Well, for me right now I don't think it's a good idea for me --pushing AF days. Because I'm still ramping up on the dosage so as to minimize/eliminate SE.

Yesterday, for example, I got Joe6Pack like SE's on day 4 of moving up to 50 mg. Dizzy enough all day that I had to basically just lie in bed reading until the nal started to wear off.

I thought about not taking the nal that night and not drinking as I could have done without the booze due to how I felt. But I would really like to level out on the dosage and stay there awhile before an AF period. So I went back to 37.5 mg last night and am fine this AM.

As I understand it from careful reading, it takes 24 hours to completely remove the nal from most people's systems. So a single AF day wouldn't be of much benefit to me at this point is what I'm thinking. I'd need to go for two days at least to get reinforcement from engaging in alcohol free, replacement activities without the dampening effect of nal. And I'm not sure I'm ready for that big step just yet.

Thanks for the input, however.

So in the morning I think "this will be an AF day" and then after I'm off work it turns to the bottle. I can't seem to get my mind off the need to indulge in this habit. For me, I believe its habitual because I drink the same type of alcohol and usually the same amount. Like its a countdown or contest. I'm not sure how to go about doing an AF day or just the mindset needed to abstain. Any tips on how people have dealt with their cravings would be helpful!

Pretzel,

It might be a good idea to make your own another topic if you do not get many responses.

First, forget about that, for there is no mindset. All of the sudden that driven need to have that drink is just gone. It does take some longer than others to be able to have an AF day without a struggle, and if it is a struggle your mind isn't ready to let go. You cannot force or speed up your brains' process of letting go.

There is no harm having an AF day to see just how hard it is or if you need one for mental reason. If it becomes unbearable (shakes, anxiety, etc) take the pill and wait that hour and drink. It doesn't mean a thing except your brain is just not ready.

I can tell you how I worked up to an AF day, but you will have to find out what works for you. I did have to work up to an AF day, for I could only have them after a nal-over. I worked up to them by pushing back that time I took my pill and waiting longer than 1 hour to drink.

If it is truly habit (everyday at the same time take the pill wait and drink), push that time back 15 to 30 minutes (work up to 1 to 2 hours) that you take that pill. See how hard that is. If you find that time isn't the issue and you can take that pill any time. It maybe just the plan habit of drinking because it is there.

You could not buy any alcohol for that day and see how you feel (it may be hard).

Do something at that time you normally would be drinking. I found going to the grocery store at my witching hour easier to get my mind off of it (my hour was when the grocery was the busiest and it would take forever). I would clean out the pantry, closets, refrigerator (I do not keep alcohol in the there), wash the car, take a walk, anything to get my mind off that drink. If it was too difficult I would just take that pill and wait.

Have someone hold you to an AF day. Is there anyone that could help keep you busy and keep your mind off that drink? If no one knows you are doing TSM, just plan on going shopping with someone, or going to a movie (if it is alcohol free), or just hanging out with an old friend that you haven't seen for a while.

Plan on a drive (only if you know for sure you will be alcohol free) to somewhere that is scenic, or a walk. The beauty of nature does wonders for our spirits and our mood.

If you have the free time, find some where to volunteer. There are plenty of animal shelters that need help. Or, nursing homes love help from outsiders (it does get lonely in those homes), hospitals, etc. Finding something to occupy our time is one thing, but when it is rewarding it can give us a renewed sense of life.

I hate to suggest this, but if there are any meetings (AA or smart) near you it may be helpful. There are some that are very busy so you will just blend in (the one I went to had about 100 people). Being around others that are commented to being AF can make all the difference in the world.

You are going to have to figure out a plan and go from there. The good news is, if you are not ready you are not ready and there is nothing else to do but take that pill, wait that hour and drink. Maggie really had a hard time doing an AF day up to the point she felt cured (about 1 year). She forced them because she needed them. So, when your brain is ready, it will let you know for things will be a lot different.

I hope this helps a little,

Jaba

Pretzel, I did reread your posts and you have been at this for about 6 months which is still very early in this process. Sinclair wrote a minimum 3-4 months, they are finding out most are taking 6-8 months and a few a year or more. You had a really good honeymoon period, and your intake was cut in half, so this is working for you. Time is what is needed, but pushing yourself out of your comfort zone maybe helpful.

Some things to consider:

"Urge surfing". Way of dealing with urges. Helps with delaying start of drinking.

Mindfulness. Think about what you'll be drinking before you do it, delay drinking, space drinks, limit drinks, have a plan.

Find other pleasant things to do, that don't involve drinking, and substitute those.

You will discover that a lot of the drinking you do, is habitual and mindless.

The more you do these things, the easier an alcohol free day becomes.

Forcing alcohol free time, "whiteknuckling" leads to feeling deprived, and won't work.

Start small with alcohol free time as mentioned above, and over time you can segue easily and effortlessly to alcohol free days.

Baby steps.

Bounce this off your TSM doc too. Are you at 50mg yet?

If you try for an AF day and you get cravings and bail on it, you're doing it right. Just keep on "checking" to see if the cravings come up.