New here, giving Bac a shot

[ryrye]

Hi, my name is Ryan. Im 28 and have been struggling with alcohol for the past 7 years. I have been to rehab once and was able to get 60 days before relapsing in the past, other than that, it has been a week here and there. I really want to quit drinking, but I keep finding myself stuck in this cycle of drinking, hating it, stopping, then over a day or two the anxiety builds up to unmanagable levels and I end up drinking again for another week, month, or more on a daily basis. Recently, ive been drinking often a fifth of vodka each night and it is taking a toll on my well being in a serious way. I have also been doing a lot of cocaine and marijuana the last 3 months, which has just made things even worse for me.

About a month ago, I got my first order of Baclofen and began taking it, and still was drinking. I have had a really hard time taking it regularly due to forgetfulness, hangovers, drinking ... you know. However, I have been doing better lately and have just worked up to taking 75mg per day and I feel like it is starting to work for me. For the first time in a while, I actually don't really feel like drinking and it is odd. I don't feel that great, the side effects of the bac are a bit uncomfortable, but I am committed to seeing this through. Anyway, its 6:30pm and I have had about 100ml of vodka today (1/4 pint) and at this time, don't really care to drink more. Just took my last 25mg dose ... I'll let yall know how it works for me. I am rather skeptical, but this forum is giving me hope that this med can help me to manage this crippling disease that I have.

Hopefully, I can add to the knowledge base through my experiences. If there is any advice that you think I should know, please, let me know ray:

[COSGringo]

New here, giving Bac a shot

Hi ryrye,
Sounds like you are doing well. You are getting in early. Wish I had started when I was 28.
You came to the right place.
1) Make sure you have plenty of medicine, never run out- you will get sick if you do
2) Stick to a regimen or you will hurt
3) Take your time and don't rush it but stick with it

Do the above and you may very well find your solution and be happy. It works for a lot of us.

How often are you dosing and how much? Do you have a plan? Where are you getting your info? Did you read Dr A's book?
Let us know how you are making out with everything.

[RedThread12]

New here, giving Bac a shot

Welcome to MWO, Ry!!! And congratulations for taking SEVERAL steps on the path to YOUR way out. I found MWO almost 4 years ago, and after reading Dr. Ameisen's book and absolutely everything I could find on this forum and anywhere else about baclofen, I ordered some, just like you, and it set me FREE from drinking against my will.

I really encourage you to read, read, read as much as you possibly can, back into the threads about baclofen. Some of the early baclofentists are still here, but a lot of them have moved on. But their stories, and the information they posted, will help you SO MUCH as you continue. Neva Eva's thread, and all of the people who contributed to it, is an encyclopedia of knowledge. And she just re-posted the thread of a member no longer with us, whose story is NOT to be missed. It's "Murph's Bacolfen . . . or Should It be Baclo-fun" thread. You can find SO much information here that will give you SO much support and knowledge for your own path.

Thanks so much for posting. EVERY bit of knowledge and information helps us all. Look forward to hearing more from you and wishing you the very best on Your Way Out. Knowledge is Power!!!

[ryrye]

New here, giving Bac a shot

@ Gringo - I am taking it in 3 doses per day (or at least try to stick to that) and space it out about 4 - 6 hours apart, trying to keep the last dose at least a few hours before bed, as I have read about problems with sleeping. I am definitely not trying to rush it too much, but at the same time, I am a teacher and have the summer off, so side effects are not a worry too much. I have not read Dr. A's book yet, but am considering it. I do have a loose plan to slowly up the dosage as I feel comfortable and make the best effort to keep it consistent. I am on day 2 of 75mg at this point and will likely try 100 after the weekend and see how that works.

@Red - Thanks for the welcome! I'll be sure to check out those threads. I have been reading a lot about it since I first heard of the stuff last March. Funny thing is, I heard it because i was looking up info about one of my student's medications that I had to administer to him (for epilepsy) and I ran into a few off hand references. Once I dug a little deeper, I found this forum quickly. I am very excited to see if it works for me.

