I'm trying yet again to give up alcohol
Posted , 6 users are following.
I've just watched TED video with Claudia Christian referring to Nalmefene I followed the link to C3 Foundation Europe. I have tried all sorts to break the addiction. I'm very interested in Nalmafene and wanted to know if the Hywel Dda trust in Wales prescribe it as quite frankly over 10 years I have asked my Gp'S in my surgery for some help rather than yet another discussion group, their answer is always, " Just stop drinking ".
0 likes, 8 replies
Joanna-SMUKLtd catrin38488
Posted
Hi Catrin
I have looked up the medicines formulary for the Hywel Ddan area and yes, nalmefene is listed on the formulary as available for use in your area.
Please see the screenshot attached.
As you will see, unless your GP has an interest in treating substance abuse (which is sounds like your GP doesn't from your post) then the local health authority is guiding GPs to refer any potential patients onto the West Wales Substance Misuse services for assessment and prescribing if suitable.
catrin38488 Joanna-SMUKLtd
Posted
I have an appointment with my GP this afternoon. I shall take my notes and a copy of the guideline below. I have been referred over the past 10 years to various help centers, but perhaps not this particular body. However my records will show that I have been shuffled around and not only taken myself off to a retreat but also been de toxed in hospital twice. I hope I have a positive response. Thank you very much
Robin2015 catrin38488
Posted
A total disgrace that you have not had any proper help after 10 years with the proper medication, i.e Nalmafene. I hope it went well. Robin
Robin2015 catrin38488
Posted
Great reply from Joanna as usual.Robin
catrin38488
Posted
Thank you. I have succeeded in getting myself an appointment with my GP for this afternoon so with that information I hope to get somewhere ! Thanks for the support
catrin38488
Posted
Thanks again for you support. My GP was useless as predicted , but I followed up this DDAS support body with whom I found helpful and am awaiting an appointment with them who will lead me hopefully on the path of Nalmefene . I am also changing my GP on Monday. Progress !
Joanna-SMUKLtd catrin38488
Posted
Isn't it sad that a medication originally approved for prescribed in Primary care by GPs has been all but shunned by them?
The whole idea of this medication was to be prescribed for those with mild to moderate alcohol issues, in order to catch them before they need the services of specialist doctors and consultants.
In case you weren't aware of what caused this, and the fact that having some background information shows you have done your research, it was basically all down to a) money and b) stigma concerning our condition.
Firstly, your local NHS pays the budget to alcohol services for medications approved for our condition. Nalmefene is quite expensive at £3.45ish per tablet because it is still under patient. So, when it approved, GPs in the majority of areas managed to argue that because they don't receive any budget for this, they shouldn't be expected to provide the prescription.
Secondly, so much stigma and misunderstanding still, sadly, exists. So many GPs don't have an interest in treating alcohol misuse, so when a medication came along that come help someone reduce their drinking, they either couldn't believe it could work, or that they couldn't bring themselves to tell someone with a problem that they needed to continue drinking - even though it was approved for many who actually aren't yet at the stage of needing to completely stop drinking!
Anyway, stay in touch and let us know how it goes with the DDAS.
Nat666 catrin38488
Posted
Good Luck Catrin , I really hope something positive came out of your appointment