My Life with Baclofen.

[rodewarrior]

Thought I would start a Thread and chronicle my experience with Baclofen.
I've been on and off this site for about 5 years.
A quick background. I've been drinking heavy for 30 years and crossed the line about 8 years ago. Been to Rehab many times and Detox more then I can count. I've turned into a Binge drinker, going for weeks and months w/o booze and then I get an uncontrollable craving where I don't give a shxx about anything, I WANT A DRINK!! Then I'm off to the races for at least a week or more. Finally I either by the grace of God stop or my wife calls the police and I'm carted off to Detox.
I've searched the internet for years trying to keep up with the latest "cures" for this disease. I've tried Campral, Naltrexone, Topamax, and a host of herbal remedies with no long term impact on my drinking. The cravings continued.
About a year ago I came across Baclofen and Dr. Ameisen and thought here we go again. Another hyped up medical miracle. So I wrote it off.
Instead I was so frustrated I got a script for Disulfiram (antabuse) and have been on it for about 8 months. It works for me cuz if you drink you know you'll get sicker then a damn dog. On the flip side when your "brain" starts working on you, you just start planning when you want to drink and quit taking it 5 or 6 days before and then go on another end run.
Came across Baclofen again on a cursory visit to MWO and thought I'm going to buy Ameisen's book and see what its all about. After reading it I was convinced and more convinced after checking out many of his references, abstracts and acknowledgements.
Checked out B4a as well and ordered Dr. Thomas's book. Its a good support reference for anyone starting BAC.
In any event I started ordering BAC from "In-House " and have been happy with their delivery and service.
Started my dosing at 30 mg. a day for a week. Then went to 60 mg. a day for a week and this week I dosed up to 90 mg a day. Next week I'm going up to 120 mg. a day and then we'll see................
I've had absolutely "0" side effects so far.

I'd really appreciate anyone who has gone through the Baclofen regime to offer any feedback.......Good, Bad, or Ugly. Guess I'm looking for "Support".
And in turn I'll offer some of my personal experience on a weekly basis. I'm HOPING for SUCCESS!
Thanks for listening!!

[windycitylady]

My Life with Baclofen.

Hey Rodewarrior! I do think baclofen is an awesome drug with potential to help a lot of people. Hopefully you will be among them! It's awesome you've had zero side effects so far.
As I'm sure you know, there's lots of information on this site. And lots of support! Hope you'll find both.
Please do keep us updated as to your progress!
Best of luck!

[ryrye]

My Life with Baclofen.

I hope it works for you, I am waiting for my order of baclofen to come in, and in the 3 weeks so far I have been waiting, I have tried so hard not to drink ... but i was only able to quit for 5 days followed by moderated use that has since ramped back up to previous using levels. I am drinking right now :hitme: It is a frustrating disorder, but fortunately you are not alone. I know I am an alcoholic ... I know that I cant stop for long without a terrible struggle ... and finally I know that given enough time sober, my mind will trick me into not giving a FUCK about anything and just going off the deep end. I feel you ....

[Sticky]

My Life with Baclofen.

Hi there

I too am hoping to start bac soon. I too could only go 5 days without drinking & have just picked up. After 17 months on The Sinclair Method with naltrexone, that seems to be the longest I can go. Let's hope it works for us all!

Cheers
Sticky

[Ne/Neva Eva]

My Life with Baclofen.

Hiya, Newbies!
Welcome to the forum! (Or welcome again, back to the forum, Rode! )

Keep in touch and let us know how it goes!

[some_midwest_guy]

My Life with Baclofen.

Hello and best wishes, this is my first post. I have been an alcoholic my entire adult life, at varying levels from "social" drinker to frequent binging. I have wasted much of my life in this pursuit. I tried AA but came to resent it because it wasn't addressing the core problem, which is, that I crave alcohol - like someone in the desert craves water. It's hard to explain this craving to my family - why I crave hard liquor. I don't know where this craving comes from, I have to think I was born with this.

I found this community and have been "lurking", reading about others' experiences. This has been very helpful, you cannot imagine how positive this forum is. Here is where I first read about things like kudzu and baclofen. I read Olivier Ameisen's excellent book...I also suffer from constant anxiety like Ameisen.

Kudzu is easier to obtain so I got some and started taking a couple a day. Then I read up on baclofen here and elsewhere, and ordered some online. I take a couple kudzu and 10-20 mg baclofen per day. I did not want to talk to my doctor because (a) he's not going to know about baclofen or want to prescribe an off-label baclofen usage (b) I don't want alcoholism on my medical record in case somewhere in the future I need to get different medical insurance.

The result is that the vicious craving has gone away. I've stopped thinking about alcohol all the time, and I don't get the jonesing for vodka/whiskey like I used to. I drink very little now, and am able to keep it to a few beers a week IMO because of the kudzu/baclofen. Thank you.