So far, I have only had 100ml of vodka today and have little to no cravings. Cant wait to wake up sober tomorrow

[Ne/Neva Eva]

New here, giving Bac a shot

Hi, Ryan and welcome!
What is it with all the Californians around here right now? :H Maybe there are more alkies out there? (ha! We're pretty fairly distributed, aren't we?)

Ameisen's book is a really great place to start and an easy read. I loved it, though the reviews are mixed! Plus it was the impetus for a whole new life, so I am a bit biased. Fair to say that when you get well, it's likely you'll always remember that kid and his epilepsy!

It's also fair to say that I have seen more people crash and burn (back into drunkenness) because they had a time frame and rushed it. I was almost one of them. I kept imposing limits--One month! 120mg max! Okay, another month! And a bit more! In retrospect I find myself verrry amusing during that period of time. It takes what it takes, and is absolutely worth it. What's a couple of months to freedom versus a lifetime (for me) of drinking against my will. Ya' know?

I would second Redthread's suggestion to read, read, read. (But don't get too alarmed! :H)
Congrats on the decision, the results and on joining the forum! Hope you'll keep us up to date!

[ryrye]

New here, giving Bac a shot

Ne/Neva Eva;1342837 wrote:
I kept imposing limits--One month! 120mg max! Okay, another month! And a bit more!

Thanks, I am a little confused about this statement. Are you saying that you did not want to accept taking the amount necessary or that you did not want to take it for a long time? I am willing to accept taking something for the better part of the rest of my life and willing to go as high as I need to go to manage this life wrecking disease. From what I am feeling so far, i am hopeful that I will reach a switch point between 100 - 200 mg /day but am trying to not have any unrealistic expectations.

[COSGringo]

New here, giving Bac a shot

ryrye, careful with that titration rate.
Personally I would not do more that 20mg per week going up. Some folks do better with 10mg every week.
You might hit a number that does not fit well and give you some be SE's.
Some folks never have a problem at all. Some of us (like me) aren't so lucky.

[ryrye]

New here, giving Bac a shot

Thanks for the heads up. The fortunate thing for me though is that I have the summer off of work for now, so I am comfortable with a slightly risky titration if it can get me there quicker. Ill back off if I have to if it doesn't work.

[COSGringo]

New here, giving Bac a shot

Or keep some xanax handy...

[ryrye]

New here, giving Bac a shot

alright, Ill trust that you must have experienced the effects of going up too fast, so I think I will trust your wisdom and chop that 25mg pill in half and go up to 87.5mg instead for the next step. So long as cravings are at bay, I have no need to rush.

[COSGringo]

New here, giving Bac a shot

Well I am not telling you to do anything it's up to you. If you are comfortable with it and willing to risk it, go for it. Some people are fine with it.
You have limited time so I get that.

It's just some of us had some bad reactions. Just cautioning you to be ready but don't psych yourself out because of me. Please don't.

[ryrye]

New here, giving Bac a shot

at this point, I am tolerating 75mg just fine, and I think you have a good point. Im going to try 87.5 tomorrow and Sunday, followed by 100 starting Monday depending on how I am handling things. If side effects are too rough, Ill string it out longer. Sound good?

[StuckinLA]

New here, giving Bac a shot

Hey Rye,

Just my opinion, but it sounds like you're really rushing. The SEs don't set in right away, and can sneak up on you.

So just be careful.

[ryrye]

New here, giving Bac a shot

Im getting cravings today, been alcohol free all day though. Also don't know if I am feeling side effects from the baclofen, or if I am feeling some mild withdrawls. I just took my last dose about 20 minutes ago. Just checking in.

[Ne/Neva Eva]

New here, giving Bac a shot

Hey, Ryan. I meant that I set limits on how much I was willing to take and for how long I was willing to do it. It took more and longer! I kept seeing little glimpses of improvements, of hope, so I kept going up.

Congrats on the continued AF time! It'll make the journey easier. It also sounds like you have a good plan. It's a great thing to listen and evaluate where you are in order to keep moving toward the goal.

Glad you're checking in, too!