I have only taken NAL 10 days now, but it has profoundly helped in changing my behavior. In prior exercises of transitioning off alcohol I would just quit now. I am drinking now for extinction only.

The purpose of my note today: in two of the 10 days I waited 4.5 hours and 2.5 hours prior to dosing with alcohol (or thereabouts). On those days (last night was 2.5) I got most of the old-time high, which bums me out in a majorly way. It appears I have to watch the clock a lot better if I wish the NAL to block the rush and kill the taste. NAL on 60 minutes so far destroys the taste and euphoria of a stiff cocktail; NAL on four hours reduces the pleasure and effect very little -- maybe 20%. In this brief trial of mine, I can conclude only that NAL + 60, with some discipline, is the only thing that has worked so far for me.

On a third day I also 'forgot' to go get some booze, and as a few hours had elapsed I decided to cut a second pill in half and then consumed that. The drug's suppressive effect worked that day.

Hate being a clock-watcher, but that's my experience.

I don't know what effect body size has on drug efficacy. I asked BarryB yesterday and he didn't think it did have an effect. But other substances we ingest take effect at varying rates controlled by body size. Duh, such as alcohol.

BV,
There's been some debate on this board as to whether a top up dose is needed or not. I was concerened about this and read through a number of old posts. Even though the book says one 50mg dose is sufficent and stays in the system for 24 hours, many "old timers" have a different view. Some talk about a half life of 4-6 hours and top up if they haven't drunk or plan on drinking for longer than this. It seems that your experience may support this view. I have always erred on the side of caution, and topped up with either a full or half dose. I don't want to take any chances.
Ruth.

Agreed. The regulator says the stuff is safe up to 300 mg a day. I'm taking the belt and suspenders approach.

While size impacts our response to alcohol, most adult drugs are the same dosage no matter what your size (e.g. IV antibiotics, where life and death matter, are generally dosed the same whether the person is 100 pounds or 300 pounds). Other drugs (e.g. blood thinners, heparin, chemotherapy, some sedatives) are adjusted based on weight. I'm no pharmacologist by any means, but I'd be pretty sure Nalterxone is in the former category -- works exactly the same regardless of size.

Hi all -

And Barry, I'm curious about your count - I see that 32 in there and wonder what you were doing that week!?

Anyway, as I've said in previous posts, I'm planning to take my 1st Nal this Saturday!

The thing I want to admit or say is that I'm not sure if I should tell my husband. The reason why I don't want to tell him is mostly unhealthy. What if it doesn't work? I don't want to 'fess up to my secret drinking behavior until I'm sure I can stop!

It probably is best to tell him for our relationship, it will probably bring us closer, though I also don't want to worry him. He's pretty cool, live and let live type, he doesn't judge. He's partied hardy in his life but as he's gotten older he doesn't like to so much, like a normal person.

MaggieMay,

He already knows you have a problem.

I would tell him you are worried about your drinking and you want to get a handle on it so you are going to follow TSM.

At least you are admitting you need help and are willing to "do the work".

For me, telling my wife (who already knows I have a drinking problem) about TSM keep it from being one of a million little secrets we drinkers accumulate.

She is very happy I'm stepping up and "doing the work".

Just my 2 cents.

Rich

What! He does?!

Okay, I think you are right. I appreciate your 2 cents! it's hard to admit a fault or weakness. Actually, it's more difficult to admit the weakness w/ alcohol due to, perhaps (more to understand on my part), the misguided societal/popular belief that alcholism is a moral weakness.

Thank you!

How do I calculate my units? Is it based on the last week? I've been drinkingmore than usual due to the anticipation of drinking less than usual!

I hope everyone is doing well!

This was recommended in a post somewhere else on this site.... I use this one...

http://www.cleavebooks.co.uk/scol/ccalcoh3.htm

thanks! but im wondering if i use this past week as ny baseline or whst i normally drink? i will have to guestimate somewhat because i dont know how much i would drink on a given night.