Naltrexone

I got told to take it half pill for a week,and to take pill in morning,my first drink is after 9 pm every night !

Taken every morning, naltrexone is simply not as effective as the way that ADEfree mentions to you (The Sinclair Method - one hour prior to each drinking session).

Put simply, taken in the morning, the medication is great at blocking all endorphins that you experience during the day, but then is wearing off by the time you actually drink!

Please read this short article on this website https://patient.info/health/sinclair-method-for-alcohol-use-disorder

Maybe print it out and have a discussion with your specialist about it?

Naltrexone is a great medication, and can really help you, but you have been prescribed it using prescribing instructions from the mid-1990s.  Since then, things have changed and there is no a better way to take it that provides much better long term results.  Medically, this way is called Pharmacological Extinction, but us non-medical people call it The Sinclair Method.  Naltrexone is a generic medication, meaning that any company can make it.  Therefore, there is no profit it in any longer and so no pharma company will pay the millions it would cost to have those old prescribing instructions changed.

Oh, I'm no medic but I think that's way too early!!!  I started Naltrexone 9 days ago and it worked for me on the first night!  I believe the advice is 1 hour before! My pattern was to start drinking around 5:30pm so I pop a pill at 4pm and pour a nice glass of wine at 5:30/6pm which then lasts all night rather than the usual bottle or two. Don't give up!  

Plus 50mg Day 3 usually .. (?) 

Thank you all for your comments,and because I read about the Sinclair method so much on this forum,I was very grateful my doctor decided to give me it off licence.I was confused about his instructions and looked on the internet for advice,again confused that no one said to take it an hour before drinking.I am so glad I asked now,and maybe I,ll get better results with the knowledge I was right in the first place,the doctor not realising the actual Sinclair method.Thank you all yet again,the help I have received is incomparable with anything or anyone else.x

Yes, as has been mentioned, check out the C3 Foundation and there is a link in Joanna's post, plus Joanna explains the resona for some of the contradictory usage instructions.

Not only will you get the full benefit from taking the pill only an hour before drinking, it will stop the pill from blocking out other good endorphins that you naturally experience during the day.

Oh don't need that,haha my life boring enough.I will take the pill tonight at 8pm.

Good luck Angela,I am sure you will find all this sound advice will help a lot.I take nalmephene and have followed Joanna's advice and it is doing the job just perfik lol 😚 good luck we will all be interested to know how you get on

Yes, best luck Angela! I think you will find that coupling the actual craving for alcohol, when it is present, to taking the Naltrexone, waiting the hour and then having your drink will be a very different experience. That sequence of events is crucial to TSM. Have a look at this link too, there's more info on how to optimize the effect:

https://patient.info/forums/discuss/naltrexone-nalmefene-selincro-the-sinclair-method-hints-and-tips-505275

In particular, the mindfulness technique is helpful. One thing along those lines that help me was to make sure that the drink was in a different room from me. I would have a sip, put it down and then walk away from it. I got absorbed in a little task that took 15 minutes or so, then asked myself if I wanted another sip. Try it and note the feelings you're having, especially if you feel moved to have another sip. Repeat the process for the next sip and you may at some point find that it's been 1/2 an hour, then a full hour or more since your last sip. One of your tasks might be (just for instance) to look up neuroplasticity on the Internet. TSM works on the principals of neuroplasticity, from what I've gathered. You may find it interesting enough to forget that drink for a bit. Anyway, maybe draw up a list of things to do, whatever things one might do if their evening wasn't dominated by alcohol.

 

HI ANgela..SInclair method is the best..Robin

Hi Kentish,thanks for asking.Last night was 7th night of half table.I had 3 small vodkas,then poured another from almost empty bottle and it so little,I opened another bottle.I can say I hardly took any more from the bottle.I didn't feel like another,but was up earlier than usual that day,and very tired.I see a difference,but not sure if it's working for me,tonight I,ll take full tablet.x

Seems like it might be... remember the 'mindful drinking'. It's not like willpower it just asking yourself am I pouring this next glass because its what I usually do or do I actually really want it? If the answer is no I don't desperately want it then don't pour it. Make a cup of tea, try different non alcoholic cold or hot drinks you'll be amazed how nice they taste when you hated them before. Keep going. 

