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JGM's avatar
Aug 1Edited

Naltrexone works based on my own personal experience. I was married to an alcoholic and I researched solutions. I was shocked to hear about Naltrexone and that it could CURE alcoholism. After failing to convince my wife to try it, as a last ditch attempt, I got a prescription for myself in order to set an example.

We drank every night in my home, and, while I knew my wife had a problem, I thought my drinking was under control. After taking it for about a week, I was stunned to find that I didn't care about drinking anymore. My wine glass would sit half drunk and not get touched again. I had no clue the strength of my desire for alcohol until it was gone. My brain was literally rewired to not crave alcohol.

It was life changing. I still take Naltrexone when I drink to make sure I never get back to the way I was. Unfortunately, my (now ex) wife never did try it. She went the AA route and is still fighting (mostly unsuccessfully) her addiction to this day.

Naltrexone is NOT well known. Whenever I have moved and get a new primary physician, I have to explain why I need a Naltrexone prescription. They look at me like I'm crazy when I tell them it's a cure for alcoholism. A proud moment came from one physician who, after a few years, asked me if I was the guy that told him about Naltrexone. I told him yes, and he said he's used it for several patients and it worked just like I said it would. He's a believer now.

Word is slowly spreading, but it deserves to be THE standard approach IMO... at least until something better is discovered in the future.

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