I've been using Nal for 9 months and I have gone from 75 units to zero, with no effort at all. (Unbelievable after 25 years of out-of-control drinking) Now that I am at zero do I still need to take naltrexone on non-drinking days? I am pretty sure I know the answer but I want to be sure. The psych who prescribes for me doesn't follow TSM and does the traditional deal of "reduce or quite drinking then take naltrexone". This approach is I think is the conventional prescription for Nalltrexone and per TSM is just exactly backwards. According to this philosophy I would take naltrexone every day regardless of drinking, as though it curbs the cravings when taken without alcohol. This is contra-extinction if I undersant TSM. TSM indicates that I should only need trex when drinking, which I think is the right answer.

I really can't believe I'm here, but I am. Now that I'm cured, what do I do? I will want to drink in moderation (at least I think I will). Funny, I have pretty near zero interest in drinking.

Should you take trex when not drinking?

J

Pre-trex: 75 units
9 months later: 0 units
It really works. Amazing!

No, you shouldn't take it when not drinking. There's no reason to take it if you're not going to drink.

Having little to no interest in alcohol is great. That's the biggest sign of a true cure. Many of us become near-teetotalers, not because we originally wanted that but because alcohol has so little appeal that it's not worth the hassle of taking naltrexone and waiting an hour.

Welcome; glad to see you here.

On the other hand...

From my experience and others, part of the effect of Naltrexone is more of an aversion effect. When we pair the unpleasant (even "mildly" unpleasant) feeling of Nal with alcohol, we begin to not want either. I think if one is cured and then has cravings, taking a Naltrexone at that point can be very powerful. It brings back memories and slaps you back into reality. You also know once you popped the bill that your binge is going to be lame and unfulfilling. So, IMO, some cured people can sometimes take a Nal to curb cravings or to help you through difficult events (e.g. open bar at wedding), but I definitely wouldn't take it every day.

Just to be clear...with which method have you been taking Nal so far? Have you been using it as per TSM (1 hour before drinking) or have you been following your psych's advice and taking it daily whilst trying to abstain?

If you've been doing TSM then the answer is no, you don't take it unless you are going to drink and then always remember to follow the one hour golden rule.

If you've been following your doctors advice then you should continue with that method and take it daily as prescribed.

Congratulations on your success.

I certainly wouldnt want to take it every day. I think that would make for a flat, joyless life.

Id try stopping and see how it goes. I have a nal on my keychain just in case.

I definitely feel thst nal reduces my desire to drink, with that gone, you may find you want to drink again. If you do you need to follow the golden rule.

Nope there is no need and in fact it helps you enjoy non-drinking activities more if you don't take it on non-drinking days.

I've not used it for months and the cravings have not returned. Sure I've been tempted but that was a mental wish I could get drunk, I didn't really want to drink, and now I'm 7 months AF I don't even get that urge.