Podcasts about antabuse

Today we have Maggie. She is 42 years old, from Switzerland, and she took her last drink on February 24th, 2024.   Sponsors for this episode include: Better Help – 10% off of your first month Café RE – the social app for sober people     Registration for our annual alcohol-free retreat in Bozeman is now open. From August 6th through 10th, we will be spending lots of time in nature, doing breathwork, a lakeside hangout, laser tag and more.   In October of this year, we are going to Peru!  There are still spots available for this 11-day 12-night journey throughout Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.   [02:43] Thoughts from Paul:   A question Paul hears and sees frequently is what to expect when we put the bottle down. He shares that the destruction of alcohol happens in three steps. First the spiritual component, then mental and finally physical. Healing tends to happen in the reverse order. There will be overlap and the transition is not quite linear, nor does the healing ever stop.   Paul expands on what to expect when healing begins and how it can look for our bodies and minds in the first week, month, six months to a year.   [12:06] Paul introduces Maggie:   Maggie is from Switzerland but lives in Hong Kong with her husband Chris and their four dogs. They enjoy spending time on the beach, stand up paddling and triathlons.  Professionally, Maggie was the head of IT in investment banking but has recently changed careers and now is an options equity trader.   Maggie says she had her first drink when she was 13 and instantly felt relief from her anxiety. During her teen years, she says she and her friends spent a lot of time going out to bars and she discovered clubbing and cocaine when she was 18.   Maggie did well in school and started working with hedge funds after graduating. She says the workdays ended at 4pm and everyone would go out to have drinks afterwards. Her drinking wasn't concerning to her at this point in time.   Maggie moved to Hong Kong when she was 24 and this is when she began to realize that she didn't have an off switch when it came to alcohol. Everyone else would be ready to go home and Maggie says she was just getting started.   From the age of 20 to around 30, Maggie says things got progressively worse. While everything looked successful and stable on the outside, inside she was falling apart. Maggie would compare herself with people that were worse off than her as a way to justify her drinking. Moderation entered the picture, and she would sign up for a lot of physical activities as a way to force herself to be sober.   Maggie moved to Singapore before COVID but then lost her job and was there for a year without her husband. That is when she went from binge drinking to daily drinking. Upon her return to Hong Kong, her husband told her she needed to go to AA.   After four years of stops and starts while trying to make AA work, Maggie knew she needed to try something different. Addicted to multiple substances, Maggie checked herself into rehab but relapsed as soon as she left. After her return to Hong Kong, Maggie tried another location where they used EMDR therapy which helped her find the root causes of her addiction issues.   Maggie was given Antabuse after leaving rehab and that has helped alcohol become a non-negotiable for her. In sobriety she learned that she couldn't return to her old job. She has made a career change that allows her to work less hours and find a new hobby creating and selling her art.   Maggie feels peaceful now. Her goals are to continue to do sports and be a better athlete, continue to travel and maintain her current peaceful lifestyle.   Maggie's parting piece of guidance: hang in there and you will eventually get there. Never give up and maybe also explore the root cause of what is causing the drinking in the first place.   Recovery Elevator This isn't a no to alcohol but a yes to a better life. I love you guys.   RE on Instagram RE merch Recovery Elevator YouTube Sobriety Tracker iTunes       

This week I am talking with Catriona in Kilkenny, Ireland. Catriona is 10 months sober at the time of this recording. She lives with her husband and two young children and is a small business owner. Catriona talks candidly about the destructive impact alcohol had on her life and how she managed to get sober. Catriona talks about life changes, getting stronger everyday and how the prescribed drug Antabuse helped her begin the journey of quitting for good. You can connect with Catriona on Facebook under Catriona Byrne. I hope you enjoy the episode. Helpful links: Get help from me directly by visiting www.sassysobermum.com Visit THRIVE Sober Coaching for sobriety guidance & resources here www.thrivesobercoaching.com Get access to my new online sobriety self-paced course here https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1930842/checkout/order_jmr0kg9w(use coupon code HALFPRICE) Join my super friendly and safe online women's sober community here: https://thrive-af-community.circle.so/checkout/thrive-subscription Email sassysobermum at thrive@sassysobermum.com

Since opening my Lyme disease practice in 1987, I've witnessed significant changes in how we diagnose and treat this complex illness. Early on, I prescribed doxycycline for Lyme disease and Ehrlichia. However, my first three patients in 1987 did not respond to doxycycline, so I referred one to Boston for further consultation. They returned with a recommendation for amoxicillin, marking the first major shift in my treatment approach. By 1990, I had started prescribing intravenous ceftriaxone (Rocephin), based on emerging reports of its effectiveness in chronic neurologic Lyme disease. This adjustment was influenced by reports from doctors Dr. Logigian, Kaplan and Steere, who documented treatment of chronic neurologic Lyme disease cases. I added azithromycin (marked as Zithromax in the USA) and clarithromycin (marketed as Biaxin I the USA) into my practice, based on emerging reports of its effectiveness. My practice changed again when Dr. Krause and colleagues reported the presence of Babesia, a parasite found in the same ticks that carry Lyme disease. At the time, treating Babesia was challenging, as the available regimen of clindamycin and quinine was difficult for patients to tolerate. The introduction of alternative treatments like atovaquone (Mepron) combined with azithromycin provided a more tolerable option, and I began prescribing these, particularly for patients who were not improving with other antibiotics. Over the years, I've adapted my practice to include longer treatment durations and combination antibiotic therapies, especially in cases of chronic or persistent Lyme disease. I've also incorporated treatments for co-infections like Bartonella, which was initially thought to be associated with cat scratches but is now recognized as a potential tick-borne illness. In addition to antibiotics, I've kept a close eye on new developments, such as the use of disulfiram (Antabuse) and double-dose dapsone, which has been explored by Dr. Horowitz for its potential benefits in treating chronic Lyme disease. While I have not yet adopted these treatments extensively, I remain open to new evidence-based approaches. The concept of biofilms and persisters—bacteria that survive despite standard treatment—has also influenced my practice. The persister hypothesis borrowed from research on other persistent infections like tuberculosis, suggest that longer or more aggressive treatment may be necessary for some patients. While antibiotics remain the cornerstone of my treatment approach, I also recognize the role of alternative therapies for some patients. I collaborate with alternative medicine practitioners when needed, ensuring that every patient receives a comprehensive and closely monitored treatment plan. I continue to share my experiences and insights through writing and social media, fostering dialogue and contributing to the ongoing conversation about Lyme disease treatment.

For this episode of Eye on the Cure, Michael Telias, PhD, an assistant professor at the University of Rochester in New York, talks with host Ben Shaberman about forthcoming clinical trials to evaluate the FDA-approved drug disulfiram (aka, Antabuse) for improving vision in people with retinitis pigmentosa and other retinal diseases. Disulfiram was originally developed to deter people from abusing alcohol.

