its still early at only week 22. I'm going to keep trying through the end of this year. There should be some progress by then at week 31 I would think. And Certainly I don't mean to bring evryone down with my negative thoughts lately. Its just I use this weekly progress thread to write down my thoughts. Its a great way to expell negative thinking by writing it down or typing it. In other words, excuse my whiney behavior. LOL. And thanks for the support and the idea of asking the Doctor what he thinks. Perhaps he has some input. I hope you have a great week. Keep plugging away. Nal on.....

Best,

nalway-

i agree with deja, about the dna test freaking you out a bit. what is basically told you was that you aren't going to be a super-responder, right? and you already knew that sweetie. i'm pretty sure that it was st. vincent who had his dna tested and he was also in the least likely to respond category and he is CURED! 22 weeks is still early and remember that sometimes a unit spike or up in craving is followed by progress! nal on - you will get there!

Nalway -- hang in there and continue to use this board to express what you're going through, good or bad. You're engaged in a long hard struggle and deserve to ask us for the support you need.

You're making progress. Slow and steady.