After abandoning NAL a couple of years ago, my drinking has quickly escalated and after a couple of embarassing events, i knew it was time to attack the problem head on again. I tried to go back to AA, and just couldn't do the abstinence thing. I don't want to totally stop drinking, i want to enjoy a relaxing glass of wine with dinner. But one turns into two, and then three, and then bar the door Hannah! I know that my body has a low tolerance for alcohol (due to weight loss surgery 13 years ago), yet i don't know how to turn off the switch!

I had some NAL left over, that i found when cleaning out my linen closet, so started taking them. While researching, on buying more, i ran into an article on Vivitrol. I did some research, and found a doctor in my area that provided the shots. He is not in my insurance network, but my insurance will pay for the shot. I pay him $175.00/month for the injection administration. I took the shot on 5/27 and spoke to the Dr. He knows nothing about the Sinclair Method, and he advised me that this shot was only for those who are abstinent, so i had to tell a white lie. He asked how long i had been in recovery. He is 26 years sober, and definitely talks the AA talk.

I made a decision, that the white lie is worth the reward. If i don't have to take that pill before drinking, waiting that hour, it would be easier for me not to cheat. I have had a "honeymoon" of sorts in the first couple of weeks. I am going to be more diligent beginning next week in recording my units. I have been having 3-4 drinks a night, but waking up with a giant hang over, which is unusual for me. Prior i was drinking 5-7 drinks/night and woke up with little effect. Didn't take me long to remember those headaches, i believe someone on her described them as having a spike driven through your skull).

I am attending one AA meeting on the weekend, and a recovery group, sponsored by my church during the week. Although i am not going to be adhering to all of their tenants, i believe that being surrounded and talking with people who share this condition will be beneficial, just as posting on this site and being accountable to someone.

The weekend is around the corner, and i actually look forward to accomplishing things around the house, that i usually would delay. In the past, i would start drinking around noon, have 2-3, then nap for a couple of hours, and start drinking again. Sunday was a repeat of Saturday, then it was back to work on Monday with a giant hangover, and everyone saying how tired i looked at work. I'm ready to not hear that anymore. I want them to say that i am looking nice, I want to give my full attention to my job and my family.

My husband is a big supporter of me, but he is also a heavy drinker. He, of course, says that he knows when to turn his off. Wish that i did.

So, here i am again, once again on this roller coaster ride!
Movergal

I am in my second month of taking the Vivitrol shots. I really enjoy not having to remember to take the pill, and i have to say the results are the same. I wondered, as it wound down to day 30 if i would still feel the effect, and honestly, i did. My drinking has slowed down to 3-4 drinks a night. I've found myself postponing my first drink when i get home. I find that if i can give myself an hour or so to do what i need to do around the house, before taking that first drink, the evening goes well with a low drink count.

I pray the insurance keeps paying for the injection, there is no way i could afford to be out-of-pocket for the shot and the office visit. Right now, all i have to pay for is the doctor visit and he is giving me a reduced rate. My doctor has been in recovery for 26 years, and he does not know anything about TSM. I mentioned it on my first visit and he looked at me with a blank stare. He is AA all the way, which is fine. I go to one AA meeting a week, and one recovery group sponsored by my church. I will not share with them my way of getting sober, they just would not understand. If it works for me, that is what counts!

I'll check in in another month of so, i visit daily and enjoy reading about everyone's triumphs and struggles.
Movergal

Hi Movergal, I hope you have success with the injections. Right now I'm a little discourage by the lack of activity on this board, so feel free to Message me if you'd like to go through this together. I'm trying to start again also and have got to get it through my thick skull to take the NAL. Hugs, Keek

FYI, oral naltrexone 50 mg for a quantity of 40 costs about $35. Plus if you take it a couple times a week at most, it'll last about three months.

That's through Walmart, and using the online GoodRx discount coupon which can be found by typing that into a search engine.

Hang in there, there's a lot of great success stories on here with naltrexone, and best of all it allows you to actually use your head about it, and not give up your identity to an organization.

Good luck Mover, you can do it.

Got your message. It has to be difficult to abstain when you are surrounded by alcohol. Keep up the good work and please keep posting. You are in my thoughts, keek

I haven't updated in some time. Yesterday i got my 4th injection of Vivitrol. I have had no adverse side effects, and i love that i don't have to remember to take the pill and wait an hour. I am drinking every day, but at a much lower level. I don't drink until i have to stumble to bed and pass out for the night. I drink 3-4 drinks and stop drinking after dinner. This fall, i have a couple of meetings/conventions to attend which involve a lot of cocktail parties and dinners. I know that i can handle it. I am going to try to push an alcohol free day and see how it feels.
Wishing everyone well,
movergal

Nothing wrong with that mover. Congrats!

Sounds like you're doing great, Mover. Thanks for keeping us updated. I'm happy to hear that you're having success.