Hi Everyone,
I've been at this religiously for over 3 months now. My control is about where it was when I started, that is to say non existent. Yesterday I took a NAL an hour before a late lunch where I intended to have 4 beers Max. I had 8 or so and pretty much lost the whole day. Is this my subconscious demanding more alcohol seeking the reward it no longer gets? Have others experienced this?
All the Best,
Retread

You said you thought your cravings were down, are you trying to put that change to work?

Hi All4,
Yes, I felt they were down. Not now though. That seems to be part of the problem. I find myself looking forward to that beer as much as pre TSM. Perhaps I had a brief "honeymoon" and this is going to take much more time. I'm making certain that I'm in a safe environment as in no driving etc., and I'm trying not to obsess about my lack of progress early in the game. Any comments most welcome.
All The Best,
Retread

Hi Retread - I'm experiencing a similar thing. However, I'm a bit confused with myself, because I definitely have much less cravings and desire to drink, yet I seem to be forcing myself to drink. I'm not sure why, or what's going on in my mind, but I'm hoping that my spike is the rat hitting the button and fighting back. I need to trust and start listening to myself. I suppose it's taken decades to get to the point I'm at, so it's not a miracle that will happen overnight.

It's still early days for you too, so don't be disheartened. I've read so many success stories that have taken almost a year's journey. I suppose we just need to have faith and be patient. Snap x

Hi retread, yes I think I am doing the same as you. The other night I had drank a whole bottle of wine and really didn't feel any buzz etc so I drank another 1/2 bottle and then I blacked out cause I don't remember going to bed. Then the next day I had the worst Nalover which I would get a horrible hangover pre TSM if I drank more than 1 bottle of wine. So I think I pushed myself to drink more to reach a kinda buzz too.

From what I'm experiencing extinction bursts are very real. I would not be at all concerned by an up-spike so long as it isn't the result of intermittent reinforcement.

So long as your compliant I wouldn't worry about it, especially not this early in the game.

Thanks everybody. Yesterday was much better. Had 4, didn't want any more. Today I'm trying to go AF but I'm not going to beat myself up if it doesn't work out. I'm in this for however long it takes.
All the Best,
Jack

yup same here, not wanting to over analyse but not seeing a drop, definitely worse than the honeymoon period which for me lasted a week only. My need to drink is less, but I would put that different to craving, I still crave a drink as it marks the end of the day and a good evening in... go figure. No buzz really, but the stuff still taste good and relaxes me

Hi Retread

I too experienced spikes, but I also recognised my cravings were down, so guessed it must still be working and carried on.