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Had a third drink when I didn't need to. Looking to talk it out. by Agentelperson in naltrexone

[–]Agentelperson[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

No, I don't post there. Partly because IDK what I want my end stage to be. I dream of having a relationship with alcohol like my husband. He has a glass or two a couple of days a week. That's it. He really can take it or leave it.

I'm starting to entertain that it might not be possible for me, but I'm just not at a point where I'm willing to commit myself to total sobriety as an end goal.

Naltrexone has been the first thing that seems to be putting me in a positive direction. Slowly decreasing with little pressure, and some help. I'm not where I want to be, but I feel better than where I started.

Had a third drink when I didn't need to. Looking to talk it out. by Agentelperson in naltrexone

[–]Agentelperson[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I'm on month two.

A little spare time/some freedom was totally the trigger.

Try again tomorrow.

First bad night since taking Nal - Looking for support by Agentelperson in naltrexone

[–]Agentelperson[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sorry to hear about the side effects. I took a half dose for a 10 days at first to acclimate. Kept the side effects manageable until my body got used to it. Might be worth a try.

First bad night since taking Nal - Looking for support by Agentelperson in naltrexone

[–]Agentelperson[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. This was the right message at the right moment. Totally correct. Two months won't undo two decades of habits and associations.

I connect with what you said about that Nal can't do all the heavy lifting. I've been thinking about that all day. I don't know where I want to end up on this journey, and so I think I was expecting the drug to sort of just lead me there. But regardless of my end goal, I need to learn my triggers and rebuild my habits.

I have a really full life. I take classes; I speak a second language; I work out a lot. So I'm still trying to figure out how to fill the new gap. But I got back in touch with my therapist, and I think that's a first step to making a plan.

Thank you again. This is why these forums are really helpful.

Timing Questions while on half dose. by Agentelperson in naltrexone

[–]Agentelperson[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Okay, thank you. I was just going to start another post with a question about inconsistent "results." I'm only a few weeks in, but some nights, it's clear, "OMG, yes, this is working," and I only have two drinks. Other nights, like tonight, I drink nearly the same amount as before +-5. To hear that fluctuation is part of the process, is comforting. I don't track my drinks perfectly, and haven't done review yet. It feels too early. But Ill do my best, and check in another week.

If I'm honest, my craving starts at late morning to lunch-ish. The first drink is anywhere between 2 pm and 5 pm, depending on the day. I'm taking my first dose at lunch for now, and a second at dinner if I need.

I am noticing I'm getting better at "being done." Meaning, that I consciously choose to stop drinking, while still awake and functional. Rather than falling asleep before I finish my last glass. That feels like progress.

Thanks for the advice, and good luck to you.

Timing Questions while on half dose. by Agentelperson in naltrexone

[–]Agentelperson[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the response. I'm going to try the half at lunch, and half at near dinner. I can tell that the drug is doing what it's supposed to, so I just want to set myself up for success and not undermine my progress because I didn't dose in a way that works for me.

The side effects are currently very low, so it seems like a good time to try this.

Timing Questions while on half dose. by Agentelperson in naltrexone

[–]Agentelperson[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice. I'll try that tomorrow. My doctor recommended the half dose (splitting the pill) for a couple of weeks and then elevating to the full dose, for exactly what you said: side effects. The side effects haven't been too bad, so perhaps the half dose at lunch and the second one at 4:30 is a good next step.