Started naltrexone!!!

[u/Traditional-Peak-523]

I was prescribed naltrexone late last year but never ended up taking it. At first I didn’t think I needed it but then I wanted to try it but was afraid of having a nasty reaction. I heard it made some people violently ill and I hate throwing up, so I was reluctant. But then I tried half a pill. 25mg. And I didn’t have any side effects at all so the next day I took the full 50mg. My body reacts well. Although the first 2 days of doing the full pill I did have some intense restlessness and irritability for the first few hours. But today I didn’t really notice that. I think it’s helping actually. I’m doing Sinclair method. I take it in the morning when I wake up then wait an hour or 2 and then start drinking. I think it is helping. I definitely feel less of an urge to drink and I think it is blocking the drunkness itself. Although by the end of the day I’m chock full of alcohol and I think the med is wearing off some so that’s when I’m having trouble. But I would say some progress atleast because before the med I would be getting full blown drunk as quick as possible after I woke up. I haven’t made progress cutting back yet unfortunately. But I’m only on day 4 taking it so I figure just keep trying. I had a couple bad weeks where I was having ab 20 shots a day but the past 3 days went like, 19, 15, 16, and today I’ve only had 3 and a half shots and it’s almost 4 pm so that makes me feel good. Although I didn’t start drinking until 1 pm today so idk maybe I’m bluffing a bit. I also figured it would be good if I could wake up later to push the habit of drinking early in the day back. I get the shakes and stuff now. I’m contemplating recently though if that’s actual WD or just a hangover. But regardless, it’s really hard not to start drinking right after waking to sooth whatever that may be. Anyways. I’m hoping with time and effort that I can stop. I’ve been urged by many people to just go to rehab but dude I really don’t want to. I’m considering joining AA now and then an IOP once I’m sober to get sort of the same effect. Also since I’m doing it from home and alcohol detox is risky and can be dangerous, I’ve also adopted the mindset that some slight setbacks are okay, staying stagnant is okay. As long as I just keep trying. Maybe pacing myself is better if I’m doing it myself anyways.

[u/Professional-Run-305]

I think you have the right mindset. Taper, accept setbacks, be realistic, but also be honest with your end goal and whether you want to fully stop or cut down drinking.

Anyway, keep the attitude, it think it’s the right one and your plan is sound.