I am in love with my honeymoon phase! The Nal turned off my "switch" that activated at the first drink and prevented me from saying "enough" and as a result my drinking in week 1 was cut in half! I actually felt like a normal drinker. I still had a buzz and a relaxed tired feeling after a couple of drinks and just decided that I was done. THAT NEVER HAPPENS TO ME! Still, it was a choice I had to make. Saturday night, I had my typical amount and I was sick as a dog the next day.

I want to note that I slowly increased my dosage as I was anxious about the side effects and I did not have any issues. I am also not on any other medication that might have an impact on the Nal. I figured it took me years to get to this place in my drinking and I can be a bit patient on getting to the solution. It worked for me, perhaps it may work for you...

Day 1 & 2: 1/4 tablet
Day 3 & 4: 1/2 tablet
Day 5 & 6: 3/4 tablet
Day 7: Full 50mg. tablet

So, today was the first day that I was on a full dose. I did not see a significant difference in the "control" or "loss of interest" to drink on any of these doses, but I am confident that I need to be on the 50mg. for results. I had really hoped for a AF day, but my habitual pattern had the best of me. I am just going to continue to follow the Golden Rule and take a Nal 1 hour before I drink and let the brain re-wiring begin.

There are so many of us on this forum who desperately want to get well and be healthy. I appreciate all the comments and support that this platform provides. Best of luck to all of you! As Newlife says..."Nal on!"

sounds like a great start - glad you're tolerating the Nal well. look forward to hearing how you get on

all the best

-badger

Badger, watching your progress and having your support in this forum is so helpful. I am grateful for your participation in this forum and appreciate your encouragement!

Keep on pluggin on and show us the way!

Week two is finished. I still ended up at almost half of my normal drinking. I had some good days where I was able to stop at 1 or 3, but other days that I felt like I was not on Nal and drank at old normal drinking levels on a few days. I really had some rough hangovers after these days. I am having to concentrate really hard on the habit. My goal this week is to shoot for at least 1 AF day and continue to track my drinks and stay at or below 25 drinks per week - which is a far cry better than what I was doing.

I found it so interesting that everyone talked about a spike after the honeymoon period and I wondered what that was all about. I did some research and found a great article that explains what is called an "Extinction Burst" http://youarenotsosmart.com/2010/07/07/ ... ion-burst/ - perhaps this is what is going on. If so, this spike could mean that you are getting over the hump...if you keep with the program.

Thank you to everyone on this forum. Your support and contribution are so helpful! Best of luck to all!

Half of your consumption is AWESOME!!!! Don't let yourself forget that. We will all get there together. Hugs from Newlife

nice job on the consumption! I'm just a little further along than you are and I'm having similar experiences. welcome!

Thanks Newlife and Zontar. I am a bit disappointed that I am struggling for an AF day, but happy that my consumption is reduced. Maybe by week 4 will be able to squeeze in a AF day or two!

Week 3 and still holding steady...kind of. I did not have as many low level (1-3) drinks per day as I did the first two. My goal is to be under 30 drinks per week for now...preferably 25. Some interesting things happened this week. Saturday, I just did not "feel" like drinking and my mind wrestled with that the entire day. Still, I took a pill and drank. On Sunday, I committed to a AF day which I accomplished without a great deal of mental effort. I was certainly not craving a drink, I was struggling with habit. Monday was a US holiday. We went out on a boat with friends. I took a NAL at noon and had a light beer at 1pm. Then, I amazed myself by having a mineral water next, then an hour later another light beer. I actually drove us home. My alcodroid app indicated that I never got above .03 BAC the afternoon. I kind of wrecked it that night by having a few more. Tried for another AF day yesterday, but just gave in. I can definately feel my mind shifting ever so slightly, but I know this will certainly take time.

The week upcoming is certainly going to be interesting. I have a weekend event where alcohol will not be available, so I have a given 2 AF days! But then, I head to a tropical beach-front vacation for a week.

Sounds like you're making good progress!


This same thing happened to me on Sunday which was very weird since it's always my heaviest drinking day (especially with the following day off).

hikergirl I think you should be EXTREMELY pleased with your progress. Something is definitely happening. Keep posting and nal on!! XOXO Newlife