Welcome Jane! I totally agree. I did the same thing (didn't want to waste money doctor-shopping), and ordered a 4-month supply from River. I haven't had any problems with it, except there are some days when I feel like my response to the drug isn't as noticeable? Perhaps the quality is not 100% consistent, but it could just be me.

But to your other point, I want to share my experience from yesterday. I finally sought help for depression/bipolar after an episode that scared me last week (thinking freaky thoughts, etc.) and went in for a psychiatric eval. I was 100 percent honest about my alcohol issues and history -- you might be surprised how empowering that feels. The way I look at it, it's my body and my health and I have a legal right to refuse treatment that doesn't suit me, and I feel empowered enough (maybe I'm just old enough now, LOL) to demand that my health needs be addressed in a manner that respects my dignity and autonomy.

Anyway, I told the psych that I'd been doing TSM with NAL I'd ordered from the internet. She'd never heard of it but after I explained the theory and the protocol she was very supportive. She told me she agreed that AA/abstinence did not represent the only option for many people, and that she fully endorsed harm reduction as well as pharmacological treatment where appropriate. I have followup appointments next week in which we plan to develop an overall strategy that incorporates NAL for the alcohol part while we work on the psychiatric issues as well.

YMMV, but it was a huge relief to me that a.) I can now get NAL from the local pharmacy and be confident of the quality and b.) that I have a team devoted to helping me get well. I live in a deep-blue state, but in a pretty red town, so I have to say it was a pleasant surprise.