Episode 487 – How Would You Walk?   Today we have Sarah. She is 45 and lives in Indiana. She took her last drink on December 31st, 2022.   Let's talk AF International travel with Recovery Elevator. We've got some incredible trips in the works. We're going to Vietnam for 12 days in January 2025. Then Back to Costa Rica for our 4th trip to the Blue Zone in April 2025, and then, we're going back to Peru in October 2025 where we're going to the Inca Trail and work with Non-profit Peruvian Hearts again.   Athletic Greens   [02:42] Thoughts from Paul:   The World Heart Federation published a policy brief in 2022 staying there is “no level of alcohol consumption that is safe for health.” There was and still is a collective belief that alcohol is good for you. This is especially prominent in the wine culture.   The paradigm is slowly cracking which is a huge step in the right direction. When Paul started Recovery Elevator in 2015, you couldn't find that line anywhere. It was almost customary to see a line that says something like “studies show moderate alcohol consumption can improve heart health and longevity”.  Today the tides are turning and a narrative that alcohol can wreck your world (aka, the truth) is emerging. People are waking up to the lies that Big Alcohol has sold us.   Check out this recent article about a new phenomenon called BORGS explains what these are and then follows it up with the snippet about alcohol being shit.     [09:18] Paul introduces Sarah:   Sarah is 45 and lives in Indiana. She is married with two kids and works in marketing. When she isn't running the kids to their practices and games, she enjoys exercising, reading and backpacking.   Sarah parents divorced when she was 11 and she grew up with her mother who she was very close with. She doesn't recall alcohol being very present in their lives. Sarah didn't drink much in high school but in college and into her 20s, everything she and her friends did involved alcohol. She always knew her drinking looked a little different than everyone else's, but didn't identify it as a problem.   When Sarah was 35, her mother was diagnosed with brain cancer. Sarah quit working so that she could care for her mother through the diagnosis. Her drinking increased as she dealt with being a caretaker, having a family in addition to not working.   After her mother died four years later, Sarah says she did not know how to deal with life. She would drink into a blackout almost daily and was stuck in the cycle of wanting to quit but not being able to. Sarah began to worry that it might not be possible for her and worried that she would disappoint her mother if she wasn't able to quit.   In time, Sarah found sober podcasts and tried medications to help. She says Antabuse worked, but she would stop taking it in order to drink. No one knew she was taking it to try and quit and Sarah feels that by not sharing, she always left the door open to drink again.   Sarah knew something had to change and decided to come clean with her husband. Being active in the Café RE community helped Sarah gain the courage to choose a quit date and write a letter to her husband letting him know what was going on. Sarah says she received a lot of support from him.   After the physical withdrawals, Sarah felt hopeful. As the months went on, she protected her sobriety by avoiding situations where there was drinking, and she began to gain more confidence. Sarah says that when she has thoughts of drinking, she does chooses to put her energy into her sober resources instead.   Sarah's best sober moment: experiencing the Northern Lights with her son   Sarah's parting piece of guidance: never quit quitting.   [41:14] Outro:   Paul invites listeners to answer some questions not with words in their minds, but in how they carry themselves. How would you walk if…….?   Café RE – promo code OPPORTUNITY waives set up fee. RE merch Instagram   Recovery Elevator YouTube Sobriety Tracker iTunes      Recovery Elevator Go big, because eventually we'll all go home. I love you guys.

Researchers believe the FDA-approved drug can reduce the hyperactivity of ganglion cells to improve vision.

Welcome to The Nonlinear Library, where we use Text-to-Speech software to convert the best writing from the Rationalist and EA communities into audio. This is: Reconsider the anti-cavity bacteria if you are Asian, published by Lao Mein on April 15, 2024 on LessWrong. Many people in the rational sphere have been promoting Lumina/BCS3-L1, a genetically engineered bacterium, as an anti-cavity treatment. However, none have brought up a major negative interaction that may occur with a common genetic mutation. In short, the treatment works by replacing lactic acid generating bacteria in the mouth with ones that instead convert sugars to ethanol, among other changes. Scott Alexander made a pretty good FAQ about this. Lactic acid results in cavities and teeth demineralization, while ethanol does not. I think this is a really cool idea, and would definitely try it if I didn't think it would significantly increase my chances of getting oral cancer. Why would that be? Well, I, like around half of East Asians, have a mutation in my acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) which results in it being considerably less active. This is known as Asian/Alcohol Flush Reaction (AFR). This results in decreased ability to metabolize acetaldehyde to acetate and consequently a much higher level of acetaldehyde when drinking alcohol. Although the time ingested ethanol spends in the mouth and stomach are quite short, alcohol dehydrogenase activity by both human and bacterial cells rises rapidly once the presence of ethanol is detected. Some studies have estimated that ~20% of consumed ethanol is converted to acetaldehyde in the mouth and stomach in a process called first pass metabolism. Normally, this is broken down into acetate by the ALDH also present, but it instead builds up in those with AFR. Acetaldehyde is a serious carcinogen and people with AFR have significantly higher levels of oral and stomach cancer (The odds ratios for Japanese alcoholics with the mutation in relation to various cancers are >10 (!!!) for oral and esophageal cancer). The Japanese paper also notes that all alcoholics tested only had a single copy of the mutation, since it is very difficult to become an alcoholic with two copies (imagine being on high dosage Antabuse your entire life - that's the same physiological effect). In addition, there is also the potential for change in oral flora and their resting ADH levels. As oral flora and epithelial cells adapt to a higher resting level of ethanol, they may make the convertion of ethanol to acetaldehyde even faster, resulting in higher peak oral and stomach levels of acetaldehyde during recreational drinking, thereby increasing cancer risk. There is also the concern of problems further down the digestive track - Japanese alcoholics with AFR also have increased (~3x) colorectal cancer rates, which may well be due to ethanol being fermented from sugars in the large intestines, but my research in that direction is limited and this article is getting too long. While others have argued that the resulting acetaldehyde levels would be too low to be a full body carcinogen (they make a similar calculation in regards to ethanol in this FAQ), my concern isn't systemic - it's local. AFR increases oral and throat cancer risks most of all, and the first pass metabolism studies imply that oral and gastral acetaldehyde are elevated far above levels found in the blood. As a thought experiment, consider that a few drops of concentrated sulfuric acid can damage your tongue even though an intraperitoneal (abdominal cavity) injection of the same would be harmless - high local concentrations matter! The same is true for concentration in time - the average pH of your tongue on that day would be quite normal, but a few seconds of contact with high concentrations of acid is enough to do damage. This is why I'm not convinced by calculations that show only a small overall increase in acetaldehyde levels in the average person. A few minutes of high oral aceta...

Link to original articleWelcome to The Nonlinear Library, where we use Text-to-Speech software to convert the best writing from the Rationalist and EA communities into audio. This is: Reconsider the anti-cavity bacteria if you are Asian, published by Lao Mein on April 15, 2024 on LessWrong. Many people in the rational sphere have been promoting Lumina/BCS3-L1, a genetically engineered bacterium, as an anti-cavity treatment. However, none have brought up a major negative interaction that may occur with a common genetic mutation. In short, the treatment works by replacing lactic acid generating bacteria in the mouth with ones that instead convert sugars to ethanol, among other changes. Scott Alexander made a pretty good FAQ about this. Lactic acid results in cavities and teeth demineralization, while ethanol does not. I think this is a really cool idea, and would definitely try it if I didn't think it would significantly increase my chances of getting oral cancer. Why would that be? Well, I, like around half of East Asians, have a mutation in my acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) which results in it being considerably less active. This is known as Asian/Alcohol Flush Reaction (AFR). This results in decreased ability to metabolize acetaldehyde to acetate and consequently a much higher level of acetaldehyde when drinking alcohol. Although the time ingested ethanol spends in the mouth and stomach are quite short, alcohol dehydrogenase activity by both human and bacterial cells rises rapidly once the presence of ethanol is detected. Some studies have estimated that ~20% of consumed ethanol is converted to acetaldehyde in the mouth and stomach in a process called first pass metabolism. Normally, this is broken down into acetate by the ALDH also present, but it instead builds up in those with AFR. Acetaldehyde is a serious carcinogen and people with AFR have significantly higher levels of oral and stomach cancer (The odds ratios for Japanese alcoholics with the mutation in relation to various cancers are >10 (!!!) for oral and esophageal cancer). The Japanese paper also notes that all alcoholics tested only had a single copy of the mutation, since it is very difficult to become an alcoholic with two copies (imagine being on high dosage Antabuse your entire life - that's the same physiological effect). In addition, there is also the potential for change in oral flora and their resting ADH levels. As oral flora and epithelial cells adapt to a higher resting level of ethanol, they may make the convertion of ethanol to acetaldehyde even faster, resulting in higher peak oral and stomach levels of acetaldehyde during recreational drinking, thereby increasing cancer risk. There is also the concern of problems further down the digestive track - Japanese alcoholics with AFR also have increased (~3x) colorectal cancer rates, which may well be due to ethanol being fermented from sugars in the large intestines, but my research in that direction is limited and this article is getting too long. While others have argued that the resulting acetaldehyde levels would be too low to be a full body carcinogen (they make a similar calculation in regards to ethanol in this FAQ), my concern isn't systemic - it's local. AFR increases oral and throat cancer risks most of all, and the first pass metabolism studies imply that oral and gastral acetaldehyde are elevated far above levels found in the blood. As a thought experiment, consider that a few drops of concentrated sulfuric acid can damage your tongue even though an intraperitoneal (abdominal cavity) injection of the same would be harmless - high local concentrations matter! The same is true for concentration in time - the average pH of your tongue on that day would be quite normal, but a few seconds of contact with high concentrations of acid is enough to do damage. This is why I'm not convinced by calculations that show only a small overall increase in acetaldehyde levels in the average person. A few minutes of high oral aceta...

