Thanks, Nettie. I was not aware that the Sinclair test subjects met criterion such as those you mention. I have noted that your pre-Sinclair drinking levels were significantly lower than many of us here on the forum. Was this the case with the Sinclair research subjects? If so, then we heavier drinkers are all really the first 'real world' subjects of this method. We owe it not only to ourselves, but to alcoholics all over the world, to 'hang in there' for as long as it takes.

My gut tells me. . .this IS going to work. But today, my heart feels discouraged.

So I remind myself of something my precious aunt used to say when I was going thru hard times as a youngster: "This, too, shall pass."

I've heard that saying more times than I care to remember...

Great post, Netty - you really should post it in General Discussion so all can see, including G4Ms question about levels...a lot of important points.

Also - I wonder if it's only wise to cut to 25mg if you have a set drinking time...like if you drink nightly for a few hours at a time (which is my MO) since the decrease represents a decrease in the time you are 'covered'. There may be some drinkers here who have sporadic drinks throughout the day so I would think they should stick to 50mg.

Congrats on the continued progress - great to see

ps. I also probably fit the profile rat more closely: lower initial pre-sinc amounts, no major anxiety /depresssion...also a daily drinker so I get extinguished every night

Week 12 complete. I’m well on the way to being “cured” – at least based on the definition I determined would be my standard for TSM success at the start of treatment 12 weeks ago (my goal was/is moderation, not abstinence). I’m consistently drinking at a moderate level (not more than 14 US units/week, no more than 4 units in 1 day, and at least 1 AF day) with virtually no craving -- but of course, always taking (25mg) Nal before doing so. Starting this week, I’ll post brief weekly stats including: High unit consumption amount/day, #AF days, total units/week, % reduction from pre-NAL. Since I'm only drinking during a 1-2 hour period (dinner time) now, I'm also planning to drop my dosage to 12.5mg to see if I perceive any difference in craving level. Based on the research I’ve done, 12.5 should be sufficient to block alcohol-induced endorphins for 2 – 3 hours, so I‘m going to give that a try primarily “in the name of science”, and secondarily, “in the name of my pocketbook”. If I do notice an increase in craving, I’ll switch back to 25mg immediately.

High Day: 4 units
AF Days: 1
Total Weekly Units:14
% Redux pre-NAL: 67%

Netty, what you are planning to do with your sucess as it is currently is very brave. I also think it is a great thing to post for the rest of this and will give Dr. Roy another example of using the Naltrexone this way. Good luck to you.

Hi netty,

Excellent post.

I'm particularly interested in the paragraph above. You're obviously knowledgeable about protocols followed in clinical trials. I don't recall the topic of "research subject criteria" being mentioned in Dr Eskapa's book but perhaps it's time I read the book again.

Your comments have shed new light on TSM and why, perhaps, I have not seen any progress to date.

Thanks a lot.

V.

Your input on this is invaluable. I am only now beginning to approach the profile of subjects who participated in TSM studies. Pre-Sinclair, I regularly drank twice the amount of those people - no wonder I cannot compare my progress to theirs.

Taking this information as a baseline, then, I'm going to assume that I'm just entering into the phase that most subjects were at at the beginning of their treatment, and that my progress from here on out will more closely resemble theirs as they initiated treatment. My consumption now is down from an average of 75 upw, to an avg. of 50 upw. That's a 1/3 reduction - I'll take it.

Onward, and downward!

I also fit into the group used in the studies -- no other drugs or psychiatric issues and lower Pre-Sinclair levels -- 40 to 50 units. Also, I am a runner and even when I'm hungover will run four miles a day (no better hangover remedy than sweating out the booze). These factors may have contributed to my almost immediate success with TSM.

That's funny to me! I have always found that the best cure for a hangover was a greasy, high protein breakfast... something I don't really like. McDonald's Sausage McGriddles work extremely well. BTW, I am a 150 pound sedentary underweight male; go figure.

Bob

Hi Nick,

Would you be kind enough to point me to the page(s) in The Cure for Alcoholism where this group is mentioned?

Many thanks.

V.