Thank you,I will.I am stressed just now,as I put an offer in for a house,a very very low offer,and 14 days later,no reply.Not a bad thing,just I want to know yes or no,then move on to the next house,or decision.Its hard to think of anything else really,the vodkas was always the thing to relax me,so timing not good.x

perhaps you are chaning for the better but gradually Angelea..keep going...Robin

I hope so Robin,I only took half tablet,as it was there to be taken,didn't want to throw it away,so full tablet tonight.I was particularly stressed last night,more so than I have for long time,so just kept drinking.I had a bad nightmare during afternoon nap,very unusual for me,so was anxious for rest of the day.Tonight may be completely different.Thank you for your concern,hope you are doing okay.x

Hi Angela. If you are even thinking about taking Naltrexone whilst going thru house moving, that is a very big change in the way you are drinking.

A brave thing to do. There is a big positive in there.

Kindest Regards x

Not sure if I,m being brave JulieAnne just stupid,you are right,my mind and body all over the place,but will keep going.Hope you are getting on okay,it's nice to think I am not alone,not on this forum,I really appreciate the support.Whatever all of you are going through,you take time to help others.Kindest regards to you to JulieAnne.x

?????😘

Well done, Angela! Hang in there and keep it up! The medication can take some getting used to, but most of the side effects should pass by the 2 week mark. Just focus on compliance. The "Lizard Brain" is relentless about pushing people to drink against their will, but the Naltrexone helps you be more relentless. If at any time during a drinking session, you feel "Meh" towards the next glass (or even the next sip), act on that and switch to something non-alcoholic for the remainder of the evening. That helps reinforce your conscious control, while Naltrexone is working to silence the subconscious urge. 

This will be the year that you finally get "the beast" under your thumb!

Compliance is definitely the key here .I took my Nalmefene about 3 hours ago and have yet to pour the required drink.The thought makes me feel 'Meh' tonight but that too makes me smile.I will pour a small glass of wine shortly What a different story to a couple of months back when I would be well I to the second bottle by now and drinking into oblivion. These meds certainly work 😊

Hi Nat I am very cheered to hear that. So glad it is still working for you. It must feel like a miracle xx Hubby is still doing ok with Campral wants to keep the status quo at the moment xx

Glad to hear bubby doing well JulieAnne

do you feel less jittery about things now Feb is underway or is that a silly question. knowing it isnt usuallyv a good month ? Strange here 😊It will be the first drink since last Sunday ..I felt like I was buying the wine today because I had to ! I have had no craving for a drink this week and I would have been quite happy without tonight but if I don't take the pill and have a drink the tablets won't do their job lol ..All feels a bit bizarre at mo but I must not get complacent judt keep taking the tablets !

Just had a sip now so will see how I feel x

Excellent, Nat! Congratulations!

Whilst it is still working, don't change it. He should be well within the period where his mind is no longer fixated with alcohol.

If he is doing well, perhaps a treat that doesn't usually involve alcohol.

Hi Nat yes I am less jittery but still unfortunately sceptical. I am watching him very closely but trying to appear nonchalant 😉 I am definately less stressed tho. We are starting to take dancing classes again which has helped us in the past. So I still have hope.

It is a very strange treatment isn't it! Claudia Christian has said it is counterintuitive. No wonder there us so much confusion out there. So glad it's still working for you x

I don't want my husband to start drinking again if it his wish to abstain, but he has tried many times. I can only continue to observe and act when he is ready x The Naltrexone is there waiting 😶

Yes JulieAnne A true miracle LOL 😆

Hellooo again Julie I really think the way your are feeling is completely  more than understandable given the history.You have been through more than  a horrendous time with hubby along all the uncetainity  and scariness  that goes with that,but hey you are really hanging on in there with lots of hard work and hope.I am impressed with you both for taking up your dancing lessons ADEfree was suggesting too that maybe  distractions will help.I think anything that you can do together now and enjoy that maybe was of no interst to him when he was drinking will be of great help and reward to him and you of course. I smile when I think of you watching him nonchalontly, I wonder if he notices lol

Great you have the Naltrexone but lets hope he carries on the Campral for now . I am sure he must be feeling so much better , so make sure you look after you too.

