Pre-Sinclair: Mostly a binge drinker. Drank heavily 3-4 nights per week. Average consumption 70+ units per week.

Week 1 (39 units, Craving 4):
The first day taking Naltrexone was very interesting. My wife made a Lasagna, which I love. I poured myself a glass or red wine, an hour after taking my first Nal, and sat down for dinner. The wine didn't taste like wine and the Lasagna tasted like it was missing salt or some other critical ingredient that gave it "the real taste." I had to force myself to drink 3 glasses of wine that day. That night, my sleep was very disrupted.

The following 2 days were similar. I had very little desire for alcohol and had a difficult time sleeping, until the 3rd night when I took an ambien.

By day 5, my appetite for alcohol started returning, but the desire to drink uncontrollable wasn't there or was diminished a great deal.

Day 6, was not a good day. I over consumed big time: ~12 units. Day 7, I had no desire at all to even look at alcohol, so I didn't even take my Nal.

Week 2 (54 units, Craving 9):
First two days, my consumption is up from last week but still well below where it was before starting The Sinclair Method. I continue to notice that after taking Nal and having a few drinks, I become extremely tired. I have a hard time keeping my eyes open. I'm hoping this side effect passes in time.

Day 4 (week 2): I drank far more that I wanted to drink tonight. I took my NAL on my drive home from work, so I know I'm covered. 10 units + tonight. I will not be in good shape tomorrow.

Ending the week on a better note, but for the most part during Week 2 my desire for alcohol was nearly the same as it was before starting the Sinclair Method. I feel disappointed, but know from the graphs and results of Dr. Sinclair's trials that what I'm experiencing is normal.

Weeks 3 (45 units, Craving 9):
Week 3 was much better than week 2. I am feeling the grip alcohol had on me loosing. As N101CS once stated, the "event horizon" whereby I would lose control and drink until I pass out has raised considerably. I can consume 4-5 beverages and feel just fine stopping. I went past this a once, over the weekend, and did lose control. I look forward to the day when this is no longer there.

I continue to struggle with the effect Nal has on me in terms of making me really sleepy after taking it and have a couple drinks. It is almost like taking a sleeping pill.

Week 4 (36 units, Craving 7):
Week 4 for me was very much like week 3, with the exception of two very unique experiences. The first situation came when my wife and I went out for dinner on Wednesday night. We went to this new microbrewery in town. I ordered a 20oz micro and really enjoyed it. When dinner came, I ordered a second -- my wife was just getting through the first half of her first and only for the night. After the first couple drinks of the second 20oz micro, I completely lost interest in it. I enjoyed the rest of my dinner then looked at the 90% full beverage, but simple had no interest in it. I took a few more small sips of the thing because I was feeling guilty for ordering it, but just didn't want anymore. I ended up walking out leaving the mostly full beverage on the table. I've never done this.

The second situation came last night when my wife and I went to friends house for dinner. Before dinner, we all had a couple glasses of wine while we were visiting. As dinner was being served, I was poured a third healthy glass. I sipped on it through dinner and enjoyed the conversation and good friends. As desert was being served 45min later, my glass of wine easy still better than half full. It wasn't that I didn't like it, I'd honestly forgotten about it as we were all talking. With the sweets being served, wine just didn't appeal to me as much as a nice cup of coffee. Once again, this is a completely new experience for me. Normally, I would have just gulped the wine down regardless and be thinking about more.

I will point out that my week was not without some excessive drinking. Friday night I downed 14 or so units and felt pretty rough the next morning. That night, I came home and immediately downed 3 shots of vodka (after taking my Nal, of course). This set me up for a pretty aggressive night of drinking, mostly Vodka.

I was feeling a little down on myself given friday night and one other night earlier in the week, but on looking back at the week I am feeling very good about my progress. This is working.... The end is in sight.

Week 5 (43 units, Craving 8):
Had a bit of a backslide progress wise this week. My primary problem remains that 1-2 nights/week, I binge. While I do notice overall progress, it appears I still have a ways to go to "extinct" these binge days.

I had an especially bad night friday, whereby I made some bad decisions after drinking excessively. I felt, and still feel, pretty bummed out about that night.

I would have like to have seen continued progress in my drinking diary, but know this is a 16+ week journey that I'm only 5 weeks into.

As of this week, I am currently at 72% of my pre-sinclair drinking levels. The Sinclair Method Extinction Curve shown on page 120 of Dr. Eskapa's book indicates that people from the trials who were at the point in the treatment I am were consuming about 75% of their pre-sinclair levels. Looking at the numbers, I'm definitely on track.

Week 6 (35 units, Craving 6):
Week 6 has been a very good week for me. I had one bad night first part of the week, but after that I've felt really good. In fact, the last few days I've felt like I'm getting a new lease on life. I can't remember the last time I've felt this good. I've not been drunk now in about a week, which is SO amazing. I was just thinking this weekend, that six weeks ago I was spending about 1/3+ of my life drunk or hungover.