Real stories of transformation and hope: Addiction Recovery "I just wanted to let you know that your methods truly work. Living with addiction is really difficult, and this past week has been tough, too. Your videos and teachings make it a little easier for us to navigate through these uncertainties. I kept trying to do all you teach, and slowly, things started getting better. My husband never even touched alcohol until 2016. He started drinking socially in 2017. His drinking started to escalate during quarantine and became a noticeable problem by 2022. We were constantly fighting, yelling, and calling each other names, only making things worse, and then, early this year, I found your YouTube channel. It took me a little while to truly understand the problem and address the problems I was creating in the relationship. It's taken so many bad things to catch his attention, like… feeling bad all the time, missing work, fights with his family, financial strain, feeling sick every morning, losing a lot of weight, a DUI, and blackouts. But I can tell things are starting to shift. I'm hearing a lot of talk about change! I know in my heart that he truly wants to quit alcohol. Recently, my husband quit for two weeks. Yesterday, he had a really bad day at work and drank alcohol to cope with it. He ended up in a blackout, and I had to have friends pick him up. I don't know if I did the right thing, but after this episode, he went for his doctor's appointment today, so I am hopeful. The doctor feels he is really trying to quit but is having a tough time dealing with cravings and stress. The doctor prescribed him that medicine (Antabuse) that makes you sick if you drink. I can tell that my husband is truly committed to starting his medications and conquering this alcohol problem. I know things won't fix overnight, but I think he is on the right path, which is helping calm my anxiety. Again, thank you so much for everything! I would have been lost without you. You are touching lives around the world with your videos. May God bestow you with peace, happiness, well-being, family time, and so much more. My journey started on YouTube with Johann Hari's talk called "Everything You Know About Addiction is Wrong," later, I found you, and I only have gratitude today." Additional Resources: Get Expert Guidance on your situation

Episode 463 – Addicted to not Being Addicted     Today we have Zach. He is 34 years old and lives in Richmond, VA. He took his last drink on July 18th, 2023.   Our Dry January course RESTORE starts tonight, so get your register on, and join us at 8 PM EST for our first live session later this evening.   On January 27th we start our six-week alcohol-free ukelele course. This course is brought to you by Kala Brand.   Check out our sponsor Go Brewing. Use the code ELEVATOR for 15% off.   [04:14] Thoughts from Paul:   Today we are talking about change. Research suggests that only 9% of people that make New Years resolutions complete them. Many quit well before February even starts. The main reason that these resolutions fail is our energies swing all the way to one side of the spectrum. In other words, we are out of balance.   With drinking, we find ourselves addicted to alcohol. Then the mind comes up with the idea that we need to not be addicted to alcohol, then we become addicted to the idea of not being addicted. This is equally out of balance. So that's the word I want to plant with you today as we begin the new year is balance. On our sobriety journey, we cannot fight, or go to battle with an alcohol addiction.   So, in terms of quitting drinking and not going overboard in the theatre of war against yourself, let's keep it simple. All you have to today is one thing, that is not pick up a drink. Are we quitting for a lifetime? God no. That would be out of balance. We are only quitting for today.   Café RE - Use the promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee   [10:36] Paul introduces Zach:   Zach was originally from California but currently lives in Richmond, VA. He has two sons who live nearby with their mother. He is a technical writer for the federal government. He enjoys the gym and spending time outdoors.   Zach grew up in a home where alcohol wasn't very present. He attended a small college where it wasn't very prevalent either. He took his first drink after finishing college and was a normal drinker throughout his 20's. Drinking didn't become a problem for Zach until he was laid off of a job and his mental health started suffering. He was processing things from childhood and started having panic attacks and his sleep was an issue. He started drinking to help him sleep but over time it progressed to a daily habit.   Zach says he got a wake-up call when he and his wife split up. He was able to get a few months of sobriety, but he ended up back drinking after the divorce was finalized. He had relocated for a new job and didn't know anyone. He had too much free time to drink heavily when he wasn't spending time with his kids.   Zach was drinking at work and ended up having a meeting with HR where he finally told someone he had a problem. While he felt relieved to share this, he still struggled to quit and eventually lost the job. After his lease was up, he moved out of state to stay with some friends that were going to help him get back on his feet.   When he relapsed while the friends were out of town, Zach ended up trying Antabuse to help him quit drinking once and for all. He attended rehab and then went to sober living. After a while he decided he needed to move back closer to his kids and was able to find a place in Richmond with the help of a friend in recovery.   Zach tried a few different recovery modalities, but AA ended up working best for him. He got a sponsor who he has spoken to every day since they met. His sponsor has helped him realize that he cannot return to drinking. Zach is starting to see the benefits of not drinking, both physically and mentally. Community has been vital to Zach and his recovery.   Zach's favorite resources: an app called The Big Book, and the RE podcast while at the gym.   Zach's strategy to beat a craving:  a walk and a phone call.     Instagram   Recovery Elevator YouTube Sobriety Tracker iTunes    Recovery Elevator It all starts from the inside out. I love you guys.

In this heartwarming episode of Bite-Sized Balance, Wendy McCallum sits down with a remarkable guest, her client Chantal. Chantal recounts her transformative journey from decades of addiction to true freedom from alcohol. Chantal candidly shares her experience with the medication Antabuse and the pivotal role it played in her recovery. The conversation takes a beautiful turn as Chantal unveils her unique practice of specific gratitude, demonstrating how it has reignited joy in her life. By focusing on the little things, she has discovered the immense power of gratitude in her journey toward lasting freedom from drinking. This episode is an inspiring testament to the profound impact of finding joy in the simplicity of everyday moments. We talk about:  Naltrexone v. Antabuse as aids in sobriety Gratitude as part of your sobriety toolkit Finding the joy when your life looks “good on paper” but something is missing The unexpected gifts of sobriety   To connect with Wendy about her coaching and programming, visit: https://www.wendymccallum.com/

This week on Dopey! After years apart - Dopey Original, Jessa Reed is back! And she definitely brought the dopey with her update on managing her lyme disease and then launching into her rich history of addiction and recovery!  Some topics we cover: - people pleasing - miscarriage and the "galactic bus station" - first drug use - the result of not wanting to participate in a magic-less, mundane reality - mom shooting up her Ritalin, - Childhood ADHD - chronic running away from home - DXM OD aftermath - LSD at church, born again - Drunken lying - The meth community being a safe space for awakening - trying to do stand-up on meth... driving on meth... - routes of administration (OG boof-er) - "reality is a reflection of an internal experience" - self-dentistry - reality algorithms and manifestation - dream reality PLUS Ben Anderson from the Park City Song Summit gives us a day by day breakdown of the upcoming Park City Song Summit. September 7th-9th! www.parkcitysongsummit.com www.ororecovery.com www.thephoenix.org/dopey www.evolution-accounting.com www.betterhelp.com/dopeypodcastwww.middleagerecovery.com More About Dopey: Dopey Podcast is the world's greatest podcast on drugs, addiction and dumb shit. Chris and I were two IV heroin addicts who loved to talk about all the coke we smoked, snorted and shot, all the pills we ate, smoked, all the weed we smoked and ate, all the booze we consumed and all the consequences we suffered. After making the show for 2 and a half years, Chris tragically relapsed and died from a fentanyl overdose. Dopey continued on, at first to mourn the horrible loss of Chris, but then to continue our mission - which was at its core, to keep addicts and alcoholics company. Whether to laugh at our time in rehab, or cry at the worst missteps we made, Dopey tells the truth about drugs, addiction and recovery. We continually mine the universe for stories rife with debauchery and highlight serious drug taking and alcoholism. We also examine different paths toward addiction recovery. We shine a light on harm reduction and medication assisted treatment. We talk with celebrities and nobodies and stockpile stories to be the greatest one stop shop podcast on all things drugs, addiction, recovery and comedy!