Thank you for all your support on here for everyone,  By the way I had a teeny glass of wine after my 'one little pill' last night. I didnt enjoy,it felt like medicine . Yes it is very strange treatment  but so far its working, maybe a little bit quicker than I thought too.Going to have a glass with lunchtime roast today.Sunday lunch  was always a huge danger zone if I had a drink  as it set me off  for the rest of the day ( couldnt stop after the first) I have avoided  having a drink in the day as far as possible since the medication started so it will be interesting ! x  Take care   thinking of you 

Thank you Nat, you always seem to know just where hubby and myself are. Nalfamene is definately working for you and many others on this site. I do find this forum a great comfort. People just know how awful alcohol can be.

Thinking of everyone on here as always x

Thanks RH. Things have calmed down again. As I have said to Nat, I am watching him like a hawk, but rarely say anything 😳 he is not stupid tho, I always think I am being clever, I hate to be outwitted 😡 got to get some fun out of it. I am definately masochistic 😁

Hope you are ok. I have read thru your old posts, (being nosy) you certainly have been thru the mill mate x

"I have read thru your old posts, (being nosy) you certainly have been thru the mill mate x"

You're not being nosy, they are there for people to read.

Some say how (I) you get into the problem of drinking.

Some hopefully tell how to get out of that problem, including all the battles you have to fight with the system, GPs, ARCs, NHS etc.

Some are hopefully just down right humorous. I've had a stand up row with a gastroenterologist and walked out on a neuro surgeon. I still get on well with the gastro, the neuro has never booked me back in for an appointment, and I can't say I'm sad about that.

I would not change one part of my life, what I have been through, makes me the person I am today.

 

Hi Nat,wondering how you got on with afternoon wine,hope to god you didn't have session!!! I have poured 6th vodka,8 days half pill,2 days full naltrexone,so not working yet,is it,great the reports I have read,and not as stressed as I thought tonight,I know I still have to use willpower,but hoped naltrexone would curb notions,not expecting miracles,but think maybe,it's just not kicking in yet,god help us all !! Xx

Angela,

This process takes months NOT days.

All you need to do is remain compliant, drink mindfully and look for ways to put a dent into your usual habits.  The naltrexone stops the compulsion to keep drinking so you don't need willpower as such, but you do need to look for ways to work with the naltrexone and start chipping away at your habitual drinking.

Angela, what Joanna says is spot on. Naltrexone will slowly work on making the addicted part of your more and more silent. The conscious part of your brain that got you to look into Naltrexone is the one that you want to feed, by giving it a chance to surface and say "That's enough for tonight". When you feel that "Meh" feeling towards another drink or even another sip, stop drinking for the night and switch to a soft drink.

You might even consider switching from vodka to wine so it gives that part of the brain a chance to get a word in edgewise. The problem is that part of the brain is what gets anesthetized by alcohol, so whatever you can do to slow things down, so much the better. 

One trick I used was to take a sip of my drink, put it down and walk away from it (nice symbolism there). I'd get up to a little task and when that was done, ask myself if I wanted another sip. If not, I'd get to some other task. It wasn't that long before I was forgetting about that next sip for a half hour, then an hour, then longer. 

If there's a certain event in your evenings that has you drinking more quickly (like when you're on the phone or watching TV), switch to a soft drink or the like. Whatever you can do to "break up the pace" will pay off here. 

