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[Forgiving]

I just finished 30 days AF. I went and had blood work done to check my liver function as I have had some bad test results in the past. After I left there, all I could think about was drinking. During the 30 days, I did everything the MWO book says except the Topa which I received about 1 week ago (haven't started taking it yet). I was doing great and even lost 10 pounds. There wewre 2 times this week that I forgot a few doses of the supplements and I have not been listening to the hypnosis CD's very often as it takes so much time. Yesterday something clicked in my brain...and I knew I was going to drink. We went to see some friends (casual drinkers) and I thought because of all the supplements...I would just have one! Well, I had a martini and then 2 beers and I feel so hungover today. Here's the big dilemma...my husband and I are leaving in 6 days for a cruise where our friends will be getting married on board (the same friends we were with last night). Should I start taking the Topa today? I'm a little worried about side effects on my vacation...guess I should worry more about drinking-huh? I feel like such a loser today.

[nancy]

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I am not a doctor so take my advice for what it is worth!

On a cruise you will be surrounded by opportunities to drink and temptation. Sounds to me like you should take it but start at a small dose and watch out for side effects.

Side effects include being dopey but that won't matter on your cruise. I remember reading about some eye problems but those are rare. Read through the topamax posts on this website, medication section, and be aware of all of them. Will you have internet access on board? If so, you could check in.

Good luck, sounds like you are seeing major improvements despite the setback.

About the hypno CDs, try using the hypnotic CD only if you are short of time.

Nancy
PS stay away from martinis, if you are going to slip best to do it with something less potent.

[AAthlete]

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Forgiving, I'm guessing that you are not planning on drinking on the cruise?

Many indulgences on a cruise, including food and alcohol. I would plan, plan ahead and let your hubby in on it if you can. The more you prep yourself ahead of time the better you will be able to react to situations when they come up.

Can't advise you on the Topa as I have never used it but I'm sure others will be along to help in that area.

[Forgiving]

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Thank you

Thanks Nancy and AAthlete. I was hoping to moderate on the cruise but after last night,
I think I need to plan for abstinence. I have been around people drinking around me quite a few times in the last month and I did OK. I plan on working out so that helps. My husband is very supportive and so are my friends although all of them will drink. My girlfriend doesn't drink much so that makes it easier. She had a martini last night also and after about 2 hours...she had barely finished hers! Wow...sure wish I was like that!!! I've got the hypno DVD's and the supps all packed and ready to go so...I'm as prepared as I can be I think. I sure appreciate your thoughts and comments.

[Seacailin]

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Sounds like you have a good plan in place. It is Great that your husband is supportive. That will certainly help. Many people have had success with the Topa. I can't take it as my blood pressure runs too low. Check out the Topa thread. They can probably help you there. Damn, do I wish I was your friend too. I used to call wasted drinks "alcohol abuse" lol. Have a Great time!!! If you want to bring a sober friend, I will make myself available.lol

[nancy]

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Hi there

I should tell you that I am in the moderation camp of this site as opposed to alcohol free.

And you probably will get more responses after the Thanksgiving holiday, i.e. this week.

It's great that you have support of friends. Stick VERY tight to that woman who drinks little and follow her lead.

I still think that you might want to try topa, because from what I read it works pretty well in enabling moderation. But do very low dose at first. This is all anecdotal, not my own experience. Read the threads for yourself in the medication section.

And like I said, if you do slip, order a wine instead of a martini or a light beer instead of a wine. I believe in harm reduction. Martinis can be very bad will give you a huge rush. How many shots are in a martini anyway?

[BecomingMeAtLast]

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Forgiving,

I had just started MWO prior to a vacation in Puerto Rico. I was 9 days AF before the vacation. I had just started on topa and the CDs. When I went on the vacation I continued on the topa, a very light dose, and the CDs. I was able to mod through the entire vacation, partly because of the topa, partly because of the CDs and partly because I wanted to. My vacations normally were a drunken blur. My downfall was AFTER the vacation. I thought I had everything licked and tapered off coming to this site, the topa, the whole program. I came back here after that.

Just my experience.
Be

[plumeria45]

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there are so many fun things to do on a cruise, why not sign up with your girl friend for new adventures, show, cooking classes, games etc make your focus your vacation and your friends, that is what people do that don't have drinking problem

Plumeria