RC2C host Neil Scott shares his conversation with the second man to walk on the surface of the moon, iconic astronaut Buzz Aldrin. After returning from the moon, he made many attempts at long-term recovery, until he finally figured it out. He took at least thirty 30-day coins, and even drank on Antabuse. Then Elizabeth Patterson sits down with Neil to talk about her many attempts at getting clean and sober. She lived to use, and used to live. She also found long term recovery, and now lives a life of grateful recovery. And we close out the podcast with some words to live by, from one of the founders of 'The Eagles,'and member of the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame,Joe Walsh.

Episode 399 – What's the hardest part about quitting drinking?   Today we have Zita.   She is 31, from Minnesota, and took her last drink on November 27, 2021.   Restore: https://www.recoveryelevator.com/restore/   Highlights from Paul   An AF life is overall better than drinking.  The key word is overall.  Quitting drinking is the hardest thing Paul has ever done, and, it's the best decision he's ever made.    Not quitting is harder on you than you realize.  The domino effect of addiction cascades to your health, your relationships, your livelihood, and your sense of well-being.   Those rock bottoms get worse and hit new depths that create despair, shame and helplessness.  The decision to quit drinking can be harder when you don't have those rock bottom moments, but you still have that voice in your head telling you, it's time.  Quitting isn't easy, particularly in the beginning, but it has its own set of dominos, the path toward a better life.   The hardest part about quitting drinking isn't the withdrawals or burning the ships.  It's entering the path of the unknown:  infinite possibilities exist.   You can put the shovel down at any time.    Better Help:  www.betterhelp.com/elevator - 10% off your first month. #sponsored                                                                               [12:26]  Zita is an ICU nurse.  She loves cooking, travel, rollerblading, movies, and getting her nails done.  She is headed back to school to become a nurse practitioner.   Zita's relationship with alcohol started in her early teens.  She was a normal drinker through college.  She drank a lot, but it never impacted her school, her relationships, or her ability to function.  After college, she started working and a few years in she noticed having anxiety when she was around people which was a shift.  After a breakup, she started using alcohol to cope with her emotions.    Zita's family members spoke with her about her drinking, intervention style.  She thought about slowing down but quitting never occurred to her at that point.   Upon continued reflection, Zita realized she had some unprocessed trauma.  She tried naltrexone, Antabuse and Women for Sobriety.  Nothing was working.  She shifted her approach to working on mental health and took a month off work and started DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy) treatment.  Mental health support gave her new tools to shift her mindset.  The first few months were hard and she nearly relapsed, but she gained some momentum.    Today, Zita feels great.  She has gained assertiveness, confidence and learned to develop boundaries.  She doesn't have her “old self” back, she has a better life.  Zita is proud that she has learned to manage her emotions more effectively.  Looking forward, Zita is excited about graduating.  She focused her education on mental health, and she looks forward to making broader contributions with her new knowledge.   Paul's Summary   Paul believes you are about to bloom.  Nobody exists without a purpose in the universe.  Things under pressure produce new results; rocks under pressure become diamonds.  The blooming has already begun.   [47:21] Musical submission from The Aquerials.      Upcoming events, retreats, and courses: You can find more information about our events   Resources Connect with Cafe RE - Use the promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee. Recovery Elevator YouTube - Subscribe here! Sobriety Tracker iTunes    Recovery Elevator- We are the only ones who can do this, but you don't have to do it alone. I love you guys.

Pyrlcasts, brought to you by Pyrls.com! We take a closer look at interesting and relevant clinical topics related to pharmacotherapy. Want to learn more clinical pearls? Boost your clinical confidence? Visit and sign-up for an account at pyrls.com to get over 10 high-quality charts absolutely FREE! Episode References: Workowski, K. A., Bachmann, L. H., Chan, P. A., Johnston, C. M., Muzny, C. A., Park, I., Reno, H., Zenilman, J. M., & Bolan, G. A. (2021). Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. MMWR. Recommendations and Reports: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Recommendations and Reports, 70(4), 1–187. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.rr7004a1 Katzung BG, ed. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 13th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education; 2015. Antabuse (disulfuram) tablet package insert. Pomona, NY: Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2010 Feb.

I met Dennis in the Reddit sober community - I am very happy that he had the opportunity to come on and share his tenacious story of recovery.There is some GREAT discussion about relapse, white-knuckling & willpower only, the use of humour in recovery and the importance of community and connection.In his own words:"Battled AUD for the better part of a decade. In that time racked up ~20 trips to detox, 4 rehabs and a few IOPs - only one completed (my last).I'm now 2.5 years clean. I used Antabuse as an aid, but also therapy, and literature, I did my AA steps, and re-established and maintain a spiritual connection."Topics include:- drinking at home & in isolation and how that shifted things- being let go from a job, only to find a better job days later (which added to the "justifications pile")- ego getting in the way of recovery- working through impulses- a rock bottom moment on Halloween 2019 that sparked his 2.5+ years sober- reestablishing a spiritual side- the power of awareness and "rewinding" of "fast-forwarding" the tape- the a-ha moment of 'being honest with myself'Great, relatable stuff here. Thank you to Dennis!

Calling in from Scotland!! I would like to introduce you to CHRIS NELLIST.Chris has an incredibly inspiring story of recovery.Topics include:Drinking at an early age, alcoholism at age of 12, having his first child at age 15, leaving home shortly after, joining the British Army, finding out he had dyslexia, overcoming that and getting a Law degree, sobriety in 2020, detox, Antabuse, recovery nature walks, classical music!In his own words: "I am a 52-year-old man who became an alcoholic aged 12. Over the years it was up and down like it is for many of us, but overall a slow downward spiral. I did achieve some things over time but also lost far too many. In 2020 it had progressed to being none functional, so it meant drinking morning till night just to keep the withdrawals away. Suffering every morning with the dry heaving, severe shakes and even hallucinations. In September 2020 I finally decided to look for help and spoke to my doctor. She was amazing and referred me to the local NHS addiction team. They assessed me and arranged a medically supervised detox. Then lots of support including medication and counselling. I have been sober since and now work and have just been accepted into university to study to become a nurse."Thank you, Chris, for your honesty and for sharing. You are a true inspiration

