Hello everyone.

I have been a binge drinker for many years. There would be days when I would drink, and days
when I would binge. I could easily drink a bottle and half of wine by myself if eating a big meal
without much effect.

I've blacked out, fought with loved ones over my behaviour, gained weight, and overall felt
like crap. It was time to do something about it.

Both of my parents are alcoholics, and I have other family members that suffer with it as well.

I knew by the time I was 20 that I had a problem and accepted it. Just never really wanted
to deal with it.

So here it is, my first week on NAL and using TSM.

NAL EFFECTS

First pill .50 super nauseous- I can't even think about the seafood we had
that night without feeling sick, even now. Felt light headed, had a headache
also could not sleep due to anxiety. My thoughts are this could also be
caused by the lack of alcohol. Had to take an Ativan to calm down.

I had one glass of wine and that was more than enough for me.
Normally, I would have gone for 2 bottles at least. It was Saturday
night afterall.


Second pill .25- I had to cut it in half, the thought of the .50 pill just
made me too sick and anxious.

We had company over, it was Pizza night. Not only did I resist the
pizza but I managed to have only one glass of wine which was made
into a wannabe sangria. My husband poured his in my glass. I left
it there and walked away. Still had some nausea.

At night had to take an Ativan but was much less restless.

Third pill .25- Decided .25 I will ease in with and
see how it goes.

I knew we were going for Japanese food and I love to have
a little Sake with dinner so took the pill an hour ahead.

Felt a little nauseous and light headed, but also was
hungry at the same time.

Had a better appetite this time then the first two pills,
only drank 3oz of Sake.

This time the Sake (not just because it was warm) gave
me that warming sensation you have from alcohol.
I noticed that there was a hint of, oh that is nice.
This feels good, you should drink more. But it went
away quickly and I found it hard at the end of the
meal to drink the third oz.

No Ativan at bed time, but woke up at 3 a.m. and
had to take one.


DRINKING STATS
So here is my one week update. Sorry if it looks a little funny I am
new to all of this.

Day 1- N/A-

Day 2- N/A

Day 3- .50 Nal - 1 -6 oz wine

Day 4- N/A

Day 5- .25 Nal - 1 - 6 oz wine

Day 6- N/A

Day 7- .25 Nal - 3 oz Sake

In Conclusion

Week one looks promising. I am pleased with the
results despite the NAL side effects.

The anxiety and possible raised blood pressure does concern
me. Which motivates me even more not to drink because I know
now that I am committed to this process, and this process includes
Nal.

Compared to what I would normally drink in a week this is a huge
decrease. It's been a long time since I cut back this much.

This is a process, so I will need to stay the course and see
how things go. Day by day

I'd like to note that I am also currently working out, weight training,
and eating healthy which does effect mood as well. So this may
be contributing to headaches and other side effects.

I am optimistic this will work for me, and that possibly it can
help someone I love in the future as well.

Much love everyone and all the best.

XO Layla

That sounds like a great first week, Layla. As you probably know, Ativan is a great drug when it comes to handling any withdrawal symptoms. I assumed you got that prescribed due to anxiety, so that might become your new issue (i.e. you'll want to increase your Ativan intake to compensate for your alcohol). My only word of encouragement there is that, for many, anxiety is not only RELIEVED by alcohol, it's largely CAUSED by alcohol, in a vicious cycle that evolves over years. Just like an addiction to cigarettes, your brain produces anxiety to get you to smoke (or drink) and then is relieved and calm when you give it what it wants. The addict thinks, "Smoking (drinking) is the only thing that calms me down," but that's only because their addiction to nicotine (alcohol) is making them anxious.

I always liked to think of the process as "healing my brain." It takes time, and some effort on your part, for your mind to rebuild and regroup --- to be able to be calm without drugs, to have euphoria without alcohol, etc... So, keep chugging along, because it's a process that can really only improve your life.

Thanks for the update and please keep them coming!

Always seemed to me that TSM has a particularly high success rate when the alcoholism is hereditary, as in our cases. So just relax, be patient, take your NAL, don't try to do too many life altering things all at once, -and alcohol should be in your rear view mirror come October.

The problem with Ativan is that it's a Benzo and Dr Eskapa has indicated that benzo use during TSM affects the process - but everyone is different so it might not be a problem.

I also agree that alcohol - anxiety - alcohol does set up a cycle which feeds on itself, and it's then difficult to know which one is driving. I hope you find some relief.

I don't have alcoholism in the family, I do have a sibling who self-medicates with alcohol but who can give up if needs be.