One interesting point about where I currently am in this program: I'm finding that extinction has taken me to a point now that I have pretty good control over how much I want to drink in a given day. However, I'm still not out of the woods. I'm finding that I can quite comfortably drink 2-5 units and stop if I really want, but there is still a slight desire to continue drinking especially when I get up around the 5 unit level. If I choose to go beyond 4-5 units and get up round 6-7, as I did earlier last week, it's game over. I lose control. I think this goes back to the binge drinking style that I was stuck on for so long. I still have a ways to go to really extinct this behavior, but it isn't controlling me like it used to. My plan from this point out is to not give into the desire to keep going after 4-5 units, but just call it a night.

I also want to point out that most days I still do desire alcohol, but it isn't NEARLY as intense and is mostly satisfied with a 2-3 units. AF days aren't really that difficult, but there is a desire there. I find that on the AF nights, I desire alcohol in the early evening, then often just forget about it as the night progresses.

I still have a ways to go, but looking back 6 weeks ago the change in my life is nothing short of AMAZING.

Week 7 (33 units, Craving 5-6):
Week 7 was very much like week 6 for me. I've hit a bit of a mini-plateau. I'm still struggling with the desire to binge, but this desire is weaking and when I have given into it, I've not drank nearly as much as I used to.

Week 8 (36 units, Craving 4):
Still in my mini-plateau. I back slide slightly in the total number of drinks consumed in a week, but my craving, by in large, is the lowest it has been since starting. I had two excessive nights last week that basically pushed my numbers up.

Week 9: (7 units, Craving 1-2)
This week was a very abnormal week in that I came down with a really nasty virus that put me down really hard. I had absolutely not desire was so ever for Alcohol, so didn't even take Nal.

The unique aspect of this week is that in the past I would drink went I was sick to take the edge off feeling crappy. Initially during the week, I had the thought of doing this, but really no desire for alcohol. What I'm taking away from this is that The Sinclair Method has extinct my alcohol craving to the point that I my desire for it, while ill, is more in line with a typical persons desire.

I feel a bit down about this week in that I feel like I'm putting my treatment on hold. However, it is all part of the journey.

Week 10: (16 units, Craving 2-3)
I was still recovering most of week 10 from a very nasty virus from that hit me during week 9. In fact, I am just now feeling normal again. I had to completely halt taking Nal for about 3-4 days during the later part of week 9 and into the first part of week 10 because my Dr. put me on an opiate pain killer to help with some rather nasty symptoms I has suffering from my viral infection. I did not experience any adverse reaction to taking the opiate pain killer once I stopped taking Nal nor did I experience any adverse reaction when I stopped taking the pain killer and started taking Nal again.

My overall craving level is WAY down from where it was a couple weeks ago. I'm not sure if this is a lingering side effect of the illness I just recovered from or a true representation of the extinction of my alcohol craving.

As I begin week 11, my craving level remains very low, in the 1-2 range. We'll see how the rest of this week plays out.

Week 11: (17 units, Craving 3)
My overall craving level remains low, but still had one night last week where I had the desire to binge drink. The binge was not nearly as bad as what I used to experience. I drank 8 units on this binge night, whereas I used to drink 12-14+ on a binge night.

I'm really now feeling a control over my drinking that I've not had in some time. It is just amazing to me to be in a situation were I can drink as much as I want, but to honesty have a "take it or leave it" feeling about alcohol.

Week 12: (26 units, Craving 5-6)
Had a bit of a backslide last week with both units consumed and craving. It may be that my sickness there for a couple weeks was artificially lowering my numbers. I seem to be about on track from where I left off at week 8-9.

Week 13: (36 units, Craving 6)
Drinking levels have shot up a bit, as has craving. I believe the 2-3 week period I was sick was basically like stopping TSM, so I'm looking at my progress as basically at week 10-11. Overall, I'm a little disappointed in my desire to drink at this point. However, I'm just going to keep working the method: Nal + Drinking = cure.

Week 14: (35 units, Craving 7)
Not much change from week 13.

Week 15: (38 units, Craving 8)
I seem to be sliding backwards a bit here. Onward and upward I guess.

Week 16: (45 units, Craving 9)
This was a very difficult week for me. My drinking pattern this week was that of my pre-sinclair drinking pattern, however my consumption was not as high. I have been very discouraged and, in fact, questioned The Sinclair Method. Since starting TSM, I have never drank without first taking Nal at least one hour prior to drinking.

I am committed to The Sinclair Method and will not deviate from it. I only wish there were more first hand accounts from those who have been through this to give us some kind of an impression of what to expect.

I have been at this 4 months now. Dr. Eskapa's book states one should expect to be cured at after 3-4 months on TSM, but I am not close to being cured. In fact, it would take very little for me to fall back into my pre-sinclair drinking levels at this point.