Episode 353 – It's a Week to be Thankful   Today we have Jan.  She is from Connecticut and took her last drink on February 1, 2021.   Restore – intensive on-online dry January 15 session course. Registration opens 12/1/21. Costa Rica starts January 15. Email kate@recoveryelevator.com to get on waiting list. AF Sober Ukulele (8 week) course starts 2/5/2022. Registration opens January 7th. Denver Retreat (3/31 – 4/2) Register: https://www.recoveryelevator.com/denver/   Café RE donated $15,094.73 to organizations and non-profits geared towards helping those affected by addiction.   Highlights from Paul   Paul is encouraging listeners to develop a game plan for the holidays.  Last week he encouraged us to: 1) create a detailed craving plan, 2) turn FOMO into JOMO by saying no and, 3) pick a holiday theme song.   Paul shares that when we make the decision to not drink, an unbelievable amount of energy is released. This is less about staying away from alcohol and more about creating a life that doesn't require alcohol. When we're drinking there is no space mentally for this new life.   This week Paul encourages us to:  1) select a Thanksgiving AF beverage, 2) schedule one minute of intense mindfulness and, 3) sticky note – write a reminder, goal or affirmation and put it somewhere you can see it.      Remember what the holiday is all about, being grateful for all the gifts we have including the adversity that inspired us to go alcohol free.  Paul's pep talks can be found here:  https://www.recoveryelevator.com/meditations/   Exact Nature exactnature.com Code:  RE20   [14:34] Jan took her last drink 2/1/2021.  She is 71 years old and has a son.  She is a massage therapist, health coach, dog sitter and loves hiking, audiobooks, and photography.   Jan started drinking went she went to school overseas in Italy.  It was part of the culture. She drank and experimented with drugs through college.  She had serious health consequences because of her drinking.  She worked at several resorts and met her husband who loved to drink.    Jan went to AA and stayed sober for four years.  She returned to drinking for twenty years.   She struggled with mental health issues, anxiety, and panic attacks.   She spent a lot of time in psychiatric hospitals and was encouraged not to drink.  Jan went to 4 or 5 different treatment centers.  The tipping point came when her son pushed her to quit.  Jan pretended to take Antabuse in front of her son and maintaining the facade was exhausting.  A friend of her son's recommended Café RE; the connection she found within Café RE was very helpful.    Jan loves “We are the Luckiest” by Laura McKowen and recalls hearing, “find a room that works and stick with it,” and that resonated for her.  She steers clear of situations where people are drinking alcohol.  The obsession has lifted.    Odette's Summary Odette reflects on Café Re's recent regionals event.  The theme was acceptance.  Odette reads a beautiful passage from Melody Beattie about acceptance.  https://melodybeattie.com/acceptance-2/      Sponsor: Exact Nature exactnature.com  Code:  RE20   Holiday 2021 AF Strategy Guide   Stock up on your favorite AF beverages or another type of treat. Begin a new healthy practice that you enjoy. Develop a detailed craving game plan. FOMO to JOMO - Pick an upcoming event and sit it out. Select a Holiday Theme Song. Pick your Thanksgiving beverage of choice and enjoy One minute of intense MINDFULNESS Sticky Note - Write a reminder, affirmation, or goal on a sticky note and place it somewhere where you'll see it each day   Upcoming events, retreats, and courses: You can find more information about our events   Resources Connect with Cafe RE - Use the promo code OPPORTUNITY to waive the set-up fee. Recovery Elevator YouTube - Subscribe here! Sobriety Tracker iTunes   

23. Our demons, can kill us, if we let them. Chris Farley & Andy Dick shared time, and Andy shares tears & truth, about a very important book. An old high school friend, confirm the hauntings. And this month, a close friend stands next to the House on Valencia street, with a camera, and a curious heart. ____________ REFERENCES: July 3, 2021. Heatwave, still healing. Canada, BC - 500+ people dead. Oregon - 100+ dead. Corrections corner: Chris Farley, Andy Dick. Addiction story. The Book. ______ Chris Farley - Comedian. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Farley _____ Andy Dick - Comedian, LGBTQA+ person, like me. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Dick _____ 12 steps: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve-step_program ______ Georgia Hardstark of My Favorite Murder podcast - Antabuse - pill to stop drinking ______ A close friend takes a look at the Valencia Street house, takes pictures. The present occupants have been there years. Have they seen the ghosts? Do they sense them? ______ What my childhood friend had to say, about how haunted, the Valencia street house is. ______ Mt. St. Helens Ash at Mildred's. {Pompeii murmurs} ______ POD DESCRIPTION: This is the House on Valencia Street. This is a place where ghosts & psychics, with PTSD, exist, & I'm talking about it. Share time with a rare survivor, walking back to haunted rooms and space being claimed from long ago. This is from the survivor's perspective, communicated as I see fit, in a way that feels right, for me. I do not offer advice here, I share what worked for me. I am not a professional therapist, this is just one case study, one perspective. Please seek professional help, if mental health issues need attention. Language is explicit, Content Warning: ghosts, psychic ability, rape, incest, foster care, murder, emancipation, BDSM, therapy, lightning strikes, personal responsibility, Buddhism, recovery, codependency, domestic violence - and inappropriate humor, most likely. Picture inset: This is me, so many years ago, standing in front of my mother's Impala, and the House on Valencia Street. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mohmah/support

New analyses rank disulfiram (Antabuse) among the most effective medications for alcohol use disorders. But why is it so underutilized? In this podcast we explore the history of this therapy – the oldest medication that is still in use in psychiatry. Published On: 6/28/21 Duration: 25 minutes, 23 seconds Got feedback? Take the podcast survey.

New analyses rank disulfiram (Antabuse) among the most effective medications for alcohol use disorders. But why is it so underutilized? In this podcast we explore the history of this therapy – the oldest medication that is still in use in psychiatry. Published On: 6/28/21 Duration: 25 minutes, 23 seconds Got feedback? Take the podcast survey.

NOPE Covid didn't take me out, back at it with a new segment maybe? Lets talk drugs.  What do you want to hear? Guest requests? email me at Code3clubpodcast@gmail.com   Antabuse / Disulfiram   Drug Class: Alcohol Antagonist / Psychiatric medication MOA: Inhibits acetaldehyde dehydrogenase from breaking down alcohol into acetic acid. Indications: Individuals who desire to quit alcohol consumption and have an addiction Contraindications: Sensitivity or adverse reaction to prior use of Antabuse Interactions: Cough syrups or alcohol containing products, some blood thinners Side effects: headache, breathing problems, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, extreme tiredness, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, or blurred vision. These symptoms can last from 30 minutes to several hours. Precautions: thiuram or thiuram-related chemicals (found in pesticides and rubber), mouthwash, aftershave, sauces, vinegars) while taking this medication and for 2 weeks after stopping the medication Routes of administration: oral Onset of action: 10 minutes Dosage: 250mg – 500mg daily

Gill discusses addiction treatments throughout history.  If you’re wondering what snake pits, lobotomies, LSD and gold injections have in common, then you’ll enjoy this episode.   This episode only covers treatments from ancient times up to the 1950's when pharmaceutical treatments were developed.  Gill ends the episode by giving a brief explanation of how the 3 FDA approved drugs for alcohol abuse (Antabuse, Naltrexone, and Campral) work in the brain.As a listener of Sober Powered, Exact Nature is giving you 20% off your first three orders with the code SP20.  Click here to learn more or visit www.exactnature.comGet my new eBook about emotional sobriety here. See all of my eBooks here or visit www.soberpowered.com/ebooks Key takeaways and sources are posted here.Follow Sober Powered on Instagram for more education and inspirationJoin the Sober Powered Facebook Group for extra supportAnd if you're enjoying this podcast, please use this link to leave a review on iTunes.  This podcast takes so much effort and work to create, and each review increases the possibility that this podcast can be seen by people who may need it.  I created a bonus episode for anyone who leaves a 5 star rating and review.  Learn more here. Disclaimer: all of the information described in this podcast is my interpretation of the research combined with my opinion.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/soberpowered)

In this episode of Alcohol Tipping Point, Debbie interviews Shawna Kuehne, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). They discuss the role of PMHNP in the treatment of alcohol use. Shawna reviews three medications typically prescribed to reduce alcohol use- Naltrexone, Campral, and Antabuse. She answers what these meds are, how they work, and who they might be useful for. Want more tips, tools and thoughts? Follow Alcohol Tipping Point on Instagram at @alcoholtippingpoint and visit www.alcoholtippingpoint.com Do you want just a small vacation from alcohol but not ready to stop “forever”? Try my NEW and FREE e-course: 10 Day Holiday- Alcohol Free Break The 10 Day Holiday is ten days of rest and relaxation from alcohol. Think of it as spring break for your health. Learn more and sign up here: https://www.alcoholtippingpoint.com/10dayholiday