[ryrye]

My Life with Baclofen.

@ midwest: Im right there with you man. I have been drinking my ass off for 7 years now and it is a love hate relationship. I am constantly baffled as to why I keep doing this to myself, but ... I keep doing it for whatever reason. I have been constantly employed (somehow) and have maintained my independence, but it has robbed me of the will to improve my life and the better part of my social life. I have been able to go for days and a few times weeks of sobriety, but every time I end up relapsing terribly and binge drink, which seems to always have worse repercussions than if I had simply maintained my daily drinking ... this makes me almost afraid of being sober too long. I also have tried NA, AA, and other treatment programs and even went to a 30 day rehab a few years back and it just has not clicked with me for one reason or another. Anyway, my point is that I am very encouraged by all the positive results I keep hearing about baclofen and am eager as hell to get my first order in. It should be in my possession by tomorrow according to the tracking information. I hope to god that I am not disappointed. I am even okay with the idea that I may have to take it for the rest of my life if I need to. The more I read, the more I am of the mind that this disorder is a brain chemistry issue, and therefore can be treated medically, just as other mental disorders like schizophrenia, ADD, OCD, tourettes,

[spacebebe01]

My Life with Baclofen.

Great posts here. Hi Road, I too became a binge drinker after detox's, rehab, AA and all the other stuff. and as ryrye said the consequences or binges where worse that that of daily drinking. I makes me scared now to just stop again really which I know I coould do using anatbuse but I am scared of the binge that could follow it.

Somehow, I believe by taking meds including baclofen I have managed to keep my drinking faily controlled at the moment but Im still not happy with daily drinking of lager, even tho its way better than my drinking has been ever. I have upped my baclofen to 80mg so hope I will start getting results.

I took 40mg for around 8 months and do believe that this takes time. That low dose over a long period, I think made a difference to me. I have never managed to get to a high dose so I cant say what that would do.

Midwest thats fantastic that such a low dose of bac is working for you, I dont know about kudzu, I tried it years ago and didnt think it made a difference but I have read some good stuff about it. Also I read that the health food shops brand I used wasnt as good as the one sold in here, or maybe other places, so that is probably why it didnt work.

I hope you all keep posting with your progress so we can all learn from each other

[Otter]

My Life with Baclofen.

Good luck with your treatment and welcome to the forum. I have seen the effects of baclofen treatment over three years and it does work. It works best in those who want it to, have support and don't have an underlying brain disorder, apart from the craving. There are other things like hypoglycemia which can push you back into drinking as well, so diet is important.

The reason alcohol is so overpowering is that it affects the involuntary processes of the brain which are governed by the limbic systems which also control fear, breathing etc. So when you say the cravings are as overpowering as the need to breath, you are absolutely right about that. It is a chemical thing which will power won't get rid of. That is why Ameisen says baclofen works "effortlessly", because it corrects this chemical imbalance, which going to AA doesn't. Once you deal with the craving there are still things to be done but it is an important first step.

In my experience it is so important to have support in this from everyone and to keep a positive attitude, which is actually quite easy on baclofen because it is a very good anti depressant, anti anxiety and sleep inducing drug. You just have to ride with the side effects.

All the best.

[ifulovelife2]

My Life with Baclofen.

Hiya newbies! :welcome:

Baclofen is an awesome drug. It has helped so many people to kick the booze, including me. The best advice I can offer is to ramp up the dose slowly, that way you're less likely to suffer really bad SEs.

If you need help or advice just ask, there's lots of baclofen users here who will offer assistance.

It's a great thing you're doing people.

[thernand20]

My Life with Baclofen.

HELP

rodewarrior;1321845 wrote: Thought I would start a Thread and chronicle my experience with Baclofen.
I've been on and off this site for about 5 years.
A quick background. I've been drinking heavy for 30 years and crossed the line about 8 years ago. Been to Rehab many times and Detox more then I can count. I've turned into a Binge drinker, going for weeks and months w/o booze and then I get an uncontrollable craving where I don't give a shxx about anything, I WANT A DRINK!! Then I'm off to the races for at least a week or more. Finally I either by the grace of God stop or my wife calls the police and I'm carted off to Detox.
I've searched the internet for years trying to keep up with the latest "cures" for this disease. I've tried Campral, Naltrexone, Topamax, and a host of herbal remedies with no long term impact on my drinking. The cravings continued.
About a year ago I came across Baclofen and Dr. Ameisen and thought here we go again. Another hyped up medical miracle. So I wrote it off.
Instead I was so frustrated I got a script for Disulfiram (antabuse) and have been on it for about 8 months. It works for me cuz if you drink you know you'll get sicker then a damn dog. On the flip side when your "brain" starts working on you, you just start planning when you want to drink and quit taking it 5 or 6 days before and then go on another end run.
Came across Baclofen again on a cursory visit to MWO and thought I'm going to buy Ameisen's book and see what its all about. After reading it I was convinced and more convinced after checking out many of his references, abstracts and acknowledgements.
Checked out B4a as well and ordered Dr. Thomas's book. Its a good support reference for anyone starting BAC.
In any event I started ordering BAC from "In-House " and have been happy with their delivery and service.
Started my dosing at 30 mg. a day for a week. Then went to 60 mg. a day for a week and this week I dosed up to 90 mg a day. Next week I'm going up to 120 mg. a day and then we'll see................
I've had absolutely "0" side effects so far.

