I am starting Nal today with script from my doctor. Tried Nal many years ago and quit when it didn't work after like 8 months. I did not have doctor support back then. I now know I probably should have hung in there. My new doctor has had me on Campral for past nine months. Problem for me is that I was in control of taking it. I dutifully carried it to work with me each day, but most days opted not to take it knowing that I could then drink.

I asked my new doctor this week if he knew of Nal and the response was positive! Surprised me as my old doctot had pooh-poohed it, I think out of ignorance. New doc said they have had better luck with Campral. I explained my problem with not taking it, so he said lets try Nal. On days I took Campral it did reduce and mostly eliminate cravings. I realize Nal does not work instantly like that.

Question is what if I take Campral on days I don't want to drink and Nal on days I do? Seems reasonable to me, but I don't really know. Is there some place on the board someone can point me to if this has already been discussed. Thanks in advance.

I'm hopeful this time around. Age 59, started at age 15. Quit for 10 miserable years with AA for 1st of those 10, then dropped out of that. Was not much fun to be around for 10 years. Restarted 7 years ago on a trip to Ireland where I decided to have just one glass of Harp. You guys know the rest of that story. 7 years of increasing drinking to now I am consuming more that when I stopped.

Hi GG and welcome,

I was on Campral during my most recent 14-month sobriety stint. I took it every day, but I don't know honestly how much it was keeping the cravings at bay. I didn't realize it had properties to help reduce cravings instantaneously, as it seems to for you.

My Dr.'s recommendation was to quit taking Campral in order to be able to guage how well the Naltrexone is working. But I don't know that your plan would be harmful, especially if it gives you more AF days from the get-go. That definitely wasn't an option for me In time, once the Nal has helped reduce your intake naturally, and you'll be able to tell, then perhaps you could try AF days with no Campral. Just my opinion, though. Could be totally off base.

When I relapsed in June, it was with a vengeance - right back to 2-3 bottles per day. Now, in my 4th week on Nal, the cravings are subsiding, the "kick" of drinking is receding, and my numbers are finally starting to come down. I may end this week right around 40 units, which would be amazing for me.

Good luck and keep us informed on your progress!