valtrexone or campral

Hi Gang,   I am going to the dr. this morning at 11:00.  I am asking for valtrexone or campral, whichever is best to help stop the cravings for a drink.  I have read good things about both.  Anyone have an opinion?  Advise if you do.
I have gone a week now without wine or beer, but i know a trigger is just around the corner waiting for me.  Possibly another warm day.  The flesh is weak>it's true.  I am starting to AA and going to go to a private therapist also.  I am serious about this.  With God and others help. thanks. TJack

[Jacker]

I know what you mean by a warm day being just around the corner. I've never used either of these drugs, but I've found that sparkling water really helps  It's fizzy, and there are no calories or caffine.  You can even get it flavored.  At the end of a long day (esp if it's hot), the first thing that pops into my head is the idea of a cold beer.  If I keep the sparkling water on hand and drink it when I get "the thirst", I find that I care a lot less about having a beer.  
Try to keep busy during the time of day that you used to drink.  

[ibizan]

i've seen good results with Campral moreso than naltrexone!

[leighanne143]

i work at a dual diagonsis group home and the camparal seems to help more.  you should really start to become connected with the AA community so you have outside supports.

[TJack]

Thanks to you all for your responses.  I am going to therapy tomorrow and intend to go to aa meetings.  The dr. didn't give me either.  She didn't know that much about them, so wants to do some checking on them.  The sparkling flavored water does sound like a good idea Jacker.  Thanks for all of your imputs.  tjack

[ibizan]

google Campral for urself.There is a neat pic of the brain and how Campral helps to control cravings of the brain chemicals that had become habituated to alcohol.

[TJack]

I did and it looked like greek to me. ha  But, sounds like it works.  I am hoping she will prescribe it for me.  thanks Ibizan.  

[TJack]

I went to my first AA meeting.   I was glad i did.  All different types of gals with the same problem.   It was kind of scary the first time, but i will be going back for sure.
It was so informative and interesting.  I also picked up that everyday will be a new day and a new struggle.  geezzzz   where is the miracle pill?   Anyway, i am glad i made it and with therapy tomorrow and aa, and God's help mostly>>I pray i can do this.  Please say a prayer for me.  Thanks. TJack

[Jacker]

YOU ROCK!  No seriously, that's awesome.  I've been too much of a weenie to go to AA - for the most part, Overall, I'm hanging in there but it would probably help me.  Someone once said that AA helps you do more than simply "han on" - it helps you learn to live a quality life without the alcohol.  Good job, and I'll keep you in my prayers.  

[ibizan]

the campral will work.....so will AA if ya work it.......don't focus on the gals......:)))) get some good AA males that walk what they talk.....there r those who know how to live the program...and u should get to know them in/outside of meetings!

[TJack]

You both are so encouraging.  Thanks a million.  I left there yesterday with the BIG book and lots of pamphlets.  Jacker, give it a try.  I too wasn't really wanting to go to aa.
Just decided it was a MUST.  Now i won't be worried about the next meeting at all.
Thank you for your prayers too.  I still want the campral.  i will copy off some info about it and take it to her.  

[ibizan]

many moons ago there were a lot of ppl who thought i wouldn't make it this far......proving them wrong was kinda fun....but such a better life i have...clearer head.....sure don't miss blackouts,hangovers,not remembering driving home......**** driving!i'm so grateful i never hurt anyone with my drunk driving......so grateful!AA and NA was a help....i took what i could use and left the rest.......also stuck with the winners!u go boy!

[HarryK8]

Please go to a meeting.  You will meet people just like yourself.  At my first meeting it was the first time in my life that I felt like I fitted in anywhere.  I was home.  Sober and comfortable.  I didn't feel like an alien on the wrong planet.

I used to feel like I was a six pack behind the rest of the world as it was only after the ist 6 pack that I strarted to feel normal.

One of the most important things that AA conveys (in my opinion) is that it breaks down that isolation that alkies have inside, that lonely in a crowded room feeling.

Feel the fear and do it.  You won't regret it.  Remember, your alcoholism is doing pushups in the attic, just waiting for you.

Going to AA was the single best thing I have ever done in my life.  And it is so easy.  You will be made welcome.

Cheers
Harry

[hungarian_doctor]

naltrexone is way expensive and does less than campral but combined is more successful however individually even if same price go with campral... eliminates via kidney no liver involved..... =)

The mechanism of action of Campral® (acamprosate calcium) Delayed-Release Tablets in maintenance of alcohol abstinence is not completely understood. Originally, several neurotransmitter systems, including GABA, were investigated for a possible role in Campral's mechanism of action. However, recent evidence suggests Campral's main interaction is with the glutamate system. Chronic alcohol exposure is hypothesized to alter the normal balance between neuronal excitation and inhibition. A glutamate receptor modulator, Campral is believed to act on the biochemical systems that are involved in alcohol dependence. Campral interacts with neurotransmitter systems and is hypothesized to restore the normal balance.

Campral's mechanism of action is different from that ascribed to currently available medications which either block the "high" associated with alcohol or induce vomiting if alcohol is ingested. It is the first medication to impact the biological processes of the disease. Campral alleviates the physiological and psychological distress during the post-acute withdrawal period, making it easier not to drink

[TJack]

It all sounds pretty complicated to my non medical mind, but i know for a fact the campral is helping me.  Along with AA, therapist and family and friends support.
Thank you for your post.  I hope it will help someone else following this thread. Tonya