Naltrexone making a big difference in my sobriety

[Victor_c3]

This is just a shout-out for naltrexone - a medication used to curb the cravings for alcohol and opioids.

I've been struggling with alcoholism and severe PTSD for years. A doctor of mine mentioned naltrexone could help reduce my cravings for alcohol and I started taking it about a month ago. Within about a week, I found I had almost no cravings at all. In short, it has made a huge impact in my ability to stay sober. I personally haven't noticed any side affects, but then again I'm one of those people who rarely has issues with side affects.

To anyone struggling with sobriety, I recommend discussing this medication with your doctor.

[cpamomfromtexas]

1. Is this the low dose?

Thanks for posting about it.

[Victor_c3]

2. Let me double check, but I believe I'm on 50mg daily n/t

[dixiegrrrrl]

3. Happy to rec, this is very important.

Glad that more options are now available.
Wonder how it works on nicotine addiction?

when I quit smoking back in 1998, my doc put me on Buspar, which is an anti-depressant, but they found it also reduced nicotine cravings. You took it for a week while still smoking, then stopped smoking and took it for another week.
Day 4 was pure hell, but I made it through, mostly because I was seriously determined to quit.

So very happy you have found effective help.

[Victor_c3]

4. I'm not aware of any use in nicotene addiction

As I understand it, it blocks the receptors that opioids and alcohol affect. It kills the cravings, and it also kills the ability of those substances to inebriate you. I haven't tried to drink alcohol yet (I have had almost no desire at all to), but I have heard that alcohol will not have nearly the same affect on a person.

As I understand, Naltrexone is a relatively new medication and a lot of people aren't aware of it at all. In the short time I've been taking it, it has made a tremendous impact on me, my family, and my relationship with my children. I feel great and I'm very excited about my newfound sobriety. Between this and finally getting my depression under control (that is a topic for a whole other post), my life is on a major up-swing. I still suffer with severe PTSD, but it all of a sudden seems more manageable without those other two obstacles.

Thanks!

[Stuart G]

5. Have you attended any 12 step meeting? AA perhaps?

Going to the meetings reinforces the strength of recovery. Recovery can be fragile. Try some meetings in addition to taking the medication. The meetings helped me stay alive through lengthy withdrawal. By meeting with people who have the same problem, it helps us to know we are not alone in dealing with this. At the meetings they will suggest a "higher power"...Pick a calming idea as a HP. The peace in the forest on a beautiful quiet day can be it...Whatever .....

I wish you the best of luck in recovery. If one meeting doesn't work, go to another or another. We need every single resource in order to beat this enemy..addiction and PTSD. Please consider adding this resource to your recovery. Of course, stay on the medication as long as your doctor recommends. Just add another tool to fight the disease. We need all the tools that are available..

and.........Best of Luck...Today and Everyday....Hang in There..!!!!! and Congratulations on Great Progress!!!!!
Just for today, we can get through this...!!!!!!

Stuart

[Victor_c3]

6. Thank you for your thoughts

I don't specifically go to AA, but I do attend 4 groups a week at my local veterans hospital that focus on vets with both PTSD and substance abuse.

Not being alone in recovery and finding cameraderie with others at similar points in their life has been the single biggest help I've had in my recovery.

Unless a person has been through substance abuse, I've found that people just don't understand how it can impact your life.

[demosincebirth]

7. good luck to ya.