People in Moderation Management share experiences of naltrexone use

Netty 3, increase to 100mg does the trick! - mm@maelstrom.stjohns.edu - 8/6/01

I began a 30 five days ago, because I wasn't satisfied with the fact that I'd resumed daily drinking, even though I'm drinking moderately (a couple beers each day). Thus far, I've increased my Naltrexone dose from 50 to 100mg daily in accordance with Dr. Deluca's recommendations as follows:

1) 50 mg twice a day for 5 - 7 days; then,
2) 100 mg in one daily dose for 2 more weeks.

3) If you are not noticing any improvement at this higher 100 mg dose after 3weeks at 100mg, either return to 50mg
daily and save the extra expense, or, consider one last try by:

4) taking naltrexone 50 mg in AM and 100mg in PM, and do this for five to seven days, then
5) continue with 150 mg daily in one dose for another two weeks.

6) If after 3 weeks of 150 mg daily there is no noticeable improvement, simply cut the dose to 100 or to 50 mg daily
and know that you gave higher doses an adequate trial.

I'm happy to report this has been a "no-stress" 30 thus far especially compared to the first 30 I accomplished when I didn't have Naltrexone in my arsenal against abusive drinking. The improvement to my first 5 days abstinence experience is incredible when I wasn't taking Naltrexone, my first 5/30 can best be described as physically and emotionally wrenching (it still amazes me that I got through it).

With Naltrexone, I've felt completely "normal" abstaining. The increase to 100 mg dose does have the desired effect (eliminating any physical/mental craving whatsoever from the start), especially in combination with my deliberate intent to work the MM steps.

Based on my limited experience (now into day 60 taking Naltrexone, and my first 30 days without alcohol since beginning treatment), I'd like to underscore the possible benefits Naltrexone may have for many MMer's who've been unable thus far to complete a 30, or who have returned to excessive drinking after accomplishing a 30. If you fit in one of these categories, please do yourself a favor and locate a physician who's willing to prescribe the drug, and give it a try - I think you'll be more than pleasantly surprised!