Hello New Here

[Guest]

I was wondering, this program sounds great. I want to give it a try without the drugs. I am usually pretty good at not drinking when I have good support and I follow a good exercise and nutrition program.

Is anyone on the list succeeding without using the medication? I see it as a good last resort option.

Thanks!
JJ

[Guest]

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do u have specific concerns

do you have specific concerns about the drugs? I think the value of the drugs is hopefully reducing cravings and reducing withdrawl

[Guest]

Hello New Here

Re: do u have specific concerns

Hi Atlanta,

I think the drugs are a part of the program that really truly make this work, but with your support system in place and the other factors at work, it can work without the medication. I just really think you need to substitute something like individual counseling/AA to help you through this. Also, it sounds like you aren't going to, but you do know that you can't do moderation, too, without the meds, right? Good luck!

Jennifer

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Re: do u have specific concerns

I was really concerned with the side effects of the meds. Especially the memory loss. My profession requires a sharp mind. I tend to have triggers more so that cravings, certain events occur that make me think of drinking. When I put my mind to it, I am good at working through the triggerso that I can avoid taking a drink.

I do fairly well with abstinence as long as I have my goals squarely in front of me. I'm not so good at moderation however. I have established a patteren during a long term abs, I start feeling really good, I forget my goals, and end up drinking again. This starts with one or two drinks on occasion, and then eventually I end up drinking way more than I should.

I'm going to hang out here and see what I can learn. I'm impressed with the wonderful support everyone offers here.

Thank you,
Janet

[Guest]

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I started out using topamax but found that I was getting headaches and stopped. I might try it again, but only as you said, as a last resort. So far, I don't feel a need for it. Glutamine, kudzu, and evening primrose all curb a desire for alcohol. The amino acids that you'll be taking will boost your brain's neurotransmitters so that they'll soon function like that of a non-drinker's. Joan Larson's Seven Weeks to Sobriety has lots of solid information on nutrition.

The hypnotherapy CD's are very powerful. I'm something of a skeptic, but was amazed by the inner changes that took place after only a couple of weeks.

Glad to have you with us.

Carmen

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Carmen,

I happened to have a copy of that book lying around (Seven Weeks to Sobriety) when I started the program and found it interesting to read when I was using all the supplements. In fact it's very detailed and interesting. However, if I had to adhere to that schedule of supplements that they prescribed, there is no way I would be able! I am not that organized!!

Jen

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7 Weeks to Sobriety

And I'd have to be a saint to follow Larson's demands...no coffee, no way!

The beauty of RJ's book is its simplicity and accessibility; anyone can read it and just get going. I use Larson's book as a reference tool. It helps me believe in the worth of buying and taking the supplements when I have a better understanding of what they're doing and how they're working together.

C.

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I'm doing it without the meds

Hi JJ,

I'm doing it without the meds, but not for lack of trying. I've been on the program for about 4 weeks. Had about 3 weeks of abstinence and then a little slip, another week of abs and then a pretty bad fall about a week ago. I've been abs ever since. But it's not been easy.
I'm plugging along without meds, because my doc said no need for the Campral. She thinks I'm depressed, not alcohol dependent. No kidding I'm depressed. It's because I'm alcohol dependent. Sheesh. I opted not for Topa because the side effects are not for me and I don't want moderation. I'm going for abstinence. Anyway, my doctor poo-pah'd the whole Topa thing anyway. I'm actively seeking an addiction specialist, but I'm in a fairly small "remote" place and such specialists are hard to find.
I'm taking all of the supps and am a pretty active exerciser anyway. But, I think the meds would really take the edge off and make the journey not so difficult. And I think it would also help me to eliminate the slips.
So, my two cents is to try the program to the letter. Get the meds. Topa if you're going for moderation. Campral if you're going for abstinence. As Jen said, moderation really can't be done without meds. I think our brains are past that.
I've also found that Kudzu works to take some of the edge off. The only problem with it for me is that it gives me a mild sore throat and it dries my nose out. This is 600mg/ 2x daily. A side effect I can certainly live with.
I'm also very goal/project oriented. I think all problems have a beginning, middle and end. But with alcohol, I'm learning that it is a problem that may have no magic arch that reads "the end." I'm looking forward to a day when I feel control over it, not the other way around. I also look forward to it being a non-issue for me. I'm looking forward to the day when I can refuse it at a party and when I get the "not even a little wine?????" I'll be able to plainly state that I just have no talent for it, and feel sated with that.

Good luck!
Kel

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Re: I'm doing it without the meds

Kel

I'm rooting for you. Find another doc for campral. You need this first year under your belt.

