Home What You Get How It Works Testimonials Michael Pearlman, M.D.

Testimonials

Our patients offer the best perspective on how effective The Freedom From Alcohol® Method can be. Below are some of the many stories of personal triumph we've heard from our patients. They tell us about how their drinking has diminished, about the ways in which their lives have improved, and most importantly, how controlling their drinking has left them free to pursue their true life goals.

On Gaining Control

"My 'sizzle' about drinking is just about gone! I'm drinking so little — one or two drinks two or three times a week. There is never that urge to have a drink. It's hard to imagine that it was any other way when I was drinking! I was surprised how easy it was in the end. For so many years it seemed like such a struggle; suddenly, it isn't a struggle any more. Aside from not drinking as much, I have increased clarity in my communications at work. I can focus on people more clearly. I feel so much better physically! I feel so much healthier!" — H.L.

"Things continue to go well. For the past five weeks, my weekly consumption has not exceeded five drinks. I am still using only 12.5 mg (one to two times a week). That's a significant reduction from the 24 to 30 drinks that I would typically have per week. Most importantly, I feel well physically, emotionally and spiritually." — C.T.

"I took the pill with food, like you said, and I was shocked that I didn't feel the need or urge to drink. I forced myself to try a drink and after a couple of sips I realized I didn't want it! I put the drink I had poured in the refrigerator. For the last few days I had only that one drink. So far, I don't feel the need for alcohol anymore." — B.M.

"[Drinking is] not an issue!" — S.A.

"It allows me to put off having that next drink!" — G.J.

"I drink slower. The glass just sits there! I don't consume it as quickly; it's spaced out more." — R.P.

"As I'm drinking a beer, it could be orange juice, it could be ginger ale, and it could be nonalcoholic beer. You just don't get the effects!" — W.C.

"I first started naltrexone back in January of this year. I was beginning to think that alcohol was getting the better of me. It wasn't that I needed a drink every day, it was that I couldn't go out to a social event without having one, which always lead to one too many. The minute I would hear about something that was going on my immediate thought went to alcohol and how I would be able to have a 'few' drinks."

"I never really thought I had a problem, I just thought I was having a good time. I felt that I could socialize and relax without having some drinks in me. However, I never knew when to stop and would end up drinking too much and wake up the next morning with what I referred to as 'the demons'. They are the voices in your head that are constantly reminding you of all the dumb things you did or said the night before. I finally realized I had had enough and this needed to stop."

"While reading Boston Magazine one day I saw an ad for Dr. Pearlman and how he could help control the cravings for alcohol, which is what I had. I went to see him the first week in January and started the naltrexone that day. I've noticed a huge difference in my drinking behavior with this medication. I don't feel like I need to keep drinking while I'm out. I can have one or two and feel totally comfortable. What was also great is I kept a diary of when I drank, the setting I was in and how I was feeling during that time. It was from this diary that I realized that I drank most when in a large social situation. I also found out that the reason I drank so much is because I felt it loosened me up and I opened up more and had more to say. Without the alcohol I felt I was a boring person. I now realize this is not true. I'm able to go out and have one or two drinks if I'd like, and sometime I chose to have none at all. I'm very social and wake up the next day feeling great about myself and my behavior the night before."

"Dr. Pearlman was very helpful throughout this whole experience and helped me realize that it was more than just the alcohol. I'm now dealing with the underlying problem and I don't need to turn to alcohol for help." —M.E.

"Thank you very much for all your help! I think you should consider this treatment a success. My consumption has been cut in half with no relapses since I began using the medication. I realize that getting at some of the underlying issues is still ahead, but this is a great start." — G.D.

"I haven't had a chance to report this to my doctor yet, but I tried your method twice when I was dying to have a drink. I nibbled about one-eighth of one of the pills and the urge to drink went away. Lemonade did the trick instead. So I think you are on to something. Taking a small amount of the opiate blocker does work. I think you are a wonderful human being and a true healer. I want to thank you for finally putting me on a track that has changed my life for good, I hope. My daughter noticed it immediately and our relationship is changing in very good ways also. I owe so much to you. And I want to help you in any way I can to assist others like me." — C.K.

On Achieving a New Perspective

"There is now a sense of excitement! In general, I don't feel depressed. I'll be going to bed and I realize I haven't thought about it (drinking)! It really surprises me that I haven't thought about drinking all day long, and that happens quite often! It's absolutely a big shift in terms of the role drinking has played." — H.K.

"Wonderful! I'm thinking differently about things; I have a positive outlook; it has made a tremendous difference! I have used the medication twice this [first] week and I have had two drinks. I have too many things to do to waste my time with [drinking]! Those tapes really made a huge difference — you see how you were programmed and now see how you see things from a different perspective. The negative mood is now lightened. I'm just amazed that the issue of drinking has dropped away!" — F.N.

"There is a measurable difference; I don't hate myself in the morning. This morning I was amazed. I am very happy!" — M.J.

"The first time I have had therapy I didn't dread!" —S.J.

"It's as if I was never an alcoholic!" — P.J.

"Hi Michael. Just wanted you to know how great I felt after our meeting on Saturday. I feel a renewed sense of commitment and a more positive attitude toward awakening my soul force. The new drinking diary is in place and I have ordered both the book and playbook versions of Excuse Me. Also formulating a positive way to reconnect with my mother. Have a great week!" —B.J.

On Life Design

"It's great! What I would like to do — what I would like to have — they are now in balance! It's very nice to have the time to pay attention to the details of my life. I'm really enjoying that I have a choice! Drinking is pretty much about none — not every day, not at home — only a glass of wine if we go out to dinner. It doesn't have the same appeal, doesn't have a hold on me!"—B.D.