I agree we don't need anything more- if people came forward and said it had not worked for them long term I would still have the same faith in the program because I can feel it working for me!

But, there are some folk who might be sitting on the fence for various reasons- people who are having a hard time from their families, that it might help if a real live person could answer their questions and doubts, and maybe give them something to show a spouse who is at the end of their tether, who just can't understand the concept of someone drinking their merry way to health, and has problems with there being no long term personal accounts.

We don't need convincing, we're already doing it

Good points, Mar. I'm just hoping to encourage people not to wait for anecdotal, personal stories b/4 becoming involved. We've all already wasted too much time. . .er. . .wasted. . .

Why not ask Dr Sinclair about the Finnish dual placebo-controlled double blind trials where 78 % of patients were taking an average of no more than 1.5 units per day and less than 9 units per week - 3 years after starting in on the treatment?

I am sure there are Finnish patients who would come forward.

Also remember forums are not for everyone - I have a successful patient who says simply

"I don't do forums" .... Pity. I have had many emails from successful patients but cannot post them just yet.

sinclair_finland(at)yahoo.com

That's true, I didn't used to like forums either, I've kind of changed my mind lately

I am sure some people will come forward sooner or later.

Dr. Eskapa, this is a question for you,


WHAT WOULD IT TAKE FOR THEM TO COME FORWARD?"

Why would they not?

I understand the "getting it behind me principle" but seriously, some people would definitely share, that is how medicine and science works. We are not selfish creatures.

WHY can you not post the many emails "just yet"? What will be the changing factor to enable you to post them?

I think this information would be extremely welcomed and informative.

I do wonder if we are the "study"? Not trying to be sassy, I just do think there would be more concrete case histories as examples for us to review. That will be great and I would thank you Dr. Eskapa for your help in providing them.

What can we do to help you get this info to us? Should we write to a clinic where these studies took place, perhaps that would get a response, if we indicated interest.

And yes thank you, I shall ask the question to Sinclair, at his address.

I vote we put this question to rest...(and hopefully I can have a vote without offending anyone since I also asked the question at one point).

I think we all want more personal accounts because we are all so hopeful and having a hard time waiting for results...it would help pass the time to read, and re-read more stories and know for sure what is coming! Dr. Eskapa has very patiently responded to how we can find personal accounts if we really need them, but I think we need to just keep the faith and know that the process will be somewhat unique for all of us. Let's just keep encouraging each other and documenting how it's going for us. Next year will be here before you know it, and we will be helping a ton of people this same time next year with an (over)abundance of personal accounts for our own 1 year results. How cool is that? And look how many new people are starting up each week. That in itself is encouraging.

I'm into week 2, btw - cravings are going up a bit but reaction to the medication is way, way down. I barely notice the Nal now - but that means my wine glass is starting to get drained a bit quicker each night. Because of this site, I know that is normal.

Good luck to everyone tonight,

I agree. I think it would be interesting and helpful.

Not sure of the language to use, Marcy will have some input I imagine.

I do not think it would hurt us AT ALL to pursue more information, that is what education is all about.
I for one would appreciate the listing, thanks.

I know we are all anxious for the Sinclair Method to become widely recognized and respected because of proven results. I believe all the information I've read about it is true, even though many others may not. Still, in my fearful little brain, I need to see that it works for ME before I can go around promoting it. That's just the way I am, especially in this case, where my personal outcome is not yet known.

For those who've had long-term positive results, don't you think it's possible that many just don't want to publically admit to the alcoholism? That's where the 'Anonymous' part of AA is so powerful. Some might have the courage to openly discuss their experience, but I can imagine that many wouldn't feel comfortable, let alone be thrilled to dig up bad memories from the past. If the identity of individuals could be hidden, I think there might be some willing participants. However, it will take bold types who are ready to go public on Oprah or Dr. Phil, etc. to really draw attention by sharing their personal experiences. I'm sure that will happen eventually, but I support the idea of waiting for new success stories to emerge from the more recent participants (meaning all of us) before engaging in such an important battle.

My personal view is we can post an ad, it is free and will take 5 minutes- nobody here is doubting the method, I don't think, but I see no harm at all in having a few cured cases on board, and I am sure there are some Finnish folk out there who speak English who would love to share their experiences with us.

If we don't get any replies, there is nothing lost is there? We will carry on as usual, as become the long-termers ourselves over time.

How about making the ad more friendly so they don't think it is anything official- such as:

Ad Title: The Sinclair Method

Hello

We are a small group of people just starting out using Naltrexone/Nalfremene whilst drinking, as treatment for alcohol addiction - as per The Sinclair Method.

We are hoping to find people who have had long term experience of this treatment protocol either personally or through a close relative or friend to share their story as motivation for others. We are naturally very interested to hear personal accounts of the long-term effects of this treatment.

Our group forum is completely anonymous, if you feel you can contribute in anyway please join us at: http://www.thesinclairmethod.com

Any input is very gratefully received.

Thank you!


Sounds a bit more friendly? We don't want them to think we are a bunch of scientists

Some folk seem to think that we should be happy with the info supplied by the research documented in the book- I AM happy with it, but I still don't see that placing an ad or two asking for long-termers to come forward is doing any harm.

I don't feel we are questioning the method by doing this- I have said it before and will say it again- I am completely sold- I have NO DOUBT at all that this works long term

If we get some come forward can start a thread for anyone who has been at it for over a year to tell their story- no-one can deny it would be interesting, for us and especially newbies who are surfing around looking for help.

Just to echo Marbella - if I wasn't convinced I wouldn't be doing it! Take care all. Shasha