AcceptingChange

I'm doing pretty good with my recovery, 40 days so far.
But, i also know that recovery is only achieved by 10% of those
who try. (Maybe if i try 10 times, i'll guarantee it :-) ).

So, in reading up on things, I've found that a lot of professional
recovery physicians are recommending Naltrexone.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naltrexone

It's purpose is to reduce the alcohol cravings.

My mom never addressed her alcoholism directly, and now she's
80, and not doing well.
She suffered from anxiety and depression.
She was on Paxil and Prozac, and she'd self-medicate with
wine and whiskey. Never blacked out, but always anxious,
with lots of drama over small things.
I remember being 16 25 years ago, rolling my eyes
at her little moments.

And as the kids got older, she'd isolate in her own way,
never letting people around for too long.
She created lots of drama in her life. Drama that was very real to her.
But at the same time, in hindsight, causes her a lot of
disappointment now when she remembers it all.

Her dad died when she was 14, probably of alcohol too.

My little chemical escape route is leading me down a path
that my mom & grandfather have already been down.

So, I really need to win this battle. The half-measures
they've taken didn't seem to work.

So, i called up my medical plan. I'm scheduled for my 1st appointment
in two weeks.
That seems like such a long time away, two weeks.
I will be fine. But i'm amazed that someone requesting medical
attention has to wait 2 weeks.

Anyway, does anyone have experience with Naltrexone?
I'd love to be strong and just grit through it all like most of you,
but i'm going to just go for an ugly win.

CarolD

I wish you well on your journey

Well Done on your sober time.

needtobefree

That sounds really interesting and possibly very helpful. I'd be interested in hearing how it goes for you. I might ask my GP about it, thanks for this post :0)

baggervance

Spurgeon B. told a newcomer who was talk about satistics one nite. HEY YOUR NOT A STATISTIC YOUR AN ALCOHOLIC NOW WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO DO ABOUT IT.I dont know anything about Naltrexone it may be an easier softer way or it may send you into a new and sober life.Willing to go to any lenths is how my thinking is. Let us know how it works. Good luck.

AcceptingChange

I cancelled my appt with the doctor who i'd need to get to prescribe these meds.
The reason is, i really get freaked about having this stuff on my medical history.
When i scheduled the appt, i knew it would be on my history, but i said to myself "so what, handle the bigger problem."
But then i went to a new doctor for a physical back problem.
And in the intro paperwork they asked all kinds of info about my prescription history.

and i dunno, i just want to think this through more.

The way i'd prefer it to work is: I'd just buy this over-the-counter with cash.
I HATE that it gets recorded in my permanent record for employers and the govt and any authority figure to look through.

probably just my paranoia.
but at this point, i'm not sure how i'm gonna move forward on these meds though.

needtobefree

Are your medical records open to examination by these people in the States? That to me seems like a huge invasion of privacy. Particularly if employers have access to your records, that sucks.

I'm in NZ and my records are only available to the authorities should it be a legal necessity that they be so available, regarding Child Youth and Family Services - our govt agency for protection of children and to the Police and courts if a crime is committed.

I guess it works differently where you are?

AcceptingChange

Great question, free. Truthfully, i'm not 100% sure.

But i've actually got 2 worries.
The first is the one above, "Can they view my history w/out my approval."

But the second one is actually bigger.
And that is, a future employer may REQUEST the right to view my records.
I'm thinking it works like this:
1) No, employers cannot look at my records without my approval.
2) No, medical professionals cannot look at my records w/o approval.
3) So, these institutions just make me sign a legal document titled
'Agreement to Release Medical History from Previous Providers' .

That way, I have given them legal approval for them to look at all my confidential information.

Now, i have the choice to deny them that access.

But if i deny giving approval, they may have a policy (possibly unwritten) that they
won't hire or treat individuals who withhold any information.

I'm thinking there may even be a law that says "An employer may not refuse to hire an applicant because the applicant wouldn't release medical info."
So, employers just say "The reason we didn't hire him is not because he wouldn't release his medical information. The reason is because he wasn't the best candidate."

All the players in the game know the rules. So, they make sure they play by the rules, and still get the outcome they want.

So, does anyone know if it's illegal in the US to even REQUEST access to medical information?
The insurance companies in the US are pretty influential, and the laws have been changed a lot in the last 8 years in ways that benefit the insurance companies, not individuals.

(i can be paranoid...)

CarolD

I have no idea what can be seen by others
in regard to medical records.
Heck...I have no idea what mine say.

Here is the deal IMO

Cravings are not life threatening.
You are already passed the stage of
intense cravings.

You did that w/o meds.
Soo...move forward...

CarolD

This is from my files with my experience
I do hope it will help set your mind at ease

Cravings...

I timed mine...they were only a few minutes....7 at most.
I drank water...brushed my theeth...danced around...walked.

Action worked great...and I can stand most anything for such a short discomfort.

The longer I have remained sober....they lessened in both severity and duration.

I think they left completely in 3 or 4 months.

Blessings

Spiritual Seeker

Your med. records are private...look at the bigger picture and save your life. You sound willing and ready. If you had cancer you would seek the treatment of a oncologist M.D. without worryin, this disease is no different. Don't let your addicted brain make excuses. Get all the help you can. I have read many positive articles about Naltrexone. Great !!!!! that you are getting sober for good

stone

You do know that 73% of people know not to believe stastics dont you?

Congrats on your sober time! I would have the thought the worst of the cravings are passed at 40 days like Carol says. Have you had really bad frequent cravings?

Lunapro

I tried Naltrexone, and found that it lessened my cravings so little that I could not be sure if it was the medication or just my wish that it would work. However, I did not increase the dosage, I chose to go off it instead.

As Carol has said, I find that the cravings are limited in duration now, and come less and less frequently. I found that the herb Kudzu and the amino acid Glutamine helped me when they used to be very acute.

AcceptingChange

Thanks! to all of your for your opinion.
I really value it.
I'm still torn between guaranteeing the win,
and also between worrying about what my records show.

So, Lunapro, i really appreciate you letting me know
that you took Naltrexone, and that it didn't work as well
or as strong as you thought.
That's exactly the info i was looking for.
So, using the info Carol gave that the cravings will subside
over time, and that they'll shorten in duration, along with
your info on the meds didn't really help you significantly,
i'll probably just wait and see for a while.
I do know that a big part of my recovery is talking
with all of you. It's much better than meds.
Thanks to all of you. This is a wonderful place.

GrouchoTheCat

Amen to that!