3 weeks in and I thought I'd feel a drop off. Instead it's like I'm allowed to drink so I can. Had a couple of af days so not bad. But I've also felt moody as anything being on Nal pretty much all the time. I've not felt like going to the gym or running which is biz as I like doing both. I worry that I might start to not like going to he gym or running again whilst I go through this. Let's hope next week is better.

Hi Mark,

We're in exactly the same spot. .. three weeks in and not noticing any reduction in drinking. As I'm a HUGE worrywart, I've posted about this several times and have been met with reassurances that this is not at all uncommon. In fact, it's best not to anticipate feeling any real changes for the first few months. So, don't worry! We just need to let the Nal do it's job on our brains... which is taking longer than it does for others. (I read with envy the posts of those who experience changes immediately! )But I believe in the science, so I'm just going to keep on keeping on! And you should, too!

One area that you are WAY ahead of me on is the AF days! Go you!!!! I haven't had a single one yet and am having a hard time even imagining one. So pat yourself on the back for that!

Looking forward to following your progress since we started at the same time! Best of luck!

Have you or Minniemom read information about TSM which explains the honeymoon period, and also the rise in intake which can occur?

I also had the 'just because I can' experience, prior to TSM I always held myself back because my drinking was so dangerous, plus the amount I would consume pre-TSM would make me so ill I often couldn't drink for a while. TSM made it safe for me so I drank more often, which meant that my overall weekly units didn't subside much if any, however the total I did drink each time halved (which is how I ended up drinking more often).

Three weeks in is only just beginning, the whole process can take 3-12 months.

Which means that you were getting more frequent opportunities to train your brain that this behavior no longer produces the desired reward, right?

The glass is half full. (But you definitely took your naltrexone and waited an hour before you picked it up! )

Mark,

UKBlonde, and Minnemom, are correct. Please just give it time. It does take a while for your brain to be "rewired".

Having an AF day in the beginning is remarkable, so please be proud that you can have them without a problem. In the beginning for me, the only time I could have an AF day was after a nal. over. And those nal overs were brutal on me and the thought of drinking would make me run to toilet.

I hope to read more of your progress,

Jaba

Thanks for the kind words folks. Often work weekends but had a rare one off today which was nice. Went for a walk with the family but knew I'd be going near a pub so took a Nal about 1 pm. Had a tasty pint ! In a great pub then drove home. Bought some more on way home for tonight. Your right in that 3-4 weeks isn't long and there is no miracle cure but my hangovers seem worse and whether it's the Nal or just beer I'm not sure. Definetly feel more moody and my wife can tell that I'm moody as well. Not getting too stressed for a drink but it's more the not giving a damn I'm a bit worried about. Seem less hyper than I used to. And don't feel as bothered trying with friends. I guess I need to focus on this for a bit to sort it. As a side note I read you can get Nal otc in Spain. A lot easier than going to the docs or importing it !

Mark,

Yes, can be hangovers worse, and they may be nal overs...I felt so bad the with the first one I thought I need to go to the E.R....all most flu like symptoms.

If you can, go to Spain to get some, but I am unsure on the amount (if it is cheap to get there it would be worth it). I believe one of the old timers lived in Spain and has a shop. She might have it, or she might be able to tell you how many you can buy and from whom (I think I read it was under 30). That has me questioning the government a lot (I live in the U.S.) for women can buy the morning after pill with no questions asked; however, if you ask for nal. and the medical professionals will look at you like you have sprung 3 horns, turned green, and are a druggie.

The "not giving a damn" phase wears off, and the moodiness may come and go. I think I did notice (or my family noticed it) a lot in the beginning, but it subsided. Now sometimes after a few AF day I can feel tense and be snappy, but sometimes the family claims I am moody, but I took no pill (but I am female). I think your hyper-ness will come back as well. Nal is like any drug once your body adapts to it you will be right as rain.

Keep posting,

Jaba

Off to a funeral today and I know there will be beer after so I've took a pill before. Wanted to have a few days off but today's not the best day for it. Although supposed to be going to gym later so will try and have a couple I think. That's it.

I was very cranky at the beginning with nal. It was difficult to explain because my husband does not know about TSM. The crankiness has worn off, as have all the other side effects.

My consumption went up so much weeks 3 through 11 that I stopped tracking. Week 12 on got better, I think in part to the fact that I started tracking again.

Hi UKB,

I have read about the honeymoon phase and (possible) subsequent risE in intake. My problem is that I never experienced the "honeymoon" of reduced intake. And, while I should be glad my drinking hasn't increased, it's still pretty much at pre-nal levels.

Time... it's just going to take more time....