Hi all,
I wanted to address two things about the Sinclair Method in a new thread so it doesn't get missed. Mods can lock this if they like - these aren't really discussion items, just FYI. They were mentioned in another thread and are worth mentioning again:
1. Opioid Receptor Upregulation
When taking Naltrexone and not drinking, the number and sensitivity of the opioid receptors in your brain increases drastically (I've heard about 2x). This means if you engage in behavior that results in the release of endorphins, including drinking, without a blocking dose of Naltrexone, you will reinforce that behavior to a much greater extent than before the Naltrexone.
But here's the part that those who are worried about it have missed: This is a reversible phenomenon and with about 1 week off of Naltrexone, the receptor levels drop to normal. So it's not like you're rewiring your brain forever.
2. Naltrexone Medical Alert - Pain Management
In the same way Naltrexone blocks endorphins, it also blocks opioids (e.g., morphine).
If you are taking Naltrexone, put a medical alert card in your wallet (or wherever is customary in your country) so that if you are in an accident, doctors will know to manage your pain using appropriate drugs. I can think of nothing worse than being in pain that doctors don't know how to manage because they are unaware of your Naltrexone use. They CAN manage pain without opioids, but they have to know to do it.
I keep a label on the back of my driver's license that says: "MEDICAL ALERT - NALTREXONE HCL - 50mg/DAY"
Also be sure a trusted emergency contact knows to inform any emergency doctors of your naltrexone usage.
This is especially important for those of you who, like me, are taking naltrexone ordered over the internet without the knowledge of a regular family doctor.
I wanted to address two things about the Sinclair Method in a new thread so it doesn't get missed. Mods can lock this if they like - these aren't really discussion items, just FYI. They were mentioned in another thread and are worth mentioning again:
1. Opioid Receptor Upregulation
When taking Naltrexone and not drinking, the number and sensitivity of the opioid receptors in your brain increases drastically (I've heard about 2x). This means if you engage in behavior that results in the release of endorphins, including drinking, without a blocking dose of Naltrexone, you will reinforce that behavior to a much greater extent than before the Naltrexone.
But here's the part that those who are worried about it have missed: This is a reversible phenomenon and with about 1 week off of Naltrexone, the receptor levels drop to normal. So it's not like you're rewiring your brain forever.
2. Naltrexone Medical Alert - Pain Management
In the same way Naltrexone blocks endorphins, it also blocks opioids (e.g., morphine).
If you are taking Naltrexone, put a medical alert card in your wallet (or wherever is customary in your country) so that if you are in an accident, doctors will know to manage your pain using appropriate drugs. I can think of nothing worse than being in pain that doctors don't know how to manage because they are unaware of your Naltrexone use. They CAN manage pain without opioids, but they have to know to do it.
I keep a label on the back of my driver's license that says: "MEDICAL ALERT - NALTREXONE HCL - 50mg/DAY"
Also be sure a trusted emergency contact knows to inform any emergency doctors of your naltrexone usage.
This is especially important for those of you who, like me, are taking naltrexone ordered over the internet without the knowledge of a regular family doctor.