I do see a difference in what's left in the bottle,I,m slowly drinking less,I do often put TV on hold and get up and do something to prolong the time in between drinks,and I will take the good advice of drinking something else,I have in the past mixed wine with pep max,so will do that.Thank you Ade and Joanna,your advice well received with thanks.x

Ahh Angela give it time and hopefully you will feel the benefits soon Am hoping and hoping for you

Today I am so cross with myself ..I took the tablet but started drinking too soon on it.I was in disaster zone and sabotaged the work of the last few weeks.I am so angry with myself as I just drank wine all day yesterday and stopped caring , was back to the old tricks until it made me ill.I have a terrible hangover today and not functioning well.But hey must dust myself off and start again.Going to have an alcohol free week and just start all over again and hopefully learn from this .I guess we are only human tho No lunchtime drinkies poos again . 😑The problem was that I was at home and it was too easy to do. I need to change old habits

Well I.m suffering today that's for sure but you keep going and look I forward to hearing some good results x

Argh Nat! But at least you feel as tho you can stop for a week before restarting Naltrexone. That would never happen with hubby, be would just keep drinking an drinking. Dunno what he would be like with Naltrexone tho xx

I believe all will be well just a slip up xx

Oh dear,was a tricky one,that wee wine at lunchtime,was thinking about you,and yes,you are only human,bet it was good at the time,stopping for a whole week is good,I wish you luck.Sounds like you are actually doing really well,suffering for your mistake will make you think twice about a wee wine at lunchtime,for time being anyway,keep up the good work.x

Awww Naughty Nattie lol - don't worry - Sunday is always a trying day I find.  But then I do have my wicked way with wine at weekend.  Thing is that now you know you can work it - so what you gave in - you are doing fantastic to do what you have been doing.  Sounds like a banging hangover, don't ya just love being free of those; that in itself will get you back in the saddle.

Don't fret over it bud - you are doing brilliantly xx    Gx

Good answer Gwen haha got to laugh,and praise when it's due 😊 x

Excellent, Angela! Keep on pushing back at it, the balance is beinning to tip in your favor!

Nat, keep in mind that the forced alcohol free days can work against you too. The Alcohol Deprivation Effect can cause a rebound in your drinking, as the addicted part of your brain reaches out harder for it's "old buddy". With TSM the best strategy is generally to let the craving set the number of drinking days and let conscious control set the number of drinks per day. If you deprive yourself, reactive drinking may drive you past the point where your conscious control becomes anesthetized and it becomes more difficult to exercise good judgement. Note that it only takes one drink on Naltrexone to move you a notch closer to your goal, so whatever you can do to limit the quantity per drinking day will work in your favor.

Definitely naughty Nattie now Gwennie 😉standing in the corner with the hangover from hell it sure don't feel good lol.this sesh hit hard .it , am getting too old for that rubbish.

Glad all you guys are so supportive x

Aww I know lovely - too old - feeling this for you - well sesh can do one now cmon on we need to get back on track - god knows it is so hard - supportive we always are x

Now then naughty Nattie dont beat yourself up. Sounds like the hangover is doing that 😌. You will be alright, I can feel it in me water as I nonchalantly check hubby's work bag....... Lol xx

Thank you all for the laugh,I,ve had great support,but you all have a sense of humour to cheer us up with the hangovers and disappointments,you are a great lot xx

Yes our experiences certainly do that. Like you I do not treat medics like gods. Some of them are right up their own a**es.

You have to fight for what you believe in. Hate it when so called professionals think they know it all. Especially hate it when they are dismissive of my Husbands efforts and the changes he has made 😠

Thanks once again for all your support. I have and still am learning so much on this great forum x

Thanks Angela It's good to know we are all here to support each other

Thinking of you too x

I am warmed to read this Angela ..It sounds like it's all beginning to take effect .Well done you ! You are working hard at it 😊

As I am a more of a binge drinker it should be ok for a week.Of course if I get any cravings I will take the Nalmefene sooner ..I really want to do this but I think I need to be more mindful and am also beginning to realise that counselling is probably an important factor.Will check out C3 Europe website

I am having little visions of you nonchalantly checking hubby's work bag.Dont let him catch you 😁

