Naltrexone/Nalmefene (Selincro)/The Sinclair Method Hints and Tips

Hi Paddy. Am sure joanna will get back to you as soon as she is able

Regards

JulieAnne

Hi Paddy,

Though the thread is still alive, it might be better for you to have your questions in a separate thread so you can refer back to your thread in the future, and maybe keep it updated too.

If you start a new thread then we (all of us) can keep the focus on your specific questions.

Well, you've managed to join a discussion, but ideally you want to 'start' a new discussion thread for yourself - click on start a new discussion near the top on the right.

To help Joanna answer, it would be useful to state which country you are in.

Hi Kerry,

As RHGB says, it would be useful to know which country you live in.

If you prefer, click the little envelope under my profile pic on the right hand side of this message and it will allow you to send me a personal message instead of putting personal details onto this site. 

Joanna

Women eh? Don't know their left from their right. 

Oh wow, yes you are right.  Ha ha!   Thanks.

Sorry about that Kerry.  Look LEFT for the envelope, not right.

In my defence RHGB, I am ill with a bug right now so my mind isn't quite on the ball.  (that's my excuse and I'm sticking with it!)

Hi Kerry - this is just typical of a lot of us on here - it is a pain.

I used to have half a bottle - but a few years down the line it turned to 1 and then one and a half - and then - two.  I have managed to taper it down to 2 small glasses from Monday to Friday - but weekends I have much more.  I would prefer not to but am a bit scared of the consequences.  You will get loads of good advice on here - they are the best.

Keep posting.

G.

LOL and sometimes guys don't know their right from their left x

Hi Joanna,

Firstly thank you and the others for your replies and advice on using the site .... I shall attempt to navigate my right and left and start a new discussion and somehow rectify my profile which is stating my problem at the mo!

Just as a start tho I'm in the UK

Many thanks

Hi Christine,

I have done a little research for you and found that both of the medications that can be used for this method (naltrexone or nalmefene) are classed as Amber and Red medications respectively.

This means that your local NHS authority is guiding doctors to refer potential patients to a specialist physician in alcohol addiction issues to assess and prescribe the medication, if medically suitable for you.

In your area, you can self-refer yourself to SIAS by ringing 0121 301 3600.

I will PM you a link to the confirmation of this guidance which I suggest that you print out and take to any appointments with you.  As you will have seen from comments on this forum, knowledge on the options available can be woefully inadequate within these servces.  The person you first see at the SIAS may not have any knowledge of medically-assisted treatment whatsoever, so you will need to show them that they are the organisation that your local health authority feel is the most appropriate to assess and prescribe. 

I will also PM you the details of a private prescriber in your area so that you have two options to consider.

I have finally booked up the courage and contacted SIAS, my local alcohol service, and I have got an appointment for next Thursday. Unfortunately I am still binge drinking about 3 times a week and I am hoping they will prescribe me the namolfene as I have tried everything else. My question is should I ask the counsellor that I am going to speak to if they would prescribe me the medication or wait until hopefully they suggest me taking it? Thanks in advance as always x

Brilliant christine - onward and upward

Our experience shows that very few really understand the medication so they are unlikely to suggest it.

My best advice would be to take a print out of that link I previously PM'd you and when they ask what type of help you are looking for, show them that.

Your counsellor will not be able to assess you for it, and so shouldn't offer their opinion on medications, as they are not qualified to do so.  Remember that!  They cannot tell you that medications don't work, or that a medication is not suitable for you.  They are not a doctor and so cannot make this assessment.

You need to see the prescribing physician, which is your right to do so.  If there is not a prescribing physician available at the time, then you will need to ask your counsellor to make an appointment with one.

Having been to two ARCs, I can confirm what Joanna says is correct.

Take the print out she mentioned and also print out her post or the next, to remember this.

"Your counsellor will not be able to assess you for it, and so shouldn't offer their opinion on medications, as they are not qualified to do so.  Remember that!  They cannot tell you that medications don't work, or that a medication is not suitable for you.  They are not a doctor and so cannot make this assessment."

But they will offer their not qualified opinion on medications and they will try to ignore all requests for it. Be firm and tell them they are not a qualified doctor and as such, shouldn't be making those statements.

"You need to see the prescribing physician, which is your right to do so.  If there is not a prescribing physician available at the time, then you will need to ask your counsellor to make an appointment with one."

The doctor only usually comes in once a week, so you probably will have to make an appointment. They will probably again try to put you off, be persistent. You will first have to see a nurse (appointment - although they come in most days) and have blood tests done, this is normal and they would be within their rights to refuse you a doctor's appointment if you didn't have the tests, as the doctor needs the results before he can prescribe.

Just remember, they are funded by the government/NHS to carry out this service, don't let them make out that they are doing you a favour and you have to obey some arbitary rules that they have made up.

Hi Christine

What RHGB and Joanna have said is absolutely right. We went to our local ARC and some wet behind the ears 'Counsellor' (very loosely termed) informed us that he didn't believe in any meds, abstinence was the answer with the support of AA. So my Husband was told to go away and complete a drink diary for a month and go to as many AA meetings as possible. No matter how many times we said AA was not working for him, it was AA or the highway. I think I got a bit cross at this point.

So, be prepared and go with as much information as possible as Joanna and RHGB have recommended.

Let us know how you get on.

Kind Regards

JulieAnne

Thanks for all your advice guys and I will let you know how I get on x

And that is why I have not stepped over their threshhold.  I just know I would end up interviewing them about if and why they drink !!!!!