In the UK Nalmefene is approved for this kind of alcohol treatment also. It's less toxic to the liver than naltrexone so GPs can prescribe it (without specialist intervention and liver checks).

Disclaimer: am shareholder in manufacturer. Feel there is a massive lack of emphasis on novel pharmaceutical interventions in drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

> In the UK Nalmefene is approved for this kind of alcohol treatment also. It's less toxic to the liver than naltrexone so GPs can prescribe it (without specialist intervention and liver checks).

Hadn't heard of nalmefene, thanks for the reference. Naltrexone is also useful in much lower doses than the standard 50mg tablets, as "low-dose naltrexone" (1-5mg).

IIUIC the Sinclair Method is very much a CBT hack. The drug disrupts the positive effects of alcohol. By making the experience of consuming alcohol unpleasant instead of rewarding, it becomes easier to overcome the psychological addiction.

Just the Naltrexone and it was simple and painless. I wish I had done it 15 or 20 years earlier.

Interesting - I've been thinking of trying it out but was going to use a clinic like contral.com in Finland. Maybe I'll just see if I can find a local doc who will write me a script

There's a book that outlines the treatment program. If I recall, I just found a PDF online. Basically it calls for a dose before drinking and before long it's no problem to just not drink any more.

I will say that drinking while taking Naltrexone was an odd experience because I felt none of the europhoria that typically comes with drinking.

I have never felt any kind of euphoria with alcohol; experimenting, I've reached large enough amounts to severely affect my balance, coordination and concentration, but was otherwise hardly affected at all (as confirmed by a teetotaler friend who was with me in some of those times).

Some people, when I tell them that, respond with "well, what did you expect? that's drinking" and some with "that can't be, perhaps your vodka was watered down". Your comment reminded me of that.

Having experienced both versions (euphoric and non euphoric), do you have any insight about the difference, how much of it is physiological vs. psychological?