  Bonus Episode – Odette and Paul answer listeners questions   I still find it difficult that my husband drinks every day. I don't know why it makes me feel angry inside, but I do all the time when he drinks. How can I approach this?   Odette said, stay on your lane. The more you focus on him, the less you will focus on your healing and your journey. In learning about yourself and healing yourself, you can start to implement boundaries and assert your needs vs. obsess over how much he is drinking. Therapy helps. Pull your energies back to yourself.   What do you suggest I do when friends and family seem uncomfortable around me when I say I don't drink? Paul said you can get started on 2.0 version of your life.  So much more is packed into this than just quitting drinking. You are stepping out of the norm, roles, identities, and labels in your family.  Learn to set boundaries, overcome the need to please.  Give it time, and they're watching. This doesn't mean they aren't supportive. They are on their own journey as well.   What are the plans for Recovery Elevator (RE)? What is in the works?   The podcast will evolve to include additional voices.  Paul will return in some capacity. Retreats (Rustic Retreats, like Bozeman, Hotel events, retreat centers, and AF travel). A Retreat Center is contemplated.  A Rat Park experiment, an in-person community, is being considered.  (insert link) How did you best handle your early days of an alcohol-free life?  What practices do you use now daily? Odette has used different tools but consistently exercises, sees a therapist, stays connected via on-line chats and in-person meet-ups that are COVID safe. Paul said the most challenging and most rewarding experience in his life was quitting drinking.  Paul left Bozeman for his first month of sobriety because there were too many triggers.  He took long walks for 30 days, particularly to a fantastic waterfall. As his recovery evolved, he is mindful of the interchange.  He goes to his internal connection, and the outside triggers stopped affecting him.  He found some inner peace.    If you could trade your life now for being able to drink like a normal person magically, would you?   Odette said, no, senor!   In the first few years, Paul said he had thoughts of drinking, and he was in the victim role – longing for the old days when he could drink normally.  Now his energy has changed, and his life now has no space for alcohol or drinking.    I hear in AA all of the time that those who don't go to meetings regularly are sure to go back out and drink. Odette said the opposite of addiction is connection. It's a great time to be sober with virtual meetings, sober curious groups, courses, and friends who are always focused on learning and being better. Paul said there are infinite ways to Ditch the Booze. Paul's buddies have ditched the booze, and AA was not part of their journey.  He believes the community is vital to long-term sobriety. It doesn't have to be AA – and humans are social animals.  I'm in my second year of sobriety. The first year was a lot of filling my toolbox and learning how to survive without alcohol. When in your journey did you start to thrive and live your best life. What steps did you take to embrace the new you and live out loud?   Paul said nothing was thriving when he was drinking.  Some parts of his life started to thrive nearly immediately when he quit drinking.   Within 14 days, he felt better.  The spiritual component of his life has become vital to him.  He is more tethered and can weather emotional storms.  Today chaos, while momentary, ultimately leads to thriving for Paul.   Odette said her definition of thriving has changed.  She goes within.  Thriving is about peace, knowing herself, and understanding the reality of co-existing with others. It's not about the perfect Instagram profile.  Odette thrives even on her dip days.  Her growing pains lead to thriving.    Do you think there is a risk of a substance leading me back to alcohol? Have your own experiences (or, for that matter, any new research on the potential benefits of psychedelics)? How has your experience informed you?   Paul said Dr. David Nutt (2011 UK)  said alcohol is the most addictive drug and causes the most devastating effects on society.  Number 20 was magic mushrooms. Paul's experiences with plant medicines have been non-addictive.  In the right setting, they do not lead to a return to alcohol. The right setting is critical.  Guided therapy sessions will help the intense inner work.    What were your best strategies to avoid or minimize the tendency to romanticize the days of yore in the early days of sobriety? Odette said, play the tape forward.  Romanticizing is just an illusion. She remembers not to give up what she wants for that drink.  Paul described the ism and euphoric recall. Its why women continue to have babies. They don't accurately remember the pain. Paul's memory was about playing football.  The mind has 60-70K thoughts a day, and most of them are wrong.  Questioning your thoughts is a great practice.    I seem to have a problem sometimes with a lack of structure or regiment.  When I work or have commitments, it seems like I don't have so many thoughts in my head because I'm pretty focused on the task at hand. Fewer thoughts equal less anxiety for me.   Paul, can you share your experience with travel and structure?   Paul suggests structure in all of his courses.  The days with structure are easier to get through.  Paul has taken Spanish classes or city tours, or AA meetings to build in structure and routine.  Double down on the routine.    I would love to hear Odette speak on how alcohol abuse works with eating disorder recovery. The sobriety world is very diet culture-oriented and fat phobic. Any guidance on fighting the voice of needing to restrict, manage weight, and it's ok to eat?   Odette said listen to Episode 312.  There are so many connections between alcohol and eating disorders. She took other's hands until she could do it for herself.  She is grateful for her body.  She has bad body image days but tries to do the best for her body.  Protect your energy!  Odette is happy to speak to people about this challenge.      How do you not think about drinking while abstaining? I've had many alcohol-free days in the last few years, but those same days were sometimes consumed with thoughts of drinking. So, the drinking has gone away for you guys. But has the thinking about the drinking gone away from you too? Paul talks about music is all about love.  Saying goodbye to alcohol is a Dear John letter.  Give yourself time to grieve and let the neurons no longer fire together. It's a non-issue for Paul today.  Odette spoke about the progression of healing.  It does get better.    What supplements- if any- have you used to help "restore" the damage done by long-term use of alcohol?   Odette said sleep, vitamins, water, good food, and Vitamin D – get outside.   Paul said, get outside and get outside with your shoes off.  Lemon water, cocoa water, take a nap if you are tired.    I would like to hear from you about your spiritual journey as you got sober and how you find your higher being?   Paul said spirituality wasn't his thing, but at about 3.5 years in, April 14, he recognized something beautiful was at play.  He has learned to enjoy the mystery and the magic.  He doesn't have all of the answers and embraces that.    Odette believes that things are presented to you when you are ready.  Stay curious, be patient.  Value bomb – time has its own time.    How do you distance yourself from perfectionism?   Paul said, recognize with an awareness that it's there.   Odette likes the gut check she gets when she realizes her recovering control freak is a daily practice.   She leans on friends for support.      How can I help a loved one get on the AF journey, too, without using too many of my own experiences and also without falling off myself?   Odette said, stay the course, don't be co-dependent. Don't add resistance.  Hold space for your loved one. Paul said, be the change you want to see.  We grow from our crash and burn?     How did the transition between hosts come about? Did Paul seek Odette out, or did Odette send out an unconscious signal? Was there a specific sign in the universe to make this incredible event happen?   Paul and Odette are well connected, including the transition.  The idea just came, and it worked beautifully. Odette's immediate yes came from her heart.    What is Paul's most significant takeaway since stepping away from hosting the podcast? And what is Odette's biggest takeaway so far being the host of the podcast? We all suck at asking for and accepting help.  Paul needed help, and Odette stepped up.  Odette knows we all need each other.  When she has dip days, she shows up and gets more when she shows up for others.      Do you have any advice on when is a good time and how to be open & out about your sobriety (with employers, an old friend, strangers, etc.)? I struggle with thinking it's none of my employer's business because it doesn't affect the job I do, and I don't want to deal with the conversation that comes with telling them, but then find myself avoiding the truth about it and feeling bad later.   Odette said self and radical honesty is what and genuine and authentic to yourself.  Challenge yourself, but do what works for yourself, your mental accountability, and your peace.   Paul said we often disassociate ourselves from nature.  Paul knows burning the ships can be challenging, and he's had some delicate moments.  His opportunities with vulnerability have worked with him everywhere.  It opens up the door for a deeper connection.      When has your sobriety been tested the most, and what did you do that happened?   Paul said he had a meltdown after his sixth episode, and he asked for help, and he was supported incredibly and learned how burning the ships worked in his favor and asking for help became an incredible experience. Vulnerability opens so many doors.    Odette described that parenting is tough!  Many parents try to stay sober for their kids, and parenting can be super triggering.   Odette loves her kids to death, but she is reinventing the Mommy culture.  Parenting is tough, but she knows alcohol isn't her answer, and she has a great support system.    What do you think of prescription meds for or during recovery (e.g., naltrexone)?   Paul said green light for naltrexone.  It helps in the short term, great.  Paul said Antabuse is a violent fear motivator.  Your recovery is more helpful with loving yourself.      What have you learned the most about recovery from doing the podcasts? And what is the most common "similarity" you've found after all the interviews, other than we all have a desire to stop drinking, of course!   Odette said moderation works until it doesn't, and it pretty much doesn't do the trick.  We all just want love and acceptance. Odette appreciates the courage of everyone that dares to come on the show.    Paul discussed, there is trauma with a big T, and little t, addiction to alcohol says something in our life is out of balance, we are all fundamentally good people, there is part of our unconscious that doesn't want to stop drinking, and we need to overcome our fear.    How do I break out of the cycle of drinking with four young kids?   Odette said she doesn't like advising busy moms – she only has two kids.  She suggested making yourself a priority, and when you do, your children will learn that as well.  Take care of yourself.  You are not exempt from pain or failure.  It takes a village to raise children, ask for help!   Is it possible to get addicted to feelings? I have grown up in a cycle of trauma. On a deeper level, I feel I've been addicted to feelings of sadness, loneliness, and shame, because I have lived with them for so long? Paul said you could get addicted to your thoughts.  Your thoughts function in the known.  The body tries to anchor you back to your old self.  Odette said, find your new normal. Paul added, enjoy your life. It doesn't have to be hard.  You can ask for help.  Paul gave a big shout-out for all of the good questions and he and Odette had a blast. 