I'd really appreciate anyone who has gone through the Baclofen regime to offer any feedback.......Good, Bad, or Ugly. Guess I'm looking for "Support".
And in turn I'll offer some of my personal experience on a weekly basis. I'm HOPING for SUCCESS!
Thanks for listening!!

HI, I AM TRYING TO GET BACLOFEN FOR MY SISTER WHO IS DYING FROM ALCOHOL ABUSE. BUT NOBODY WANTS TO PRESCRIBE IT TO HER, WE ARE READY TO DO ALMOST ANYTHING TO TRY TO SAVE HER. DID YOU GET YOUR BAC WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION? WHICH SITE DO YOU RECOMMEND? TX

[Ne/Neva Eva]

My Life with Baclofen.

thernand20;1325331 wrote: HI, I AM TRYING TO GET BACLOFEN FOR MY SISTER WHO IS DYING FROM ALCOHOL ABUSE. BUT NOBODY WANTS TO PRESCRIBE IT TO HER, WE ARE READY TO DO ALMOST ANYTHING TO TRY TO SAVE HER. DID YOU GET YOUR BAC WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION? WHICH SITE DO YOU RECOMMEND? TX

Hi, Thern.

I am very sorry for what you are experiencing. I'm very glad that you are looking for help for your sister. There are enough stories around here from people who have completely turned their lives around to suggest that it is absolutely possible. Particularly with family members as part of the support system. :l to you for that.

It's difficult to offer suggestions related to a particular medical situation, particularly when it is so dire.
Baclofen isn't an immediate cure-all fixative, exactly. My limited, non-medical understanding is that benzos can be life saving.

Dr. Levin doesn't check/answer email regularly. You have to call him. At home, between 7 and 9pm during the week only. (Central Standard Time--He's in Chicago.) That's his preference and the simplest way to reach him and get a prescription.

312-642-5803

Take good care.

[rodewarrior]

My Life with Baclofen.

Hey Everyone..........Can't tell you how helpful it is to get your feedback & SUPPORT!!!
I started 120mg's this week with no SE's!! Thinking about jumping up to 140 or 150 today or tomorrow but don't want to titrate tooo fast.

"WINDYCITY"-Know from earlier posts you started BAC where you at now??
Unless I missed it did you ever get your bag back???? P.S. I'm a neighbor!! Live just west of Milwaukee about 8 miles.

"RYRYE"-Know EXACTLY what your going through. I've done it 100's of times (ramping up on the drinks) Hope you keep up updated on your progress as well!!!! This is without question a Brain Disorder.............and a disease. Don't know if you've read Roberta Jewel's book but she references: ................."issued a receptor gene on a region of chromosone 15 that involves the activity of a brain chemical called GABRG3" If you Google GABA it explains it more detail.........

"Sticky"-You did really well with The Sinclair Method" I tried it and failed after about three weeks. Could not maintain 2/3 drinks a nite. Good Luck!!!

"SPACEBEBE"- I'm currently taking Antabuse and for the most part has kept me sober. BUT after a while your brain tells you "Hey if I stop taking this shit for a week I can go on a binge"............which I've done but then go back on it. Been sober since around Valentine's Day. When I think the BAC is doing its thing I'm dumping it.

"OTTER"- Thanks!!!

"IFULOVE"-Thanks as well!!!

:thanks:

[rodewarrior]

My Life with Baclofen.

Hi Thern,
Sounds like your sister is in pretty bad shape. I'm not a Doctor but if she's that bad maybe she needs an intervention of sorts and get her into Detox for a couple days.

The BIG THING is "SHE" has to want help and want to quit. If she's on a continued binge then jumping right into Baclofen may not help....................again I'm not a Doctor nor a therapist.

I'm getting mine from: InhousePharmacy.biz and have had good luck with my orders.

GOOD LUCK ! And let us know how she's doing!!

[spacebebe01]

My Life with Baclofen.

Hi Road, its great to see your still doing well and still posting. You went straight in at 100mg, bloody hell ddnt that knock you out, when do you take it all at once or in doses during the day. I know its hard to be patient and I dont do well at that myself but I also think its better to go up slowly and let your brain change and repair itself.

Hi Thern any news on your sister? how is she and what does she think of all this.