Hi all,
I came over to this board after reading the meds forum on MWO with interest. I have managed 5 months in a row abstinent in the past but recently I have more likely done 3-4 weeks then a massive binge where I can't stop.

I used to drink every day for a decade to deal with other problems and when these were sorted out I sort of thought that it would be easy to stop drinking abnormally as I had no reason to. But my brain had learnt otherwise and although I have made massive progress from where I was, I still seem to be caught in the binges every now and then.

Although I am abstinent more often than not, if I do choose to have a drink a couple of times a month, I go crazy and can not stop. It has affected many things and I thought it would be useful for me to try to 'unlearn' the drinking every time I did indulge.

I have only thought this approach could help after reading 'Potato's' experiences, which sound similar to mine currently. I don't care if it takes me a year of taking a pill on those occasions where I am going crazy as long as I know the craziness of those situations will stop eventually.

The only thing I am concerned about is that currently when I binge, I only drink spirits - usually a litre or two over a couple of days. Is this a concern? I have ordered 40 Nal over the intener anyway as I figure it's got to be worth a try.

I wanted to mod for a long time, but realised I couldn't do it.But still had my binges regardless - well, because I am an alky!

One question: Even if I don't drink until I feel the massive compulsion to drink (no intention of forcing myself to drink just to get started) should I try taking a couple of doses just to get it into my system. Don't fancy a massive hangover/withdrawal at the same time as side effects.

Really happy that this is working for so many of what is quite a small group here. Would be grateful for advice.
Thanks,
Kim

Welcome kimberly. I suggest that you wait until you have the urge to drink, since this is your learned behavior that must be extinguished, then and only then take your Naltrexone one hour before beginning. Only drink when you feel the urge to drink. Don't try to hurry the treatment. It is tempting to hurry the process, but it doesn't work that way.

Also start with 25mg of Naltrexone for the first few days until your body gets used to it. Most people have a lot of nausea the first time they take it. Not everyone though, I started with 50 mg and never had nausea. I had the other initial side effects; sweats, bizarre dreams, and something else I can't remember right now.

Looking forward to your camaraderie and welcome to the journey to your de-addiction/cure.

Bob

Thanks Bob for your reply. I feel like I already know you as I have read your first postings to last on Nal - CONGRATS! I am so glad you are free now!

Good luck, Kimberly. We have different drinking patterns but it seems the bingers have seen more success than those of us who have been regular drinkers over a long period of time. Welcome aboard, hope your questions get answered and you find success here.