Support Sober Company via Patreon.com/sobercompanyTheme music by Jon Tessier courtesy of Said So Sound.In this episode:AntabuseAntabuse reaction to alcoholNaltrexoneAntabuse shortage

Naltrexone will not make you feel sick or ill in the same manner as Antabuse (disulfiram) when consuming alcohol while on medication.https://recoverypartnernetwork.com/treatment/mat-medications/naltrexone-for-alcoholism-treatment

Theme music by Jon Tessier courtesy of Said So Sound.In this episode:AntabuseAntabuse reaction to alcoholNaltrexoneAntabuse shortage  

The Sinclair Method And Naltrexone… have I REALLY changed my mind?I have always been a very vocal critic of the whole taking a drug to fix a drug problem. Recently some people have been asking me if I have changed my mind somewhat. The answer is yes and no!I tried taking medication to fix my problem drinking and it didn't work. I tried Antabuse and it nearly killed me, I tried The Sinclair Method and I found the side effects horrendous.As with everything else I write about, my view on this is based purely on my own experience. I can't recommend taking drugs to fix your drinking problem because that approach didn't work for me.It didn't work for me, but…However, because I refuse to endorse solutions like the Sinclair Method I get a lot of abuse and hate from fans of the medication. They are often as aggressive as the people who insist that AA is the only acceptable solution. They proudly declare Naltrexone to be the new savior of the alcoholic – just because it worked for them.The “Sinclair Method” is not a fresh idea and the majority of the analysis pertaining to it was carried out in the 1980s. It is named for the scientist who initially created it and helped it obtain notability initially in Europe. The basis of it is quite straightforward, which explains its allure.What is The Sinclair Method?Basically, the technique entails taking a medicine, Naltrexone, to be precise, just before consuming alcohol, each and every time you drink alcohol.Naltrexone is an opioid opposer and is most prominently used to obstruct the activity of man-made opioids like heroin, morphine, oxycodone, etc. within the system so that if an individual consumes both compounds the opioid is rendered nonfunctional as far as analgesia and exhilaration.Essentially, and in theory, a man or woman who consumes alcohol while on the medicine will not experience the same chemically-fulfilling experience an individual who consumes alcohol without it will. Simply put, take Naltrexone before you consume alcohol and you will not get the same pleasure you once did from drinking, Drinking without the pleasure.

Adam and Dr. Drew open the show discussing some of their old favorite Man Show bits from throughout the years and Adam reminisces on how some of those skits were produced and the amount of thought and work that went into a seemingly silly show. They then turn to the phones and speak to a variety of callers including an alcoholic and has questions about the anti-drinking drug Antabuse, as well as another who has questions about the HPV vaccine and more. And thanks to our sponsor Truecar.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Adam and Dr. Drew open the show discussing some of their old favorite Man Show bits from throughout the years and Adam reminisces on how some of those skits were produced and the amount of thought and work that went into a seemingly silly show. They then turn to the phones and speak to a variety of callers including an alcoholic and has questions about the anti-drinking drug Antabuse, as well as another who has questions about the HPV vaccine and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Does anybody have experience with naltrexone, Antabuse (disulfiram), or Campral (acamprosate)?”  These drugs are designed to help people deal with the physical side effects of quitting alcohol.  While readily available, most 12 step programs will not mention quit aids such as these.  In the Radio Lab episode “The Fix”, they mention that a very small percentage of people in the early stages of drinking ever qualify for receiving drugs to help them quit.  Many people will seek out an easy way to quit, and though these drugs may seem attractive, the only way to successfully move forward is by putting in the work.  Disulfiram -  more commonly known as Antabuse, is intended to create negative side effects to break the positive association with drinking.  It will not help with the physical cravings of quitting.  The United States National Institutes of Health says “...it is unlikely that disulfiram will have any real effect on the drinking pattern of the  chronic alcoholic.” Naltrexone – blocks brain opioid receptors.  Probably the most popular.  It alters the brain's neurochemistry to make alcohol less rewarding.  The alcohol molecule is similar to an opioid molecule and is received similarly in the brain.  Naltrexone blocks the high one gets from drinking.  Acamprosate  - more commonly known as Campral, is newer than the other drugs in the US.  The complete workings of this drugs are currently unknown, but it appears to disrupt the activity of the gaba and glutamate neurotransmitter systems in the brain, essentially quickening the pace at which a brain affected by alcohol returns to normalcy. Are these drugs a cure for alcoholism?  The common experience is no.  These pills only address the physical component of the disease, leaving the emotional and spiritual causes unchecked.  Some key points from “The Fix” episode by Radio Lab:  1 – Billy's Story – The drugs did what they were supposed to do, in that they helped him get his drinking under control, but they did not cure the underlying causes for his alcoholism. 2 – The separation between the addiction community and the medical community started in the 30s during the tuberculosis epidemic, eventually leading to the medical community relying on medicine and the recovery community relying on a higher power. 3 – According to Anna Rose-Childress, people prone to addiction are the fittest of the fit, evolutionary speaking.  They are rewarded from their environment in more subtle ways, which seems to backfire in today's  modern environment.  Stephen, with 12 days since his last drink, shares his story.   SHOW NOTES   [13:33] Paul Introduces Stephen.  How long have you been sober?  Who are you? What do you do for fun?   Over 12 days. From  Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.  29yo.  Works as a graphic and web designer.  Recent graduate of Nutritional Medicine.  Engaged to be married.  Love fitness and reading self-help books.    [15:00] When did you realize that you weren't drinking normally?   Realized he couldn't just have a quiet night.  One drink lead to many, which lead to a three day bender, which lead to difficulty stopping drinking.    [16:00] How did your drinking progress?    Tried staying drunk to avoid hangovers.    [18:00] Did you experience a kind of rock bottom?   Not a rock bottom, but a realization that he had no self control as long as there was alcohol in his system.    [18:55] Did you put any rules in place to moderate your drinking?    Tried general strategies.  Only drinking at night, etc.  They went out the window quite often. Tried using Antabuse but couldn't afford it.    [20:19]  What was it like using Antabuse?    Was moderate successful. Quit for 3 months.  Doesn't cure the holistic problem.    [22:50]  Are you still using medication to help you stay sober?   No.  Not working for him in the long run.   [25:00]  How did you pick your sobriety date?  What strategies are you using?   Figured it was a good year to step it up.  Trying to keep busy.  Noticed that I have an addictive personality.  Figured I'd meditate more and focus on my career.    [28:11]  What have you lost to alcohol?    Lost a lot of friends.  Made poor choices while drinking.  Lost a previous romantic relationship.  Lead to positive outcomes.     [30:20] What advice would you give to your younger self in regards to drinking? “You don't need to go out and hit up the nightclubs to have fun.”  I used to drink and play video games.  The association is still strong and tough to break.   [31:45]  Have you tried AA?   He considered it.  This year he may try it out to experience the community.  [34:20]  Do you experience cravings?  If so, what do you when they arise?  Tried waiting it out.  Reaches out to someone at church.  Avoids the internal conflict.    [36:30] Rapid Fire Round What was your worst memory from drinking?   Out at a pub, decided to go outside and sit on a bench.  Woke up in an ambulance.  Needed stitches from passing out and hitting his head.    Did you ever have an “oh-shit” moment?   Was on a 3 day bender.  Went for a drive and because of sleep deprivation was in a car accident.    What’s your plan moving forward?   One day at a time.  Keep setting positive goals.  Stay fit.  Looking up.     What’s your favorite resource in recovery?   Recovery Elevator is the biggest one.  Listen to podcasts, reads books.      What’s the best advice you’ve ever received (on sobriety)?   You're not alone, and you always have a choice.     What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking?   Think of the long term benefits, especially your health.   You might be an alcoholic if...   get up early on a work day and have a double vodka, even before your decide whether or not you're going to work.    Resources mentioned in this episode: Radiolab – The Fix Connect with Cafe RE- Use the promo code Elevator for your first month free Sobriety Tracker iTunes Sobriety Traker Android Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to info@recoveryelevator.com     “We took the elevator down, we gotta take the stairs back up, we can do this!”  

