The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
I read alot of information about a drug called Naltrexone. Claudia Christian's impressive story of recovery by taking this drug is shared on the internet. She had tried every alcohol recovery treatment and became sober and her cravings stopped after using this. It was used in opiod recovery and was approved for alcohol dependence in 2006. Does anyone know of anyone who has used this?
I also do not - my youngest did try suboxone for opiate addiction and he was not successful. He also tried kratom and was not successful. For him, he came to understand that using any substitute as a 'crutch' wasn't effective, as he has an addictive mind and will always look for a way to exploit the substance.
I agree - it's good to see you again!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
My AH used naltrexone back in Sept and he was amazed at how well it helped him. I could actually see how he was having to break a 'habit' of drinking at home at night after work because once he opened a beer, he didn't have any desire to drink it. Since that time, he started drinking again, even while taking it, and then stopped talking it altogether. There were many reasons he started again but the 2 main reasons were being stuck in an environment of overindulging work colleagues at an out of town conference AND unresolved mental health issues. Since Oct., he has been all consumed by his disease. However, I've been setting some boundaries so he knows that I'm not willing to live with an AH any longer and I've set some expectations for both of us in our marriage.
Fortunately, my AH does not want to lose his family (myself & kids) so he's currently trying to detox on his own (a whole different post if I get to writing it) so he has started taking the naltrexone again. He knows it worked for him before and he knows it can help him again. His biggest challenge is going to be accepting his mental health issues that need to be addressed (and most likely involve medication) to be able to be in recovery and heal all within him. But we're working One Day at a Time in this family.....
Yes, the naltrexone works. I can't remember fully but there were a few, small side effects at the beginning....all I remember is lightheadedness. It only lasted a day or two until his body was used to it. I don't recall anything else really bothering him with the naltrexone. They also use this disease for people wanting to lose weight. How I understand it works in the brain is that it takes away the desire and the reward from either drinking the alcohol or eating the food that is the 'reward' for the body. But don't rely on my understanding; research it a bit more for how it works. I'm not a medical professional of any sort.
Hi WOA. Nice to meet you. My understanding is also that the brain is wired differently and without working hard on that area....the disease is still there. But, as mentioned by IAH, it's only my understanding. I have been around dry drunks (step father) and they are for the most part very miserable to be around without a program. I almost wanted him to pick up a drink.....almost.
My AS was on the Vivitrol(naltrexone) shot and did very well with it.The end of the months were rough though as it was wearing off.Unfortunarely though,he decided to stop getting it because he wanted to use instead.
I think it's a good recovery aide if one truly has the desire to recover.
-- Edited by SoggySlippers on Saturday 27th of January 2018 06:45:38 PM
