Naltrexone my progress.....

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(@canterbury100)
Posts: 158
Topic starter
 

Hi folks,

It's over 4 months since I started taking naltrexone. It's a miracle drug that seems to have transformed my life. The only place you can get it from is the problem gambling clinic in London. They don't hand it out like smarties, I was at the most desperate time of my life and was lucky they prescribed it to me. Not only am I free from compulsive gambling thoughts but I no longer drink alcohol which is massive too. I have a long history of depression and when I'd start spiraling downhill I'd take to the drink and then end up gambling. I still have bad days but what's changed is I no longer have thoughts of gambling. I realized how lucky I am because I doubt I'd still be here otherwise.

I am now seeking employment and life has gone from hopeless to optimistic. For people who struggle with depression I must say how exercise has transformed my moods also. Get a cheap membership at the gym. I started by walking on the treadmill and after the first session I noticed a change. It gets the feel-good endorphins flowing in your brain and has helped me immensely.

Stu

 
Posted : 13th April 2019 9:13 am
Carla
(@carla)
Posts: 790
 

Congrats! I also tried it. It didn’t help with gambling but definitely with alcohol. I struggle with depression too. I didn’t use it as prescribed, rather did the “Sinclair “ method (at least I think that’s what it was named...was a while back now).  As for exercise, I know it would help but I can’t seem to get motivated.  And thank you GC for resetting passwords.  I somehow lost mine. Apathy took over so I never pursued getting a new one.  Still not sure how often or if I’ll be posting.  One day at a time. Keep up the good work! Still hope the “oldies” who were supporting so many are still active here.

 

 
Posted : 13th April 2019 2:44 pm
(@canterbury100)
Posts: 158
Topic starter
 

Thanks Carla,

I'm shocked that the Naltrexone hasn't helped with your gambling. Sorry to hear that. I'm terrified that one day it will stop working but right now I haven't had a thought of having a bet, I even watched the Grand National. Good to hear Naltrexone has helped with the drink. As for the gym, i'm fortunate as it's only a 5 minute walk from my flat. Even going for a long walk gets the feel-good endorphins flowing. It has been proved by Harvard and all the boffins that exercise is the key to beating depression. 

All the best

Stu

 
Posted : 14th April 2019 12:05 pm
urgh
 urgh
(@urgh)
Posts: 201
 

Never heard of this drug, very interesting. It is very expensive, did you get it prescription? What was the cost

 
Posted : 16th April 2019 9:23 pm
Carla
(@carla)
Posts: 790
 

Yes. My doctor had never heard of it either but thankfully, was willing to prescribe it for me, so yes, you need a prescription. I was fortunate that my work benefits covered it. It is expensive. Sorry, don’t remember the exact cost but think it’s worth checking out. 

 
Posted : 16th April 2019 11:58 pm
(@canterbury100)
Posts: 158
Topic starter
 

Hi,

I'm unemployed and get it free as I'm claiming universal credits. However, today I got a letter from the doctors asking me to see him regarding my Naltrexone prescription. If he decides to stop prescribing it I'm fu@ked basically.

Stu

 
Posted : 17th April 2019 11:57 am
(@dayhawk87)
Posts: 2
 

I'm interested.

I've just hit rock bottom with this stuff and will finally be going to see my doctor on Monday to ask for help, because its gotten to the point where I've lost 10kg because I gamble my food money and go weeks without eating.

Does anyone else have any experiences with this or other drugs they could share and how they help reduce the compulsion to gamble?

This post was modified 4 years ago by Forum admin
 
Posted : 1st February 2020 7:12 pm
Forum admin
(@forum-admin)
Posts: 5946
Admin
 

Dear dayhawk, 

Welcome to Gam Care and thank you for your forum post. 

I am concerned to hear some of the details of your situation and am pleased that you are intending to speak with your GP on Monday, 

If you do need immediate assistance please do contact us on our netline or on the helpline on 0808 8020 133 both available 24 hours a day. 