Jen

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Re: I'm doing it without the meds

Kel,

Ditto to Jen's last remark: I would find a doc that would prescribe Campral. It really does help, and it's not such an outlandish request on your part. You're trying to get better and you want to take advantage of all the tools you can to help you succeed.

I can also relate to the desire to go through a beginning, middle and end. But I think this is one of those lifetime projects.... even if we get to the point where we can refuse a drink without a second thought (and I hope we all do) we still have to be vigilant against slipping back into old ruts. One of the symptoms of this disease is that we keep convincing ourselves we DON'T have it!

[Guest]

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starting out

Hi, I read your email and I am doing the same thing. I have the meds and the CD's but am not going to take the rx because I believe I can do this from the info that I've gotten. I've got a problem - no doubt, when you take a 52 ft sailboat over twenty miles in a complete blackout and it's tied up in your slip the next morning perfectly and you don't remember doing it, well - I decided I know what "drunk as a sailor" is - I ', there. However, I'm confused enough and I don't believe that I want either the side effects. The program she outlines seem to be working for me. The supps and the water help and I don't believe willpower works but it comes through for me because I am not a person who can deal with my mind mess up. I will stop anything when it comes to where I can't think correctly and I know that about myself. I think you do too. I have enough problems trying to focus and I see it all around me in neurotic personalities and distorted perceptions in people that don't touch a drop of alcohol. I'm not willing to screw with medications. I'm a nurse and I don't like it and will not do that. I think the rest is wonderful and it seems to work well fore me. One w/o a drink. So, we'll see. I agree with you JJ.
Lynn

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Thanks Jen and Mike

Thanks for your support! It's so true, Mike, that it is so easy to fall back into old patterns after a long period of abstinence. It's like people who take anti-depressants, then start to feel better and stop taking them. Alcohol is an insidious drug that thinks it's not. Shame on a world that rewards those who can drink in moderation and spits on those that can't. Even with all of the research that tells us it is a disease that needs to be treated medically rather than a flaw in one's character or a weakness, or lack of control, we still have to convince our doctors to give us meds.
I will bypass my doctor and find one who will prescribe me campral, because I would like one year under my belt with a climb that's not so steep.

Take care!
Kel

[Guest]

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Re: Thanks Jen and Mike

Kel

Let me know how it goes. It is really tough to find a good doctor. Lately I have gone to several for different reasons (for me and my kids), and I have left feeling pretty unsatisfied. Many just don't have good listening or diagnostic skills in my opinion.

I know some people are uncomfortable with it, but sometimes you have to insist upon what you want with a doctor. (and sometimes they will refuse but usually it works) I think if you use very clear statements such as you used in your story about your father being an alcoholic and you knowing you are one too....and you know it is hurting your family. The reason you are at the appointment is to request campral because you are choosing abstinence (and going to AA[say this regardless]) but the cravings are too strong and you need some help. You know people on this drug who are really being helped and recovering, and you know that this will help with you drinking problem too.

Just use statements like I know instead of I think. This is your treatment...your health. They can make a recommendation(thinking you're depressed, for example)...like your other doctor did, but if you think it is incorrect, then argue with them. You need to for you and your family's sake.

Take care of yourself.

Jen

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My NEW doctor

Hey Jen,
I woke up this morning, sick and tired of thinking about alcohol and I grabbed the phone book determined to call every doctor (including podiatrists!) and ask if they'd write me a scrip for Topa or Campral and while I was honestly getting ready to do that, my husband called our HMO and demanded to see another doctor. I got in, my husband came with me carrying books, internet research,etc. and the doctor said, "I wish you'd come to see me in the first place, my mom died of alcoholism"
He didn't prescribe me anything as yet,though because my "fabulous" HMO won't cover Campral unless he gets a shrink (his words- not mine) to underwrite the scrip.
So, he's going to get back to me on Monday when they figure out which way to go. He said one way or the other I will have a scrip for Camp or Topa on Monday morning- he just wants to make sure it's covered by our insurance.
He also assured me that most of the side effects for Topa go away after a while (just like RJ has said) and he recommended vitamin therapy and exercise before I'd even mentioned MWO.
It's too funny, my husband was really determined to advocate for me and demand service and was astonished when this doctor was willing to do anything we asked.
So, it looks like I will finally have that last piece of the puzzle and I'll be able to jump fully into this program.
Thanks for your support, it really means the world!

Take care,
Kel

[Guest]

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Janet,
Sometimes these threads take off on different and wonderful directions.
Please know that we're here rooting for you. Stay in touch.
Carmen