Hi Folks,
Last Saturday I decided things were getting out of control, and it was time for me to take matters into my own hands. On googling what sort of prescription I might ask my doctor for, I ended up on this forum and read lots of your wonderful posts. This board is a real inspiration, so thanks to you all for that!
After reading the posts here, I decided to try the supplements approach (which I had never heard about before), and see what Kudzu and L-Glutamine could do for me.
To summarize what I learned from what I read here, it seems different people have had different experiences. Some people try that approach and find it does not help them at all. Others seem to find it anywhere from moderately to miraculously effective at (a) reducing cravings, and (b) leading them to feel less desire to continue drinking when they do drink, and thus helping with moderation, less binging, etc.
This sounded appealing, because my ideal situation would be a magic bullet that allows me to still drink some, but in much greater moderation. Other people I know seem to be able to do this, though my own behavior has repeatedly reminded me that I am not one of those people!
So, off I went to the local granola store and picked up a bottle of "Country Lite L-Glutamine (1000mg)" and a bottle of "Planetary Herbals Full Spectrum Kudzu (750mg)." Based on what I'd read from people here, I decided to pursue the following regimen:
On waking: 2000mg (2 tabs) L-Glutamine.
Mid-morning (~11am): 2000mg (2 tabs) L-Glutamine, 750mg (2 tabs) Kudzu.
Mid-afternoon (~3pm): 2000mg (2 tabs) L-Glutamine, 750mg (2 tabs) Kudzu.
Beyond this, I maintained my normal routine of supplements and exercise.
That was last Saturday morning, and I didn't drink for three days (Sat, Sun, Mon) -- which is something of a feat for me, especially on the weekend. I felt rather moody the first couple days, but I think the supplements definitely helped with reducing any cravings. Also, I avoided the social situations that would normally lead me to drink (though I am known to drink just fine by myself without anyone's help or encouragement).
So far, so good on the L-Glut/Kudzu!
Tuesday I decided to experiment: I was due to meet some friends. If I did decide to drink, would this new regimen lead me to feel like drinking less, coasting through the evening as the "moderate" drinker I have never been?
Well, I started off OK, but woke up the next morning with a headache and a video on Facebook of me drunkenly belting out Pat Benatar while slamming Coronas back at a karaoke bar. So much for the magic bullet!
Wednesday night: Home by myself, downed a bottle and a half of wine and the rest of some slivovice that was in the cupboard.
Thursday night: Similar to Tuesday.
Friday night: After-work drinks that were sort of in my honor, so had two martinis there, and then wine at home.
Tl;Dr:
After one week of "experimentation," I think it's safe to say the L-Glutamine/Kudzu regimen are no "magic bullet of moderation" for me, and it is perfectly possible, if not inevitable, for me to pursue the old habits while taking them.
I ordered the "Kudzu Rescue" from this site, which arrived today. I plan on substituting that one in to see if I notice any difference. But it does seem like other behavioral changes will be in order....
Anyhow, thanks for your insights here! I hope this information is useful to people.
Cheers,
EHead
Last Saturday I decided things were getting out of control, and it was time for me to take matters into my own hands. On googling what sort of prescription I might ask my doctor for, I ended up on this forum and read lots of your wonderful posts. This board is a real inspiration, so thanks to you all for that!
After reading the posts here, I decided to try the supplements approach (which I had never heard about before), and see what Kudzu and L-Glutamine could do for me.
To summarize what I learned from what I read here, it seems different people have had different experiences. Some people try that approach and find it does not help them at all. Others seem to find it anywhere from moderately to miraculously effective at (a) reducing cravings, and (b) leading them to feel less desire to continue drinking when they do drink, and thus helping with moderation, less binging, etc.
This sounded appealing, because my ideal situation would be a magic bullet that allows me to still drink some, but in much greater moderation. Other people I know seem to be able to do this, though my own behavior has repeatedly reminded me that I am not one of those people!
So, off I went to the local granola store and picked up a bottle of "Country Lite L-Glutamine (1000mg)" and a bottle of "Planetary Herbals Full Spectrum Kudzu (750mg)." Based on what I'd read from people here, I decided to pursue the following regimen:
On waking: 2000mg (2 tabs) L-Glutamine.
Mid-morning (~11am): 2000mg (2 tabs) L-Glutamine, 750mg (2 tabs) Kudzu.
Mid-afternoon (~3pm): 2000mg (2 tabs) L-Glutamine, 750mg (2 tabs) Kudzu.
Beyond this, I maintained my normal routine of supplements and exercise.
That was last Saturday morning, and I didn't drink for three days (Sat, Sun, Mon) -- which is something of a feat for me, especially on the weekend. I felt rather moody the first couple days, but I think the supplements definitely helped with reducing any cravings. Also, I avoided the social situations that would normally lead me to drink (though I am known to drink just fine by myself without anyone's help or encouragement).
So far, so good on the L-Glut/Kudzu!
Tuesday I decided to experiment: I was due to meet some friends. If I did decide to drink, would this new regimen lead me to feel like drinking less, coasting through the evening as the "moderate" drinker I have never been?
Well, I started off OK, but woke up the next morning with a headache and a video on Facebook of me drunkenly belting out Pat Benatar while slamming Coronas back at a karaoke bar. So much for the magic bullet!
Wednesday night: Home by myself, downed a bottle and a half of wine and the rest of some slivovice that was in the cupboard.
Thursday night: Similar to Tuesday.
Friday night: After-work drinks that were sort of in my honor, so had two martinis there, and then wine at home.
Tl;Dr:
After one week of "experimentation," I think it's safe to say the L-Glutamine/Kudzu regimen are no "magic bullet of moderation" for me, and it is perfectly possible, if not inevitable, for me to pursue the old habits while taking them.
I ordered the "Kudzu Rescue" from this site, which arrived today. I plan on substituting that one in to see if I notice any difference. But it does seem like other behavioral changes will be in order....
Anyhow, thanks for your insights here! I hope this information is useful to people.
Cheers,
EHead
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