I have been away from this forum and didn't realize that my original post lit such a fire. I have deleted the original post because several people seemed to find it hurtful. To anyone I offended or hurt I extend my apologies. I wrote the original post in response to a few posts in a different topic area, where the term "magic pill" was used. I should have made that clear. Those posts suggested (at least to my reading) that NAL was the only path to sobriety that worked, that it worked 100%, and that NAL + ALC was an excuse to continue destructive drinking patterns. I was not suggesting AA or god to anyone. I will admit that I was over-reacting. I should have been more careful in my choice of words.

I am new to this board, but I have been following TSM since April 30th. I chime in at this point as I agree and disagree with the statements below. And because I have had some successes that I think others might find interesting. I will write later in the week and fomally introduce myself and my story. In general terms, I am a binge drinker who ALWAYS consumed 20-30 drinks (American) per drinking event. While it has been easy to garner a few AF days per week, it was never easy to abstain for a long period of time or minimize my drinking when I did relapse. I do say now, however, that my drinking as been reduced, by in large, around 70%. While I do have "events" where I drink nearly as I did before, it is not the same.

I write in response to this post, as I agree that naltrexone is not a magic pill and I do not believe that TSM should be utilized as a reason to pursue destructive drinking patterns. I do not think that most people here pursue it as such; however, there is the sense, from reading the posts (and the book), that one "could" continue along that same path, without reservations. I am aware that Dr. E. (and Dr. S.) has indicated that we should try to drink "normally." Well, for those of here "normal" is probably long gone. I say this as a long time "problematic" drinker, who has been as destructive as they come...arrest, fights, relationships...etc.

And I have to agree with the sentiment below that some responsibility, or willlpower, or willingness to grow spiritually, is necessary for this method. I say this because, as the book suggests, there is some compatibility between TSM and AA. I am aware that many people here have been VERY critical of AA. I have been in AA myself, and in general, I find many groups "off-putting." Even so, I have been involved in groups in the past (out of my current State) that were very good, and I do think the general AA philosophy is correct in saying that one "must be willing to grow along spiritual lines" in order to free one's self from the addiction.

I think the same holds true for the TSM method. I do think that unless one is willing to be honest about one's triggers and reasons for abuse (perhaps this can be called growing spiritually), then one is going to have a difficult time entirely freeing oneself from addiction to alcohol. I think, perhaps, SpringerRider, said it best..."do not overthink it." This gets to the second point that I tend to agree with, which is...I get the impression that some people become "dependent" or "obsessed" with TSM itself. I personally find this challenging, as I am as alcohol dependent as they come, but I do not wish to become hopelessly dependent upon TSM and insist that I must drink just so that I may "further extinction." (I have been very destructive to myself and family and it is simply intolerable....I have seen this same sentiment expressed here repeatedly)

I say this from my own personal experience, where I have reduced total consumption around 70% percent. While I might still drink much more than the average person, I would say the "crazies" have been absent since talking NAL. I would also add, that if someone does not feel like continuing drinking after taking NAL + a few drinks, then one should NOT continue to drink just because that might fit a past pattern. What I mean is...if NAL makes you feel like you can leave it alone...then you should...and if you feel like drinking more then you should continue as normal.

I do apologize if I seem to come off too strong, but like many of us, this is perhaps, my last hope. This is also where I would slighlty disagree with the author above. While, naltrexone had not been a "magic" pill, it had been a tremendous help for me. Even if all that naltrexone can do is "take away the crazies" then it is well worth it. I do believe though, that even more positive results await in the future. I will write again later and let people know how I am doing. First, I want everyone to know that I think this board and everyone on it is amazing. Even though everyone does not always agree, it is this board and these stories that has inspired me to puruse TSM (and I have had significant progress). I thank you all and I wish you all the best.

I look forward to reading more about your struggles and your eventual success.

Always,
MCIWS

Rats.

If there were a "magic pill", what, in your opinion, would it do? To me, Nal seems to fit my definition of a magic pill. The only way it could be better is if it worked faster or instantly.

Bob

MC it would be wonderful if you could share your progress in units so we could see the 75% success.
That is if you don't mind. It think it would be an inspiration. Wondering if it is the honeymoon affect that has been mentioned. Yes, analyzing a bit because it would be wonderful to have even close to a 75% decrease for most of us.

Hey Waiting, would that be an "Alko Alcohol" rat's ass?

Seriously, Jim have you read the book?

WTE Bravo is all I can say to all of this! Nice post by you!

I'm surprised that Jim has reduced his alcohol consumption by 70%, in just a few short weeks, while on naltrexone - and then comes on to chide us about thinking of naltrexone as 'a magic pill.'

While I don't think of it as a magic pill. . .I do regard it as an amazing new way to set thousands of previously 'hopeless' alcoholics free from their/our addiction.

I agree that developing spiritually helps in the effort to reduce or eliminate drinking. In my experience, this is a chicken/egg situation: alcohol in excess is a hindrance to spirituality. When we are thus distanced from the Source of our strength, we are more prone to drink - which further removes us from spirituality. Naltrexone, by reducing our alcohol consumption, enables us to reconnect with our Source, or spiritual center. Frankly, I feel like an entirely different person when I'm drinking at more normal levels, or not at all.

I am surprised by such a post coming from someone who just joined. It is a bit curious to say the least!