I had a really great conversation with my Psychiatrist yesterday and I just wanted to share the experience and put in a general suggestion.

We really had a great discussion about the nature of TSM and how it differed from using Naltroxen once-a-day while abstaining. He was genuinely interested in how it worked, how you measured success and how it was working for me. I left feeling truly supported.

My doctor is in the SF Bay Area. I don't want to post his name so as to give the impression he's just there to write scripts - he's not. He's there to help treat you for all kinds of issues including alcoholism. That being said, if you're in the Bay Area and have a hard time finding a psychiatrist that will work with you, send me a message and I will help with a referral.

I know people may be reluctant to see a Psychiatrist, whether it's the cost or from fear of being labeled with "alchohol treatment" or "just plain crazy". Honestly I share some of these fears.

But the thing is, a psychiatrist main form of treatment these days is a wide variety of drugs for altering brain chemistry. They get it when you talk about how Naltrexon works to block the positive reinforcement we get from drinking. Your GP or Primary Care doctor likely doesn't.

If you are worried about getting labeled a drunk, then just pay cash and keep it off your insurance record. I know that may sound expensive, but you may well be able to save the difference in filling your prescription. Costco (kind of a West Coast thing) sells Naltrexon for less than $50 per 30. At least half the price of online pharmacies. I'm guessing Walmart or other low cost generic pharmacies will probably be about the same.

Finally, and not to put too fine a point on it, a psychiatrist is an MD. They can order the liver test that the book recommends you get, and they are there if you need help with other issues. And I, for one, fully admit I have my share of issues...

Anyway, just my two cents. Best of luck to everyone who's taking the journey!

awayout

I totally agree with you. It was my psychiatrist who first mentioned the proven effectiveness of naltrexone a couple of years ago, before I was ready to think of using it. He is a researcher in brain chemisty and trials of pharmacological meds and totally understands the TSM concept.

Meanwhile, my GP, who is an excellent md for me--and has been for years in helping with my heart (family history a real negative factor), blood pressure, women's health issues, etc,-- refused to order nal. That's when I went back to my psychiatrist, who had been helping me with depression and anxiety issues. I was ready to give TSM a try after reading the book.

I'm doing really well, with the help of nal and this site and all I've read here from the devoted posters.

Anyone in the NYC is invited to contact me for a referral.

awayout....I live in the Bay Area and have been searching for a Doc to prescribe. Am very interested in the info about your Psychiatrist
since I have been to rehab twice not too worried about my record (too late now!) Please reply!!!

Many Thanks,
Blubeastie

Thank you for your post. I hadn't thought of the psychiatrist route. I wrote you directly and appreciate any referral you can give.