Hello all,

I'm new to this forum and posted over on the "newbie" board last night to introduce myself. As I mentioned there, I have found a clinic that specializes in scientific, clinically proven treatment methods for alcohol dependence/abuse. NAL is referred to on their website, so I know that it's part of their treatment protocol. While I'm extremely excited to get started on TSM, they cannot get me in for my consultation until October 5th.

I am highly motivated to begin taking NAL and ordered it (Nodict) from River Pharmacy late last week. After another "rage" episode followed by a black out (I don't recall much of it, but the scratches and bruises are there to prove it) on Labor Day and another massive binge two nights ago, I am desperate to begin taking the NAL as soon as it's delivered. How many of you have begun treatment with NAL using TSM outside of a physician relationship? Would you recommend it for me? Any advice is greatly appreciated...

I've never consulted a doctor about Nal/TSM. I'm in the UK & even if I could have persuaded a Dr to prescribe, it would have been Nalmefene rather than Naltrexone, which I didn't want. they would also have insisted on me having counselling alongside the medication, which I also didn't want. additionally, I didn't want it on my medical record

people seem to have found that Dr's, even if they're aware of Nal as an anti-craving treatment to be used with abstinence, often haven't heard of TSM, although you might be luckier if you're considering a specialist clinic

-badger

The clinic I'm going to (Alltyr in case anyone is interested) is private pay and I paid through Paypal for my prescription. I, too, don't want any of this on my medical record. Am I at-risk going to this private pay clinic of having this somehow come back to haunt me? I'm in the U.S., so I'm not sure if it works differently here than in the U.K. Now you have me questioning my decision to go to the clinic. I really do want to keep all of this off the radar.

I did get my GP to give me the Nal but she had not heard of it - I explained about it and she trusted me to take it - I did go armed with stuff from the book - which you really need to read as it is highly possible that the place that you will be going to use it in conjunction with abstinence - TSM uses it only when one drinks .... totally the opposite ! I have a feeling that Badger already posted the link to the book - unless that was someone else - let us know if you need the link to the book if you haven't read it.

Hugs, Maggie x

MinneMom,

I would ask the clinic if this will be on any medical records if you are concerned, but I don't think you have anything to worry about it.

This will be a life commitment whenever you drink, which might cause your life insurance premiums to be slightly higher being on the nal (my husband pays a premium because his is on tegretol, people on high blood pressure meds, or diabetes pay a premium as well it is just life).

You will need to carry something with you stating you are on nal. (like if someone is an epileptic) incase you are in an accident, for the nal. can block certain pain medicine.

I do not think going to a private clinic will come back to haunt you. It looks like a top notch place, and you are very lucky to have an open-minded clinic in your area. I think it will help you with this process more than you can imagine. A lot of us are trying to do the best we can by ourselves. I think if I had a clinic close by I would use it in a heart beat. Not only are you going to have support, you are going to have workshops/sessions to help you understand your addiction. They are going to coach you along this entire process, and they will help your husband and family as well. An addiction is a family affair and they will make sure everyone is helped (at least I would think so). You are a very lucky women to have the resources to go to such a place.

You may want to start counting your intake if you have already been doing so, for it will help in the process.

You are going to be fine.


Jaba

Thank you so much Jaba!

I do feel fortunate to have this clinic in my area.... especially because I am from Minneapolis, where Hazelden/Betty Ford and the 12 Step process DOMINATE addiction treatment. I also feel extremely fortunate to be able to self-pay. It's a double-edged sword, though. My husband is very high profile, nationally renowned in his field, which makes me it it is that much more necessary to hide my problem. I am so glad to have found a forum filled with people that can relate to where I am. So many things to be thankful for.... makes me wonder why I'm sloshing down this glass of wine wile I read Cure for Alcoholism... (insert shame here....)

I too had a nice glass of merlot when I read "the Cure". you aren't alone.

Minnemom,

My husband has a high profile job as well, so I understand where you are coming from. But unless people are axx backwards they should realize that life happens. You didn't bring this on yourself. It is not as if you where buying drugs on the street corner...you drink just like (almost) every other red blood american, you just learned how to drink very well. It is not your fault, and there is nothing to be a shamed of. Guilt will be your worst enemy. You realized you have a problem and now you are doing something about it. Be proud, for there are a lot of people that refuse to admit they have a problem, and that is the first step.

Since you are currently drinking, F.Y.I. 5 ounces of wine is one glass (a bottle has a little over 5 glasses), unless it is a stronger wine...but I doubt it is.

Before I started in May I was up to 2 to 2 1/2 bottles of wine (sometimes more) or 1 to 1 3/4 bottles of wine and a pint of grey goose. When I started taking the nal. my intake dropped to 1/2 bottle for the first couple of weeks and then my intake increase back up to 1 bottle to 1 3/4 bottles. It was scary. My husband and I thought it wasn't working, but it was, for I never went up to pre-nal levels. I can honestly say now I can have a glass or two and stop. Counting you intake is important for a lot of reasons, but for me it was a peace of mind. It helped me see my progress.

Try to track, and get use to measuring (a pain but useful). I had to use a smaller glass for my glass held at least 10 ounces of wine and of course I would drink 1/2 and fill it up before sitting down. Those are the kind of habits you need to start noticing, for they will get you in trouble with your intake.

Enough of the lecture, I hope you have a good night and enjoy the book and that glass of wine,

Jaba

I started without a Doctor for the first 2 months. Finally got my Doctor on the program, so still hanging in there.

Good luck.

I am currently rereading the Eskapa book because I was totally buzzed when I read it the last time. There is a lot I didn't remember.

I just completed my 15th week on TSM and my consumption has been reduced to less than half of what it was previously. I am doing this entirely on my own. Well, not entirely on my own because I have had a lot of support on this forum. I ordered the Nal from All Day Chemist and with my heart in my throat, got started. My husband knows I have an issue with alcohol, although a lot of my drinking was done while he was out of town and in hiding when he was home. I decided not to share with him what I was doing with TSM because, although I know he would be supportive, he might have driven me crazy by "helping" too much.

I am sure that the Nal has made a difference for me, for it is easier to stop drinking once I start, although I still want to continue. I think that a lot of the change for me has been drinking more mindfully, looking at my drinking habits, and making changes.