Wishing you all the very best,

Forum Admin

 

 
Posted : 1st February 2020 10:17 pm
(@canterbury100)
Posts: 158
Topic starter
 

Hi,

Thanks for your post and your concern but firstly, I haven't gambled for 168 and have no intention to and secondly I now have terminal cancer so gambling isn't at the top of my list right now lol. Don't feel ad for me, it;s a blessed relief that my life will end sometime in the next 3-8 months. I'm being supported. What i will say is thank you for trying to help people like myself. I have no doubt that yoiur support saves and changes lives.

All the best to everyone here.

Stuart

 
Posted : 3rd February 2020 11:17 am
(@sardo122)
Posts: 46
 

Sorry to hear that Stuart. I read your posts on here, you went through a lot. Is it related to the medical issues you mentioned about rhe tumor (don't worry if you don't want to answer or I'm prying).

 
Posted : 13th February 2020 11:32 pm
slowlearner
(@slowlearner)
Posts: 858
 

Hi Stuart,

My thoughts & prayers are with you. Not sure you and i have ever talked on each others diaries but i've read so many of your posts. As a kid i know you didn't have the best start in life, yet despite this you've fought like a trojan & have been through things a lot of people couldn't cope with. Despite your addiction you've been a tower of strength & a beacon of light for so many fighting this wretched addiction.

Stand Tall & Be Proud

Sincere Best Wishes

 

AL

 
Posted : 14th February 2020 11:59 pm
(@sardo122)
Posts: 46
 

I was just wondering how things are OP?

 
Posted : 5th March 2020 3:04 pm
(@canterbury100)
Posts: 158
Topic starter
 

Hi,

Appologies for the delay in replying, I wouldnt remember my password and with a brain tumour. I couldn't work out how to find it.

I appreciate your kind words. I'm in my 4th week of chemo and radiotherapy. Appart from some of my hair falling out, I have been very well. I can tell you that it isn't as horrifying as you imagine. The chemo is pills i have to take every morning and the radiotherapy is only 10 minutes and has no pain. 

When I reached 30, I went to my first gambling anon meeting. I listened to the maniny stories and didn't feal my gambling was as bad, i didn;t go back. Fast forward 13 years and i'd been homeless twice, heavily in debt and close to a nervous breafdown. I can honestly say i have tried everything to stop and did so for 4-6 months every year until my depression returned and I relapsed. Before i got the diagnosis I was in a very bad place. When i was told my tumour was termined, I had a sense of relief wash over me. I know that's hard for normal people to understand but my life hasn't been easy and I had no fight left.

I hope that people on here who are struggling will do every thing they can to stop this diseases ruining their lives. Never give up and seek as much support as possible.

I've been told I have 2-6 months to live but i feel so well so I expect I'll be proving the doctors wrong. There is however, no way to stop my brain tumour growing once the radiotherapy has finished.

My dad was a comulsive gambler although he wouldmn't admit it, he died of a heart attack aged 50. Too young. I've just found out my twin brother, who is an alcoholic, has to have brain scan. He is however, close to the end aged only 44 because of his drinking.

Gambling has ruined two lives. The industry is designed to take everything from you. If you're young and reading this, please don't be an idiut like me. Put all you time into your life rather than sitting in front of a machine or tv screen.

Gambling will only make you miserable and poor.

All the best,

Stu

 
Posted : 10th March 2020 12:17 pm
S.A
 S.A
(@s-687)
Posts: 4883
 

Hi Stu.... thoughts are with you mate

I find myself nodding along to what you say.

I could imagine feeling much the same if I was in a similar position.

I believe that we are all spiritual beings at the end of the day and when our time comes we move on to something new.

Warm regards... S.A 

 
Posted : 10th March 2020 7:38 pm
Forum admin
(@forum-admin)
Posts: 5946
Admin
 

Hello Stu,

I'm very sorry to learn about your situation. 

You are a valued member of our forum and your sincerity and humanity is inspiring and admirable.  Thanks for sharing your experience with us.  

You are probably already aware of Marie Curie, their freephone helpline 0800 090 2309 

https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/marie-curie-support-line

(Marie Curie Support Line, for practical or clinical information and emotional support when you're living with a terminal illness).

Take care,

Adam.

 

This post was modified 4 years ago by Forum admin
 
Posted : 10th March 2020 9:41 pm
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