Week 17: (33 units, Craving 6)
This was a MUCH better week for me. I am feeling back "in the game" with respect to TSM. Craving is down, control is up, spirit is up.

A thought hit me this week that will be central to me being cured of my alcohol abuse. TSM is giving me control over my alcohol consumption like I have not had in years. However, I still have a desire at times to numb myself. During these times, I want to be drunk and not feel normal stuff. It is this desire I need to address, because TSM isn't going to cure this.

Week 18: (30 units, Craving 4)
A very good week this week. Had one bad night during the week, but all is very good beyond this.

Week 19: (31 units, Craving 5)
Another fairly good week overall. My trend is definitely lower craving level, which is what we're looking for. I'm hoping this trend continues, but I will remain cautious as I have experienced lower craving levels earlier in the process only to have them rebound in subsequent weeks.

At this point, I'm feeling I turned a corner in week 17. Feeling very good about my progress.

Week 20: (32 units, Craving 4)
Craving remains lower this week. If it hadn't have been for friends shoving drinks under my nose Friday and Saturday (4th of July), I believe I'd have been in the high 20s consumption wise. Definitely a positive trend going on.

Week 21: (26 units, Craving 4)
Great week last week. Craving remains low and I'm feeling much less pull from my more powerful triggers. In fact, I'd have probably been under 20 units had I not basically forced myself to drink more than I really wanted to one night.

The beast has lost it fangs!!! I'm nearing the zone which is considered "safe drinking levels for a male." However, I'm still a bit high on units consumed per sitting on a couple days.

Most nights now, I come home and get a feeling "should I drink tonight." Sometimes, I just don't feel like taking Nal, so just dismiss the idea all together. Other nights, I take the Nal, wait an hour, then just have no desire what so ever to drink. I still have a night or two a week were I'm drinking 6-10 units -- this goes back to my original binge type drinking. However, this is MUCH MUCH better than 14-18 units 3-4 nights a week (my pre-sinclair habit).

Week 22: (21 units, Craving 3)

Another great week. Overall craving for the week remained low and mostly just didn't feel like drinking.

One night, my binge craving kicked in (due to a trigger) and consumed 10 units. What was interesting about this night, is initially I dismissed the idea of drinking (even though I'd already taken NAL). My wife then cracked open some wine, so I later decided to grab some. Even though this spike only happened once last week, I still don't like it. However, I was riding out a trigger with NAL and am happy to be extinghishing it.

Week 23: (14 units, Craving 2) -- CURED

I am calling it -- It is GAME OVER!!!

I am CURED of my addiction to Alcohol. The road was bumpy, but the result was absolute. ]

Why do I know I am cured? I no longer am controlled by Alcohol. I know decide when I drink. In fact, week by week Alcohol is becoming less and less desirable to me. When I first drank this Thursday, it was coming off 5 AF days. My addiction to AL is gone.

Long term, I'm leaning towards abstinence, but we'll see where TSM takes me.


Summary of Progress

It is disappointing when drinking goes back up during week 2 isn't it?!

But at least we know this is normal, and what is expected with the method.

I wish I was on month 3 instead of just coming up to week 3!

It is very discouraging. I keep telling myself it is normal and to just keep pushing ahead.

I too wish I was pushing on month three instead of week 3.

Hang in there Q. I seemed to have a pretty big reduction at the 4th. You'll do OK?

Week 4 update in original post.

Thanks for the updates Q- I updated as well today- I am still feeling a bit blue after over drinking last night, so it has been encouraging to see it is still happening to you also.

You and I started around the same time, and I think our progress is very similar.

Roll on next week!

Marbella,

Yes, our progress is very similar. I recall Springerider having a similar experience around this time in Sinclair, so it looks like we are on track.

I wouldn't be too hard on yourself. Remember, alcohol in a depressant. I almost always feel down on myself the day after excessive drinking. However, today is a new day.

As long as we are taking our Nal, we can't go wrong.

Thank you for the update and comments. It is very encouraging!

Q

Week 5 progress update in original post.

Q-

Do you find there is a pattern to the binges?

I have had 3 binges and maybe 3 more heavier than usual days in the five weeks since we started, but I think just about all of those had a trigger- row with a friend, (x2!) mess up with the shop, very trying day with a company I deal with, etc. Nothing huge, just life's normal ups and downs, but those days I seem to drink as I did pre-nal- although the next day I am able to return to reduced drinking again, something I could not do pre-nal.

Are your binges set off by something, or is there no apparent reason?

My binges are most definitely trigger related. My major trigger for binging usually isn't so much stress related as situational. For some time; I've used a combination of detaching myself from everything, diving into my laptop, and drinking alchohol. Seems strange, but that's my major trigger.

While this trigger is still an issue for me, I'm finding that it is not as strong and doesn't happen nearly as often. Given that this was my major trigger, I'm sure it will take some time for extinction to occur.

I would say that for the most part my binges are set off by no apparent reason.