Happy Days for us all x

I replied to you earlier Julie Anne but it has been sent to the moderator lol. Oh dear naughty,the site is very sensitive  Seriously though we all gotta keep on track and also help your hubby with that too,.I have a funny vison of the nonchalont you checking hubbys work bag . Don't let 'im catch you  LOL xx

I can be secretive too ❤❤❤❤❤xx

Thankyou ADEfree, I  completely get what you say I wont push too hard and as we all well know its easy to say you can stop for a week when you  feel like crap LOL. I wont try and push through any cravings but just take a nalmefene and as you say  each time is  one step nearer to the goal. Agoog mindset to have. I have given this  all a lot of thought today and  am thinking that it may be an idea to change my drink from say wine to a beer, it may just help to break some old habits too

Thanks so much for your sound advice.I am coming  out of the naughtly corner now lol x

Hi Nat,yes feel drunk,don't know why Naltrexone isn't working,I know I am supposed to use willpower as well,but where is that,and why is it not here,I am just pathetic and feel nothing can help me ! X

Hey there, I thought that really and truly.  You have got to get real angry and say out loud that you will not be beaten.  For me it is looking forward to my two small glasses each evening Monday to Friday - Sat/Sun sod it it is a bottle of red and some well needed zzzzzzzs.  Honest I would not be a be able to do it without looking forward to my "special two".  But I am doing fine on it - an odd blip here and there, but just keep going back to it and smiling in the morning when I have instead of AA (alcoholic anxiety) which gives me knots in my tum through disgust. 

I don't really like chocolate but if I eat it it makes alcohol taste yuk and sour, any chance you could do this, just stuff a Mars bar down you first. anything to make you put it off until later in the evening and nearer bed time.

Feeling this for you but please dont give in, we cannot and WILL NOT.

Keep going bud............................G xx

Hi Angela you are not pathetic ..we have all mentioned mindfulness with this and I have found it hard too as old habits stick..I like to relax when I have a drink ( well that's the idea but if I drink too much am just a jumpy jitterbug or zoned out ) so to walk away from the drink and do something else does not sit well with me ..Take Gwens advice just don't give up! I am questioning a few things now with the road I.m on but if it doesn't work out there is always another way so they say ! Thinking of you x

I love your philosophy on this Gwen , strong and determined .You can give me some of that. I so really admire you for tapering back like you have and the best of it is its working for you ..your beating them mean sly optics that whisper in yer ear my girl.I wish I had the strength that you have like being very set with what you drink For me ,without me one little pill , once I start I am extremely unlikely to stop and if I run out I'll go and get more no matter what .😶silly Billy 😶me is .

I think chocolate is a great idea and how you describe stuffing it yay lol try it Angie it so really doesn't mix with wine , Gwens aversion therapy eh.

Aww so honest babe - yep determied - will not be beaten - gotta try choc - horrible with alcohool.

You are all an inspiration,I thank you for any advice,but won't try the chocolate,it actually tastes nice with vodka haha My problem may be down to the stress I feel.My offer for house was accepted,but it's such a big move,and money will be very tight.Its all life changing,definitely for the best,and if I can't afford vodka,then that should be good enough reason in itself,for cutting it down much as possible.x

I don't know how you manage to taper back with all that alcohol just sitting there, you must have a will of iron, hon I just imagine me surrounded by chocolate argh! I would never be able to resist x

I remember some of your old posts from last year, but have just read them again. They're better than some best seller books.

Ive told you many times that with your skill in writing, you ought to put them in a book! 'My experience of ARCs' would do for starters. Informative, funny, cynical and helpful, to name but a few!

Nat do you know what's 'safe' in terms of tapering- been reading old threads & a bit concerned, I started Nalmefrene last night x 

Hi Lisa

I have never been able to successfully taper as it's been all or nothing for me.Hopefully one the others on here who have done that will see your post .It's very much dependent how much alcohol you have been consuming Be interested to know how the first day of nalmefene went .Are you following TSM x