Bardo you don't need a doctor all you need is a prescription and the will to take Naltrexone one hour before you drink. That is if you ever start drinking again which you shouldn't.

Walking on thin ice and egg shells comes to mind.

But clinical studies show that TSM works just as well with a doctor as without one. the 80% sucess rate mentioned earlier comes from clinical trials. These studies are the creme de la creme when it comes to scientific studies, in particular the double blind placebo study which is when both patient and doctor are unaware of whether or not they are taking Naltrexon for the duration of the experiment. That way bias is completely ruled out. In those trials which were repeated by several different groups they all resulted in an approximate 80% success rate which is very high.

I think one may observe a low success rate here because a lot of those who got 'cured' just move on and the ones who struggle are still here for support. But I agree with guappo, it's not a magic cure and does require mindfullness, patients, and effort.

If smoking weed kept me away from alcohol, I'd use it in a heartbeat.

Bardo,

I am so relieved that you reached out to ajar, and hopefully he can fill in the blanks for you, for this is not something to take lightly. I do read some of the post at options saves lives from time to time, but if you don't mind could you update your decision here and keep us informed. I know it can be time consuming, but there have been others with your question.

I think you are approaching this the right way, and I am glad you're are going to take you time.

Good luck on your quest,

Jaba

I wouldn't smoke it but I would eat the gummies!

look at your options carefully, but understand that a lot of us have really been helped out by Nal. I've been taking it w/o a script, though I plan to fess up to my doctor so I can get it cheaper. either way, I'm NOT going off of it. and it's the only med I've EVER been on.

Bardo -

I WISH I could go to MJ to help me keep away from AL. But I am one of those unfortunate ones who gets extremely paranoid if I smoke weed. I grew up smoking several times a day as a teenager. But after I was in mid to late twenties I noticed that I was always paranoid after smoking it. I think it had something to do with how powerful it has become compared to the old weed we got in the 70's and 80's. In fact, I smoked for the first time in a couple of years just the other night and it did not go well. I would trade the AL in a second for MJ. Not many bar fights, dui's, hangovers, etc are attributed to smoking - just a lot of extra calories from the munchies.

let us know what you decide to do and keep us posted.

It's funny how you read others posts and you'd swear that you could have been the one writing it

Like zontar Naltrexone is the only drug I've ever been on in my life aside from Ibuprofen on occasion or something like that. I too plan on fessing up to my doctor to get it cheaper. If he doesn't prescribe it then I will doctor shop. Which is kinda funny when you think about it. We have to doctor shop not for drugs that get us high and wasted and down the rabbit hole of addiction but for one that will save our lives and they won't prescribe for us.

Also, like reboot, I smoked much weed in high school and at some point in my life realized it makes me very anti social and paranoid. I just can't do it anymore. I played guitar in a rock band for many years and would smoke it for band rehearsal and even on stage but that would always have to be in the presence of alcohol. That mix was great. The pot would give me a surging paranoid but creative energy and the alcohol would give me the feck all attitude I needed to get up on stage in front of people. Of course like anything alcohol related it slowly digs in and deteriorates you from the inside and takes control of your life.

But I would have to agree. If pot helps you stay off alcohol then so be it. The only thing is it's bad to smoke for your lungs.

Vape. Way less harsh on lungs and gentler, more controllable. Good hedge against Alzheimers.

This might already have been mentioned so forgive me if I'm repeating information.

AA has a 3% success rate. So really almost 0%. And those are their numbers in their literature.

I went for 28 years. I'm gone and never going back. I was going to die in there, but too afraid to leave because I was told I'd die if I left. I finally got the guts to do some research and found TSM.

So that means AA doesn't work for 97% of the people that go. I'm in that 97% it doesn't work for, the majority. And I'm trying something different. I hear great things here, and hell, it's better than 3%.

I'm taking my chances on 80% success rate with TSM which is modern day science and not faith healing.

Of course only you can make your own decision on what you want to do. And it might not work for you. So I'm just asking you to really think through your decision.

Hugs

I thought I might post a brief update...

I have met with my GP for a follow-up visit in the effort of obtaining a script for Naltrexone. To my disappointment she claimed she was too busy to investigate the matter (though she has the book I bought her) and doesn't feel comfortable prescribing me a medication that gives me free reign to drink. We discussed it some, but clearly her mind was made up lest another professional green-light it. She did however ask me to meet with an addiction councilor she works with. Fed up, I have ordered a one month supply online. Regardless, I met with the addiction councilor and she is considering seeing me through this experiment. She prescribes daily Naltrexone with abstinence to other patients. That said, she didn't take issue with the Naltrexone, but had not heard of TSM. If anyone else finds themselves in my position I would recommend simply telling the physician you are interested in Naltrexone to reduce cravings and not mention TSM.

I am nearly at the point in my research where I am prepared to try this experiment. I find it extremely frustrating how unreceptive the medical community is to this procedure. Healthy skepticism and concerns are one thing, but to flat out refuse to even read a chapter in a book is mind boggling.

I have been waiting for forum member, ajar to update his thread on the other board, but am soon giving up on that. I guess I'll be a guinea pig...