These 4 Strategies will help us get through any social situation.  Will power can only last us so long.  Accountability Play the tape forward Always have an exit strategy Stop and think.  Alcohol is a poison.  Neal, with 20 months since his last drink, shares his story   SHOW NOTES   [8:20] Paul Introduces Neal.  I am in my late 50’s.  I have 2 boys, 2 grandchildren.  I do maintenance work, I like to go camping and spend time with our granddaughter who lives with us.   [11:50] Paul-  In 1990, was your wife leaving you what got you sober?   Neal-  Yes.  I was driving a taxi in Seattle at that time.  The AA world convention came to town.  It was a huge emotional relief.  I cried throughout the whole event.   [16:06] Paul- Let’s back it up to 2008 when you took that first drink after 18 years of sobriety.  Can you walk us through that?   Neal-  The pressures, and there were times I would tell my wife to bring home a 6 pack of beer.  One day she finally did.  It took 6 months for me to ramp up to where I was after that.   [25:04]  Paul-  Curiosity is killing the cat, what was the reason?   Neal-  I had to go on Antabuse in November of 2015.  I had to go to the pharmacy and take the white pill.  Antabuse and alcohol do not mix.   [29:43] Paul-  With nearly 20 years of sobriety logged, do you still get cravings, and if you do still get them, what do you do?   Neal- I don’t get any cravings.  Like I said, on that day when I read the obsession, the cravings, it was all lifted, it’s gone.  I try to remain calm.  Step back and take a deep breath.  I try to reflect how they affect me.     [33:34] Rapid Fire Round What was your worst memory from drinking? I was at a former employers business and I asked my wife to come down to give me a ride home, she came down, and brought somebody else with her and I flew off the handle and was yelling and screaming, and they called the cops.  I wouldn’t come out, they couldn’t come in.  I finally came out, but it was scary. Did you ever have an “oh-shit” moment? It was the last week of my drinking.  I laid in bed, and called in sick everyday.  What’s your plan moving forward? To keep connected with AA.  Keep going on, and enjoying my 2 grandchildren. What’s your favorite resource in recovery? I have to say Podcasts.  I work alone a lot.  I listen to 10’s of 100’s of hours of podcasts.  What’s the best advice you’ve ever received (on sobriety)? Go to meetings, stay connected. What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking?  One day at a time. You might be an alcoholic if... when you are opening that bottle to take a swig, at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00,  or 5:00 in the morning just to get another 45 minutes or hour of sleep.   Resources mentioned in this episode: Connect with Cafe RE- Use the promo code opportunity to waive the set up fee. Sobriety Tracker iTunes Sobriety Tracker Android Sober Selfies! - Send your Sober Selfie and your Success Story to info@recoveryelevator.com     “We took the elevator down, we gotta take the stairs back up, we can do this!”  

Dave plays a recording from a person he bumped into on the street (at 7am) who was high on cocaine and trying to get a call girl. Chris talks about the origins of antabuse and what its like to drink while on the medication.... and how he used to swap out the pills when his ex girlfriend administered them. We play a recording from Daniel about the time he stole diamonds to support his drug addiction... and then had a random little girl hid him in her backyard while the police were looking for him. Lastly, we read an amazing email from Rob about a time he overdosed and his dog scratched his back raw from trying to wake him up... and about a time he lost his drugs in the snow in Brooklyn... and crawled through slush for hours looking for them.

Monica Richardson interviews Mike Bassett who is featured in the HBO New Documentary Risky Drinking  calling in from ST Thomas. Mike was a radio and TV host in Denver, Colorado. He and his drinking was Documented in this 1 hour feature that addresses drinking as a substance use Disorder. A first ever in a Network show to not just promote AA or 12 step. Moderation Mangement , Harm Reduction , SMART Recovery, Naltrexone, Vivitrol and Antabuse and other options are mentioned .

Monica Richardson interviews Mike Bassett who is featured in the HBO New Documentary Risky Drinking  calling in from ST Thomas. Mike was a radio and TV host in Denver, Colorado. He and his drinking was Documented in this 1 hour feature that addresses drinking as a substance use Disorder. A first ever in a Network show to not just promote AA or 12 step. Moderation Mangement , Harm Reduction , SMART Recovery, Naltrexone, Vivitrol and Antabuse and other options are mentioned .

She finally got sober in her home area of South Bay.  She went to somewhere around 700 meetings in the two years that she slipped, slid and hid her drinking before she found solid ground.  Weathering the shame and embarrassment she continued to “keep coming back”.  After a beautiful sober retreat weekend with her sponsor she went home and got loaded.  Scared and unable to stand her husband's disgust she asked a treatment doc for Antabuse.  She came to realize that she had lost the power of choice and had no control over her drinking.  Join us this Sunday to hear Cathy tell her story of perseverance and recovery. 

She finally got sober in her home area of South Bay.  She went to somewhere around 700 meetings in the two years that she slipped, slid and hid her drinking before she found solid ground.  Weathering the shame and embarrassment she continued to “keep coming back”.  After a beautiful sober retreat weekend with her sponsor she went home and got loaded.  Scared and unable to stand her husband's disgust she asked a treatment doc for Antabuse.  She came to realize that she had lost the power of choice and had no control over her drinking.  Join us this Sunday to hear Cathy tell her story of perseverance and recovery. 

Antabuse  Lipstick  and a job interviewhttp://www.puckertime.com  206 973 FYOU