I just started down this path. Do I have to log my drinks? I am honestly worried that I won't be able to do this. For example, about every 3 or 4 months I vow to myself that I will record my mileage for my business for the tax-write off. The incentive is not insignificant - hundreds of dollars, probably - and I still only manage it for a trip or two. I am a fairly organized person, but recording things has always been hard for me. I have discalculia and that's probably part of it.

Anyway, I don't want to fail because I forget to log my drinks. Does anyone else track how they *feel* about drinking and their overall sense of control rather than drinks consumed?

Obviously I discovered its not that hard. Especially if I'm not getting drunk all the damn time.

From your numbers I'd say that sounds right.

I put a post-it on the counter next to the fridge and use hashmarks for each type of drink (i.e. red, white, gin, bud select)... because I sometimes use it for calorie calculation as well. Then I record it in my signature on this forum.

I have to estimate sometimes (like just now).

I just followed my gut feelings. For me counting would have complicated the matter. On naltrexone it was easy for me to be honest with myself. I was able to think rationally for the first time ever while consuming alcohol. At first I over drank trying to bring on the familiar euphoria but when it didn't come I thought "it really works!". For me the "desire" to drink was a remembered habit that I did because of a particular reason ie stress, anxiety, attending a party. But when I really thought about it I really didn't "want" the alcohol. I also had to learn to handle stress and anxiety in different ways. But not having a drinking problem anymore took care of about 90% of my stress and anxiety! I started TSM a year ago and have had rapid success, thank God.

I'm finding I have the same difficulty. I don't try to be perfect. When I lose track, I estimate. After a bottle is finished, I can calculate how many standard drinks I've consumed over the course of days it took to empty, and then compare to my estimate. I then adjust it. But, I am also considering using something like the postit note on the fridge, so I can make a mark for each drink consumed. At least I measure and mix these days. I use 2 oz, instead of the so-called standard of 1.5 oz, but it's a big step over slugging it straight out of the bottle.

Well then it does sound like you are doing fine

Sometimes it take awhile to get organized but once your drinking amounts come down, and you have AF days it may be easier for you to get a counting system going. But don't worry about it - do what feels right for YOU as long as you can tell when things are going well. It's important for you to KNOW that you are making progress as it's a real boost for you to keep going when things get rough.